The John Cooper Works (JCW) MINI lineup will all get a revised 1.6-liter engine based on its predecessor with performance numbers being the same at 208-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

While that may be disappointing to some, the changes to the engine will undoubtedly bring better fuel economy despite no loss in performance. JCW employed the use of a new high-strength cylinder-head assembly mated with a low-weight camshaft and combined it with variable valve control based on BMW‘s Valvetronic system.

No official fuel economy figures have been announced just yet, but we’re willing to bet we’ll see some slight improvements compared to the previous hatch and coupe’s figures of 25-mpg city and 33-mpg highway.

JCW also added a six-speed automatic transmission option to its lineup, opening the doors for more potential consumers for its fun-filled MINI models. The automatic will come with a tiptronic mode, allowing drivers to change gears through paddles or the shifter.

[Source: Car and Driver]

MINI announced the John Cooper Works version of its coupe last week, but if it is only performance you are after without the added paint and plastic, MINI will install the JCW engine kit on your existing MINI coupe or roadster.

The engine kit will boost the power of the coupe up to 197 hp, along with netting 199 lb-ft of torque. The kit includes a sports exhaust complete with chrome tailpipes and a laser etched JCW logo. An adapted air filter, a modified engine control unit, and JCW badges to complete the look of the car.

You can get the JCW engine tuning kit for $2100 before dealer installation fees. The suspension tuning kit, also from JCW, will be available for the just the coupe later this year.

Maybe you’ve been in this situation: stuck on the side of a road, a punctured tire needing to be changed out for the spare one in the trunk. You have a pair of options, do you choose to change the tire yourself, or do you call for roadside assistance. Both options can take a while to get you back on the road, especially if you’ve never changed a tire yourself before. And even if you have, sometimes it can take some serious elbow grease.

It’s dilemmas like these that have more car makers offering run flat tires on new cars. Run flats can run for at least 50 additional miles following a puncture, giving you the ability to safely get home, or exit a highway and find a repair shop.

What are Run Flat Tires?

Even though changing a tire is an important skill, the idea of run flat tires sounds pretty handy. The added benefit of losing the weight of a spare tire and tools could help with fuel efficiency too.

There are two main types of run flat tires: Self-Supporting, and Auxiliary Supported. Self-Supporting tires have stiffer and tougher rubber, which can temporarily carry the weight of the vehicle under lower tire pressure. If you do get Self-Supporting tires (see right) you will need a tire pressure monitoring system (which is now government mandated standard equipment on new cars), because a driver may not notice their tire has lost pressure without it. Auxiliary supported tires don’t have stiffer and tougher rubber, but are attached to a special rim which has a steel support ring that is attached to the wheel and can support the weight of the vehicle.

Even though run flat tires have been around in production vehicles since 1994, the adoption as a mainstream replacement for conventional tires has been slow for many reasons. Sheri Hermann, Communication Coordinator from Continental Tire tells us “run flat tires provide convenience to a consumer, but conventional tires are typically lower in cost and have better ride qualities.”

Another top complaint is in regards to price. On average, run flat tires are about one third more expensive than regular tires.

That’s not the only complaint though. While the reduced weight of carrying around a spare might seem like an advantage, run flat tires also have an impact on your fuel economy. Thanks to the tires being heavier and thicker they can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. Also, due to the stiffer and heavier design, the run flat doesn’t quite perform like its price would indicate. They can often be harsh on the road and don’t provide a lot of grip in low temperatures.

Lastly, when you do get a puncture, or lose tire pressure, it’s not quite as easy to get them repaired. While some run flat tires can be repaired, they need to spend some time off the rim, and need to be inspected to ensure they can be fixed. If they can’t, it’s time to buy new tires. Conversely, most punctures on a conventional tire can be fixed with a simple repair kit that costs just a few dollars.

Despite these obstacles and concerns, run flat tires are increasingly becoming standard equipment on new cars and the reasons are simple: safety and peace of mind. Not only do run flats ease concerns, but they make a vehicle easier to control in the case of a tire blow out.

Why Are Automakers using them?

