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Mini Countryman commercial makes mess of multiplication
Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini  The Mini Countryman is multiplying - Click above to watch video after the jump
Mini is continuing its advertising onslaught for the new Countryman, and in its latest spot, the company visualizes every potential path for the Countryman to run amok in the Italian countryside. The original car eventually multiplies into a fleet of over one hundred CG interpretations, all hopping curbs and harassing pedestrians in what we can only imagine is what the world would look like if a Mini exec ruled the globe. Eventually, the high-riding Countryman flings itself onto a ferry to escape into the sunset.
Mini also turned out a making-of video to document the action. If you've ever wondered exactly how filmmakers go about melding the physical world with the virtual, you'll want to check out that clip, too. You can find both after the jump.
[Source: Mini]Continue reading Mini Countryman commercial makes mess of multiplication Mini Countryman commercial makes mess of multiplication originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works
Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill  2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
At first take, it's not easy to accept the 2011 Mini Countryman crossover. We understand. But after our first drive of the pint-sized CUV, it started to make more sense. We're hoping to have similar revelations about a coupe version of the Countryman, which is reportedly being considered within Mini's product development department. That's right - a Mini X6.
Mini is allegedly hot about the idea of doing a Countryman-based coupe after seeing Land Rover debut its Range Rover Evoque, which has a two-door configuration, small proportions and a coupe-like styling theme. Autocar reports that if this project gets the green light, we would more than likely see the Countryman Coupe around 2013 with a four-door layout that ditches conventional rear entryways for a set of suicide doors. On top of that, the coupe would have a shorter rear overhang than the CUV and much shallower side windows. Think lifted, rakish Clubman.
We'll already be seeing a production version of Mini's Coupe concept out on the streets in the near future, but expect the two-door Countryman to be vastly different, similar to the way that a BMW 3 Series coupe and an X6 are wholly opposite vehicles. As a crossover, we've grown to rather like the Countryman, but truth be told, there's a big part of us that's hoping this coupe project simply fades into the depths of the rumormill.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Video: Mini commences Countryman advertising barrage
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Mini  2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mini has begun an all-out advertising assault for its new Countryman CUV. The pint-sized automaker has already churned out a handful of clever print ads as well as a few video spots showing off this new high-riding addition to the Mini stable doing what it does best - namely shuffling around up to four people. As we found out in our First Drive, the Countryman can hold its own against its smaller forbearers, so critics of the thyroid-happy car can rest easy.
Anyone who has ever had to fold their shins to fit into the back seat of a Cooper can tell you that a little extra leg room isn't going to hurt the company's reputation. Throw in all-wheel drive, America's unquenchable thirst for CUVs and a few snappy ads and it's only a matter of time before the Countryman works its way into the public's heart.
We do have to wonder how much the company would charge us for our own personal sushi chef, though. Hit the jump for the videos.
Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: YouTube via Mini]Continue reading Video: Mini commences Countryman advertising barrage Video: Mini commences Countryman advertising barrage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman
Filed under: Crossover, Mini, First Drive, Reviews Yes, it's a Mini. Yes, it's a crossover. Yes, it makes sense.
 2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
Whether we like it or not, even niche automakers are expanding their lineups to appeal to a broader range of shoppers. This may seem like automotive blasphemy, but think back a few years ago when Porsche introduced the Cayenne. We all threw temper tantrums and hugged our 911s, but now we begrudgingly accept that, as far as SUVs go, the Cayenne is pretty damn good and has been the brand's #1 selling model since day one. So in comparison, adding the 2011 Countryman to the Mini lineup isn't nearly as big of a culture shock.
In an effort to show Mini owners and enthusiasts that the Countryman is indeed worthy of a Cooper badge, the automaker brought a few of the new crossovers out on its 2010 Mini Takes The States cross-country road rally. Mini is wholly confident that people will be impressed with what the Countryman has to offer, not only with functionality, but with driving dynamics, as well. We saddled up to find out for ourselves.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOLContinue reading First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Autoblog hits the road with Mini Takes The States 2010
Filed under: Convertible, Hatchback, Mini  Mini Takes The States 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Of all the automakers in the United States, perhaps the one with the largest enthusiast following is Mini. Sure, brands like Porsche, BMW and even Subaru have their own clubs and cult followings, but when it comes to eccentricity and personality, no one does it like Mini.
In that spirit, the pint-sized automaker is once again embarking on its Mini Takes The States cross-country road rally, an event that first occurred in 2006 and then again in 2008. This time, Mini is gathering its owners to celebrate the launch of the 2011 Countryman crossover, and we've been asked to tag along. We'll be scoring some seat time in the Countryman as well, so stay tuned for our initial impressions.
Our trip started in New York and will take us to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Columbus and finally Indianapolis before we hop a plane back home. Many of the other participants will head all the way out to Denver, where they will meet up with other groups doing similar drive routes in different parts of the country. Mini has a full host of festivities planned for the Denver crew, and many other local Mini enthusiast clubs are providing some entertainment along the way.
Mini has provided us with a Cooper S Camden Edition for the trip, which means we'll experience turbocharged small car thrills along the highways of America. We already spent a considerable amount of time with the Camden-ized Cooper, and we've been getting many a thumbs-up from Mini owners out on the road. (We've opted to leave the Camden's Mission Control system in the "off" position.)
Keep your eyes peeled for caravans of Coopers and Clubmans, folks. This not-so-mini road rally is taking America by storm. Want to vicariously join in on the fun? Follow the trip's progress on Mini's Facebook page.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOLAutoblog hits the road with Mini Takes The States 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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