Color-changing MINI? Question mark?

Showing up on my MINI COOPER Radar this morning, is the "Color-changing MINI"... Only, thus far its all talk no walk.  By this I mean, many  blogs are regurgitating the same, possiblly April Fools' Day' originating PR copy, yet, I cannot find any real information on the "Chameleon MINI",  not to mention any decent photos.  To add to the Jetsam  (i.e. key "facts" gleaned  from several online sources)...

"Called the Mini Chameleon, the car changes its colors according to both temperature and moisture. This MINI designed by BMW will showcase its brainchild in the MINI Habitat showroom in Singapore on June 30th 2009. What is amazing is the fact that colors tend to be changed in seconds...


...Color changing capability proves to be very helpful for Mini’s drivers with its ability to brighten car’s paint on a rainy day, ensuring improved visibility and thus increasing driver’s safety while on a sunny day the car’s paint lightens to reflect heat and chill the car. Color changing capability became available due to a FeintPaint technology developed by Spanish company named Payola Forlids..."

Okay, cool? Yes?  But even cooler, would be if one could actually control when/how the color changes take effect! Am I right?  Seriously... need... more... details!  Anyone?!?!


UPDATE:  With a lack of any supporting evidence, I am beginning to to think this story is a  fake.  I'll stay on top it and keep updating this post  with any information found! 

Can a Hornet sting the MINI?

A few articles I ran across today question if the Dodge Hornet (concept) is specifically aimed at taking a piece of the MINI Cooper market.

"We wanted the Hornet to be dynamic, nimble, fun to drive, and have an adaptable space-efficient interior," said Mark Moushegian, Principal Exterior Designer. "At the same time we set out to create a vehicle with a uniquely American character to expand the image and presence of the Dodge brand in Europe and international markets, especially in the entry-level market."

Underhood is a 1.6L 16-valve OHC supercharged I/C four-cylinder engine putting out 127 kW (170 hp)/224 N•m (165 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4000 rpm.

"Like the exterior, the interior is geared around young rally enthusiasts," said John Sodano, Principal Interior Designer. "Our intention was to maximize the interior volume by pushing all interior surfaces to the perimeter of the vehicle as much as possible. I studied images of space capsule interiors, since they are designed for high efficiency in a limited space. I wanted the Hornet inside to have a functional, 'engineered' look, but with pleasing surfaces and materials."

My two cents? Um, just look at that front end. And the back end. And the interior.


Form your own opinion by reading the articles in full at the links below!

Related Links:

• The Official Dodge Hornet website
• cartoday.com
• minicooperreviews.com

MINI Clubman Revealed? Eh...

With the typical misleading headline, the upcoming extended-wheelbase MINI "Clubman" is no surprise to the MINI enthusiast community. I mean, motoringfile has been discussing this in ungodly detail for over two years.

Add to that, "concept" models appearing at just about every auto show, and body-clad photos of test mules floating around for months, what's the news?

Aside from more recent, less-clad, and better quality photos now available at autoexpress.co.uk, once again I have to say, "eh?" Frankly I'm not diggin' it. Sure the third-door al a Saturn and split rear barn doors are kinda neat and allow for a lot of neat jokes. But aside from that, I'm personally not impressed. Could it be the "Volvo wagon with a Cooper front" profile, or is it simply that an extended-wheelbase MINI isn't, well, "mini"?

I'm sure MINI will sell thousands to soccer moms and Double-bass players though. What's next? an all-wheel-drive MINI? (blek!)

images borrowed from autoexpress.co.uk