Monty Roberts from BMW Product and Technology communications tells us that run flat tires are standard on most BMW models with the exception of some BMW M Models. He said specifically that run flat tires have several advantages and that they “Support BMW’s EfficientDynamics Strategy by eliminating the extra weight of the spare tire, jack and tools in the vehicle for better balance, dynamic handling and fuel efficiency.”

When asked about the criticism of run flat tires Roberts said “run flat tires by their design do have stiffer sidewalls than conventional tires, however, all current BMW models that use run flat tires have suspensions that were significantly developed for use with this technology.” He added “These suspensions have been developed and tuned for the best possible ride comfort. The safety benefits of run flat tires are so significant as to outweigh any possible trade-offs.”

When asked if owners could or should swap out their run flats either when a replacement tire is needed or because they’re looking for added performance, Roberts was unequivocal. “We do not recommend replacing run flat tires with conventional tires,” he said, “that deviates away from the original design, safety and suspension calibration technology that the run flats were originally designed for.”

What are customers saying?

Even with tougher rubber, run flat tires do wear out quicker than regular tires. Many owners on the AutoGuide Forum Network complained that they were replacing their OEM run-flat tires within 20,000 miles. This prompted a lawsuit, which was settled by BMW and Bridgestone. Members of the settlement will receive a full refund for the purchase of replacement tires if they were needed before 10,000 miles. If replacement occurred between 10,000 miles up through 30,000 miles, reimbursement will be 50 percent or less. If buyers are experiencing wear at around 20,000 miles, that’s less than half the life of an ordinary tire.

Customers though, haven’t responded well to these types of tires. Honda has stopped offering the tires on its vehicles after settling a class action lawsuit last year. The owners of Acura’s RL, and Honda Odysseys claimed unreasonable tire life and unexpectedly high replacement costs.

Run flat tires may have their advantages, but it still seems like their many compromises are stopping the equipment from taking off. BMW and MINI vehicles get them as standard equipment, and owners (especially enthusiasts) are not happy with them. Vanessa Terrier from Bridgestone’s Communications team mentioned that “As of today, the run flat tire market is mainly driven by car manufacturers and original equipment.”

If you’re afraid, or uncomfortable with the idea of replacing a punctured tire with a spare, then the run flat tires are made just for you, but beware of the added costs of ownership. And if you’re convinced that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits, be weary of cars that come equipped with them from the factory, as a non-run flat replacement tire that was never designed for the car might bring with it unique disadvantages.

Even icons need to stay fresh, and for the 2014 model year a major redesign is coming to the classic look of the MINI Cooper.

Our spy photos show a prototype MINI already out cruising on public roads, dressed in full car camo to try and skew our look at the the most radical design change to ever come to the little British car.

The headlights are the first major noticeable change, moving away from the circular look to a slightly more raked back German luxury car feel. Adding aggressiveness to the car was a benchmark for the designers, which can be seen in the slightly more raked back look of the windshield, and the larger front wheel haunches.

As a result of the new MINI Cooper sharing a platform with the BMW 1-series, it will grow slightly in both length and width. Under the hood will be a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with roughly 120 hp in the base Cooper and 180 hp in the Cooper S. Larger four-cylinder engines will also likely be available for high-end MINIs as well as the eventual John Cooper Works version, which will no doubt recive a turbocharged four-cylinder and probably a different one than the rest of the line at that.

The MINI is slated to begin production in early 2013, and should be available sometime later in the year.

GALLERY: 2014 MINI Cooper

Painted and styled much like the JCW Countryman we saw in Geneva, MINI has announced its John Cooper Works GP today.

As the fastest MINI ever built, the JCW GP will go on sale later this year in a run limited to 2,000 units worldwide. This is the second time the company has offered such a car, but this version is by far better than the last, lapping the Nurburgring a whole 19 seconds faster for a brand-best time of eight minutes and 23 seconds.

To give that number some context, it’s faster than a BMW 335i Coupe (8:26) or the BMW E36 M3 (8:22), showing just how potent a package the new MINI JCW GP is.

