Mini Magazine Summer 2020

So here we are - getting used to the new 'normal'. As the UK closed down at the end of March, 'we' as both a Nation and as motoring journos, made changes to our day to day lives that were unprecedented. I count myself very lucky to do what I do for a living, I enjoy freedoms in my day-to-day life which I know many can only dream of, and our place of work usually entails a stunning Mini of some description, a camera and a good chat - about Minis... It was a shock realising that just being friendly, offering a hand to shake, or even stopping to talk could suddenly become a matter of life or death. It goes without saying, we followed the deadlines and withdrew. But we…

So here we are - getting used to the new 'normal'. As the UK closed down at the end of March, 'we' as both a Nation and as motoring journos, made changes to our day to day lives that were unprecedented. I count myself very lucky to do what I do for a living, I enjoy freedoms in my day-to-day life which I know many can only dream of, and our place of work usually entails a stunning Mini of some description, a camera and a good chat - about Minis... It was a shock realising that just being friendly, offering a hand to shake, or even stopping to talk could suddenly become a matter of life or death. It goes without saying, we followed the deadlines and withdrew. But…

When you meet someone like Tom Carter, you’re reminded that from the very beginning, the Mini scene has always been about innovation and creativity. And sometimes, just trying left field stuff because you can. Some of the greatest ideas and builds have come from people who have had a brainwave and thought they’d give it a go – some reasonably sensible, some right out there on the limits… Tom’s Mini encapsulates that way of thinking, and it’s here because he just gets stuck in and makes things happen. He’s a mechanic by trade, and thanks to his equally car mad Dad, grew up around classic cars. So even before working on motors became the day job, he knew his way round a workshop and already had an impressive array of skills. “Just…

BODY 1990 Mini Studio 2 shell. Six point rollcage. ABS Motorsport Clubman ST fibreglass front on BMW E46 boot hinges and aero catches. MkI/MkII Golf front indicators. 10 gallon fuel cell. Battery relocated to rear seat base. ENGINE 1.8 Turbo K-series, standard GT20 turbo. Kmaps 200bhp ECU map. Fabia VRS intercooler, AEM 400lph fuel pump and Bosch filter. AEM fuel pressure regulator. Fletcher radiator, Corsa C header tank. Custom turbo manifold and downpipe. Remote mount oil filter. Custom alternator mount on subframe to clear front. SUSPENSION Hi-Lo suspension. Mini Sport rose jointed bottom arms and tie bars. Lower ball joint droppers. TRANSMISSION Five speed manual. Custom gear change and cable clutch set up. Allspeed subframe custom gearbox mount for PG1. Custom sleeved driveshafts. BRAKES 8.4 inch discs, drums rear. WHEELS AND TYRES 13x7 Superlites with Yokohama…

When you meet someone like Tom Carter, you’re reminded that from the very beginning, the Mini scene has always been about innovation and creativity. And sometimes, just trying left field stuff because you can. Some of the greatest ideas and builds have come from people who have had a brainwave and thought they’d give it a go – some reasonably sensible, some right out there on the limits… Tom’s Mini encapsulates that way of thinking, and it’s here because he just gets stuck in and makes things happen. He’s a mechanic by trade, and thanks to his equally car mad Dad, grew up around classic cars. So even before working on motors became the day job, he knew his way round a workshop and already had an impressive array of…

The biggest member of the MINI model family, has been updated, with additions to the equipment range and new innovative technology. The latest version focuses on optimising internal space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort. The MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid ALL4 combines efficiency and hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with the option of pure electric driving. In addition to plug-in hybrid drive, the new MINI Countryman is also available with two petrol engines and one diesel engine featuring the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The engines already meet the emissions standard Euro 6d, which will not be binding until 2021. All three engines can be combined with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 on request. Highlights of the new design include distinctive front design with newly designed radiator grille, LED headlamps and LED fog lights now…