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Mini: the 50th anniversary and new models galore

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 27 May 2009 13:14 Mini’s renaissance is entering a new phase of electric power, 4x4 crossovers and yet more bodystyles, said BMW marketing chief Ian Robertson at the British brand’s 50th birthday party. Over the last May bank holiday weekend, some 15,000 Mini fans converged on Silverstone, for a three-day festival of cars, racing and music. The company revealed three special editions: high-spec Camden and Mayfair models, plus the 211bhp World Championship 50 Edition in homage to racing team boss John Cooper.

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price The BMW i3 – BMW’s first foray in to a world of electric cars – was officially revealed in July – and due on sale in 2014 – and seems, by electric car standards, to be almost affordable. At a starting price of £30,680 – £25,680 after the taxpayer bribe for EV buyers – it’s no more expensive than other electric cars and does come with some clever technology – and the BMW badge – that will help it move out of showrooms. But as we reported as far back as 2011, the BMW i3 is to get a range-extender option – a small petrol engine that kicks in to recharge the batteries when they get low – which will make the i3 a much more practical proposition.

Infiniti planning new global flagship model

Infiniti is planning a flagship, sporty four-door coupe in the mold of the Porsche Panamera as the joint flagship of its expanding range. The sweeping-looking four-door will take its styling inspiration from the Infiniti Essence concept penned by design chief Shiro Nakamura and first shown at the Geneva motor show in 2009. The new car is part of Infiniti's ambitious plan to become a serious global luxury brand by carving out 10 percent of that market, equivalent to about 500K sales by 2020 and backed up by a significantly expanded model range and huge investment from parent Nissan.