Final performance figures aren’t available yet, but the company says they will easily best the previous 214-hp that the MINI Cooper S with a full John Cooper Works package had on tap.

What we do know is that the new JCW GP comes with a full body aero kit including a front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. It also gets an exclusive powertrain, new brakes and a special chassis meant for track handling, which is complimented by the bespoke sport tires meant for increasing grip during performance driving.

Expect more details on the limited edition MINI JCW GP in the near future as its release approaches.

GALLERY: 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP

There are a lot of car stereotypes out there, like that Toyota builds dull appliances. While true on many fronts, the Japanese automaker does also make exciting sporty cars like the Scion FR-S, and Lexus LFA, both praised for their exhilarating rides, edgy styling and pulse-raising performance. But there’s another stereotype that needs to be dealt with.

Likely you’ve heard the phrase “German engineering” more than a few times in your life and there’s a popular misconception that it equals good reliability. German cars are well engineered, sometimes to be amazing performance machines and sometimes to be incredibly high-tech (and often both) but, Porsche aside, German cars don’t have the best track record for reliability.

A REPUTATION EARNED

Part of the reason for the misconception about German engineering is that German automakers did, at one time, earn it. When Consumer Reports started its Long-Term Reliability Tests and Initial Quality Index tests way back in 1972, German brands like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz came out on top. The initial quality of even the lowly VW Beetle topped many domestic vehicles from Ford, Jeep, Pontiac and Mercury.

For a while afterwards, Mercedes and VW managed to stay near the top in reliability rankings. But their Japanese rivals weren’t sitting idly-by. In the 1980s and 90s the most reliable models ended up coming from Honda, Toyota, Acura, Infiniti and Lexus.

“Back then, the cars like the Beetle were pretty simple. But then came stronger competition, the Japanese [automakers], especially Toyota and Honda got their problems per 100, down to a science,” Said Gabriel Shenhar, an automotive engineer at Consumer Reports.

A REPUTATION LOST

In the late ‘90s Mercedes had released the dismally unreliable M-Class SUV (left) and the brand’s initial quality scores have plummeted since. Other German brands had similar experiences. Even though they stayed at the forefront of new technology and engineering practices, their new gizmos were prone to failing.

“They’re quick to adapt new technologies but rely on suppliers that supply these technologies and in a lot of cases what we see is problems with the electrical systems, the entertainment systems and other interface,” said Schenhar

According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes boosted its reliability a bit in 2011, but is still inconsistent. The same can be said for Mercedes’ German competitors, Audi and BMW. In Consumer Reports last five annual reports, the last time these German brands have been above average in reliability was back in 2007. Since then, they’ve all slumped below the average in the industry.

Consumer Reports’ Long-Term Reliability test documents a car’s reliability over the course of three years, while the Initial Quality Index is based on consumer feedback from the first few months of a new cars ownership.

Consumer Reports also has a report card that ranks automakers based on their average car score, reliability score and the percentage of recommended vehicles. The average score for these carmaker report cards over the past five years (when they started the report cards) of the German brands doesn’t crack 68/100, below the industry average and the competition from the top Japanese automakers.

These results are reflected in numbers released by J.D. Power & Associates as well. In the both of the latest J.D. Power Surveys, the German brands can’t match up to their luxury peers. In the most recent vehicle dependability survey, Mercedes-Benz only gets a four out of five, which is “Better than most” rating, while Audi and BMW get 3/5 or “About Average.” Volkswagen falls below average with 2/5, what J.D. Power describes as “The Rest.” Porsche is also ranked “Better than most” in J.D. Power’s dependability survey, which give Mercedes-Benz some nice company. It’s important to note that only one car maker had a score of 5/5, and that’s Lexus.

Nothing changes in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality rankings. Mercedes and Porsche have 4/5 ratings, BMW and Audi get just 3/5 and VW only achieves 2/5. Lexus tops that ranking as well with a 5/5.

The J.D. Power ratings are based on consumer surveys. Initial Quality is measured after 90 days of a new car’s purchase. Vehicle Dependability Ratings are surveys based on the past 12 months of original owners of three-year old cars.

