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MINI One Convertible launched plus MINI range revisions

MINI has launched the MINI One Convertible It’s at least five minutes since MINI hurled yet another model at us, so with a New Year upon us they’ve obviously decided to see if they can outdo the new model every month they announced in 2009 with the launch of the MINI One Convertible and a bunch of changes across the range to kick off 2010. The MINI One Convertible is the new starting point for a soft-top MINI and gets the same oily bits as the MINI One – a 97bhp 1.6 litre with a top speed of 114mph and a 0-60mph of a leisurely 11.3 seconds. You can also opt for the new ‘Minimalism’ trim level – only available on the MINI One – in either 75bhp or 97bhp forms.

Toyota GT86 & Subaru BRZ getting Cosworth Performance upgrades (video)

Cosworth promise power upgrades for the FA 20 engine Ever since the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ arrived as ‘affordable’ sports cars with a focus on the dynamics rather than outright power, there’s been endless claims and rumours that more power is on the way. As far back as 2011, Subaru in the US confirmed that a turbo version of the BRZ’s 2.0 litre FA20 Boxer engine was under development although, to be fair, they didn’t say it was actually heading for the BRZ. And just last year, Subaru teased what we thought could be a more powerful BRZ STI, but that turned out to be a BRZ tS with go faster bits but no more actual power.

GM repays Government loans – sort of

GM Loans repaid early - or are they? We can’t deny that GM are making a pretty good job of rising Phoenix-like from the ashes of their effective bankruptcy. A new focus on cars that are relevant for our times instead of a fixation with dated products and dated management has certainly helped.