MINI

Mini human brains, grown from stem cells and implanted into living mice, have for the first time been shown to respond to things the mice were seeing. Scientists were able to watch the responses in real time thanks to specialized graphene electrodes.

Scientists have grown mini eyes from human cells in the lab. These eye organoids provide good models of the real thing to help scientists study diseases that cause blindness and potentially find treatments.

Mini debuted the Concept Aceman this week, exploring an electric crossover that will eventually slot between the Cooper and Countryman. If we ignore the cartoonish colors and distracting digitization, the concept presents a bolder Mini look.

Following positive rumblings about a one-off electrified classic Mini at the 2018 New York Auto Show, a team in Oxford started a side project to produce more. Now BMW has announced the fruits of those labors, the Mini Recharged project.

Whereas most Mini models are really just lumbering imitators of the original, the Mini Hardtop in its 2-door glory is the most Mini of Minis. The 2022 model year brings a few design changes and upgrades, as we discovered for ourselves.

Instead of adding the usual one-off show car excess, Mini and designer Paul Smith strip it away in creating the all-electric Cooper Strip. Bare metal, visible screws and recycled trim give the car sustainable underpinnings and a unique look.

Startup London Electric Cars is making use of old Nissan Leaf powertrains to give a new lease of life to a British icon, offering to bring classic Minis into our upcoming all-electric transport future.

BMW presents a first look at its i4 electric sedan, which brings plenty of horsepower and an admirable range but unfortunately tucks it all behind BMW's swollen, sagging kidneys. The new sedan is the next step in BMW's electrification plans.

At its core, Mini has always been a brand that challenges conventional automotive dimensions. The badge's new Vision Urbanaut takes the challenge into the future with a versatile, shape-shifting interior inside a set of smooth, timeless van lines.

The electric Mini might not have the range, performance or high-tech goodies of the Tesla Model 3, but with a retail price starting at US$29,990 before federal and state incentives and credits, some buyers will get it cheaper than a petrol Cooper.

Motorclassica once again showcased a dazzling array of collectible cars and motorcycles last weekend at the fittingly splendid venue of the Royal Exhibition Building.

With January’s Dakar Rally fast approaching, Mini has lifted the curtain on the buggy it hopes will carry its drivers to victory.