POOR RANKING NOT JUST ABOUT QUALITY

Some of the reasons why German cars struggle in J.D. Power’s rankings in the past are entirely trivial and are not related to actual vehicle quality at all says Karl Brauer from Total Car Score.

“German cars didn’t offer cup holders for years, and while this isn’t a mechanical failure it was often noted as a dissatisfaction point for buyers on J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys, and this drove down their scores” said Brauer. “Most German cars (even Porsches) now have cup-holders because the manufacturers realized they were suffering in terms of owner satisfaction scores by not having them,” he added. The same thing could be said about some of the complicated technologies and infotainment systems like BMW’s first generation iDrive system (pictured right).

SACRIFICE FOR PERFORMANCE

Along with these more trivial complaints and technology issues, Shenhar of Consumer Reports tells us that German automakers, by their own admission, sometimes come up short because of their singular focus on performance. When and if they cut costs, the likely areas that will get cheaper quality parts will be with some of the stuff the customer might not notice.

“They are susceptible to cost-cutting and anywhere they can, in the hopes that the customer won’t know, they use suppliers that will deliver and sometimes won’t,” says Shenhar.

While the phrase “German Engineering” has become synonymous with reliability, Shenhar suggests it should more accurately be a reference to performance. And in regards to performance, there’s little doubt they have some high standards. In fact, looking away from initial quality and reliability, German vehicles rank quite well.

GERMAN CARS STILL APEAL-ING

In J.D. Power’s Automotive Performance, Execution & Layout (APEAL) study, which looks at how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations, Porsche comes out on top, as the only automaker to get 5/5. Audi, BMW Mercedes and VW all achieve a 4/5 in this survey as well, showing that these cars are no slouch when it comes to performance and execution.

With its new 3-series, BMW has set the bar even higher for sport sedans, and the new Porsche 911 has again solidified the automakers place in automotive history for making the best sports car in the business. It’s no surprise then that both cars were in the running as finalists for the 2012 World Car of the Year Award.

Neither won, however, but that accolade did still go to a German car: the VW up! In fact, it’s VW’s fourth win in the past five years. Winners are selected based on overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.

It’s clear then that there are plenty of reasons to buy a car from automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen, but if reliability is your top concern, don’t be fooled by the myth of “German engineering”.

Thanks to data from automotive research firm Polk, we were able to compile a list of the top 10 most popular automakers for buyers aged 18 to 34 – roughly the Gen Y set.

There are quite a few surprises on the list, most notably that Scion is missing. The Toyota spin-off brand was designed to target specifically that age group but weren’t even on the top 10 that were most successful at targeting young buyers last year. Also, you may be surprised by the differences between the top cars for teens and the automakers that made it onto this list.

Starting off the top 10 is MINI, the British automaker known to make fun and compact, yet functional cars. The Cooper models has a near cult following in the automotive community and with just over 10 percent of its buyers between 18 and 34 years old, it’s obvious that the younger Gen Y embrace what MINI is all about.

The MINI Paceman concept was revealed to us at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and will hit dealer showrooms in early 2013 badged as the Countryman Coupe. 

Our latest batch of spy photos show the Countryman Coupe out testing in what is sure to be very close to production form. The Coupe will run with the same engine options as the standard countryman, utilizing a 121 hp 4-cylinder or a turbo 4-cylinder that makes 181-hp. The Countryman Coupe may also be offered with the 1.6-liter inline four cylinder sourced from the John Cooper Works Countryman, that makes a total 211-hp.

The Coupe appears to have a slightly lower suspension than the standard Countryman, and will likely offer a sportier feel than the standard car, as two door coupe variants usually do. The ‘S’ badge is displayed on the side of the test car, tipping off that the car will probably be offered with a sport package, and a JCW variant.

The back end styling of the Countryman Coupe differentiates the car the most, taking cues from the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X6 with the rear sloping roof line.

Read our Countryman review here.

[GALLERY: 2013 Countryman Coupe Spy Photos]

The oldest unrestored MINI in the world far exceeded Bonhams’ initial estimate of netting $19,000 to $24,000 on the auction block. Instead, it sold for $65,000 (£40,250) which undoubtedly makes it the most expensive, unrestored MINI in the world now.

The rare 1959 Austin MINI Se7en De Luxe Saloon was auctioned off on April 30th at the Royal Air Force Museum in England. It’s the eighth MINI of its type and it is believed that only three MINIs in existence are older than this one. If this MINI is ever restored it will lose its unique appearance and distinction, so hopefully the buyer simply uses it as an interesting display piece.

[Source: Bonhams]

Heading to an auction at the Royal Air Force Museum in England on April 30th, 2012 is a very rare 1959 Austin MINI Se7en De Luxe Saloon. What makes this MINI so special is that it’s believed to be the oldest surviving unrestored MINI in the world.

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the 1959 Austin MINI Se7en is the eighth of its type to come off the production line at Longbridge back in May 1959. It is believed that only three MINIs older than this one exists in the world today, with one of them on display at the British Motor Industry Heritage Museum in England, and the remaining two somewhere in Japan.

Bonhams estimates that the MINI will go for $19,000 to $24,000 at the auction. It currently sports the factory Farina Grey paint – at least what’s left of it – with only the driver side door having been replaced over the years. The vehicle will come complete including the famous glass washer bottle that distinguished those very early MINI models.

On the inside, the interior is complete as original minus the carpets. Recorded mileage on the odometer is a mere 30,041 miles and as expected, there’s plenty of corrosion throughout the body. It’s worth mentioning that the engine hasn’t ran for many years.

It’s truly a unique opportunity to own a completely original classic, and we hope whoever buys it chooses not to restore it in any fashion.

GALLERY: 1959 Austin MINI Se7en

The 2012 London Summer Olympics are around the corner and BMW has unveiled its complete fleet made up of a variety of fuel efficient vehicles designed to meet the The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games’ standards.

The German automaker is the official automotive partner of this year’s Summer Olympics and Paralympic games and will provide more than 2,700 vehicles to shuttle athletes, officials and their equipment between the various venues.

The fleet vehicles from BMW and MINI are all eco-conscious with little to no emissions and we’ll be seeing them performing various duties throughout the Olympic games; from pulling boats out of the water to towing a horse ambulance or carrying medal winners.

“Our London 2012 fleet shows what BMW technology can achieve today in terms of fuel economy and low emissions, including the first major presence of super clean EU6-compliant cars on UK roads. We look forward sharing our vision of sustainable urban mobility during the Games, including our revolutionary electric vehicle technology at the BMW Group Pavilion in the Olympic park,” said Chris Brownridge, U.K. marketing director of BMW.

Recently, BMW also leant its weather testing facility to help proof the Olympic torch.

Here’s the list of vehicles BMW is offering for the Olympic fleet:

MINI E

MINI Countryman Cooper D

1 Series ActiveE EV

320d Efficient Dynamics

520d Efficient Dynamics

5 Series Active Hybrid

X3 xDrive 20d

X5 xDrive 30d

R1200 RT Motorcycle

BMW Streetcruiser Bicycles.

GALLERY: BMW 2012 Olympic Games Fleet

We first saw the MINI Clubvan at the Geneva Motor Show, where it debuted as a concept, and now we can tell you that it will go into production and be available for purchase here in America.

The Clubvan is based on the MINI Clubman, and will have the same dimensions and exterior style, but that’s where the similarities end.

The Clubvan has no back seats, and sports new features to accommodate the cargo hauling identity of the vehicle. It will get a stainless steel grille separating the front passenger area from the cargo area, cloth lined rear storage space outfitted with six hooks for tie downs and an integrated 12V power socket in the rear. The rear side windows will be lined with polycarbonate and safety foil on the inside, and body color matching foil on the outside to make them opaque.

While the Clubvan won’t compete with the Ford Transit Connect or Mercedes Sprinter, due to its small size and less cargo space, it will be operating in its own small cargo segment with virtually no competition, which may help it achieve high sales.

The Clubvan will be released as a 2013 model, and will hit US showrooms in September of 2012.

[Source: Car and Driver]