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Mobile Syrup

Mini’s cars introduce Spike the English Bulldog as its new personal assistant

British car brand Mini has revealed a new “intelligent personal assistant” for one of its vehicles, none other than Spike the English Bulldog.

That’s right, the animated canine companion will be taking to the cockpit of the company’s first all-electric MINI Crossover SAV, the Mini Concept Aceman, to act as the driver’s personal assistant.

The cute bulldog has been a symbol of the Mini brand as far back as 2001, appearing in a handful of past advertisements. Although Mini looks to be refreshing people’s minds about the spokesdog, his first major appearance since the announcement will be at the Shanghai auto show, which runs from April 18th-27th, 2023.

Mini plans on integrating Spike into future production models as well, such as the 2023 Mini Countryman, the 2024 Mini Cooper and the 2025 Aceman Crossover SUV, according to Carscoops.

Delightfully appealing? Absolutely. Nostalgic? It’s debatable. But what exactly does Spike do for the user?

Spike will apparently be providing “various forms of support” to users of Aceman from the car’s OLED dashboard display. More details are expected to follow at the Shanghai event and throughout the year.

“We are now taking Spike into the future as a digital character,” said Oliver Heilmer, the design head for the brand. “He is not just a design experiment – he is becoming a characterful companion for the user experience.”

For a car company that already pushes a uniquely fun and quirky experience, Spike is looking like the perfect addition to assist drivers all while looking adorable while doing it.

Source: BMW Via: The Verge

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Pokémon teams with Mini for its concept electrical vehicle

Pokémon has teamed up with a surprise company: Mini.

The automaker is producing a new Pokémon-themed model of its electric Mini Concept Aceman car. The vehicle company showed off this special variant during Gamescom Opening Night Live on Tuesday.

The hatchback offers a futuristic neon look with an LED gaming concept. The trailer shows off the electric vehicle with Pikachu on an OLED display and visual effects that extend along the dashboard. You can also fire up the built-in mobile cinema, which uses an integrated exterior projector, and you can watch your favourite Pokémon movie.

Here’s Mini’s official description of the Pokémon car:

Playfulness has always been in our blood at Mini, and we want to embrace gaming and the people who make it what it is. 

We cherish the never-ending joy of playing, so stay tuned for updates, because we’re ready to PLAY ON. 

Mini x Pokémon is the first step, but you don’t even have to wait for a second one. To help those who can’t make it to gamescom enjoy the features of the Mini Concept Aceman, we’ve created the MINIverse, an interactive 3D world where you don’t just drive the Mini Concept Aceman, you are the Mini Concept Aceman. Forget passively looking at photos or videos, and experience the car in this new interactive world. – Reads the company’s website. 

You’re also supposed to be able to connect your gaming console to the car, but Mini doesn’t give any details about this. Maybe you’ll be able to play Pokémon Violet and Scarlet in your car.

To be clear, Mini didn’t make a new car for Pokémon but has instead stylized its Mini Concept Aceman.

Source: Mini

Categories
Mode et accessoires

Designers add their touch to the Mini

The Mini car brand decided to support the 2010 edition of the Life Ball for the 10th consecutive year. This gala event raises money to help in the fight against AIDS.

The brand appealed to internationally recognized designers in the fashion world to add their unique touch to three Mini styles. The cars will be auctioned off on July 17 in Vienna at the annual Life Ball gala.

Several designers agreed to offer their talents to the cause, just like Versace did in 2005 and Diesel in 2006.

This year, Calvin Klein artistic director Francisco Costa decorated a Mini Countryman, designer Diane von Furstenberg gave the Mini Cooper a new look and Kenneth Cole added his creativity to the body of a Mini convertible.

All proceeds raised during this high-profile charity event will benefit amfAR’s essential HIV/AIDS research and prevention programs. This organization has been at the forefront of the fight against AIDS for years.

Actress Whoopi Goldberg will be the guest of honour at the ball.

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Uncategorized

A Mini Tweaked with Rolls Royce Flair

The association comes as a surprise, since the two brands veer towards opposite ends of the pricing spectrum.

The Mini will be receiving some TLC from the hands of Rolls-Royce craftsmen.

Major cosmetic changes on the exterior and changes in the mechanics are not on the agenda, but rather a specific finish with focus on tailor-made elements will come into play.

The body will get a particular "Ming Blue" paint job that was found on the 25th anniversary edition of the Rolls Royce Corniche IV, of which only 25 copies were produced in 1992.

The interior will boast the most noticeable changes. With exotic wood and leather handled with care and customized to the buyer’s tastes, this sumptuous Mini is set to give the driver the lavish feel and comfort of a luxurious limousine all wrapped up in a small city slicker.

The ultra limited edition of the Mini is expected to exceed $60 000 CAD per unit.

 

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Uncategorized

The Mazda2 to Hit LA

A global success since it was revamped in 2007, the little Mazda has won the "Car of the Year" prize in over 20 countries. It was also crowned the "2008 World Car of the Year."

From small city cars to big SUVs, the Mazda range will be expanding in response to market demands.

In order for history not to repeat itself, North America has begun to make significant changes over the years, and the financial crisis of 2008 has only accelerated the process. Thus the physically-attractive and technically-appealing Mazda2 is bound to make a splash when it is introduced to the American and Canadian market in late 2010.

The specifications for the car will not be unveiled until December 2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

 

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Uncategorized

10 Minis Get an Artistic Touch

The inspiration for these 10 repainted Minis came from the affinity to write on fogged up windows or on the dirt that gets stuck on the body of a car.

Several dynamic artists, such as Smash137, Aurèle Sack, Stefan Ege, Rémi Jaccard and Dieter Meier of the band Yello, took part in the project. One thing they all had in common was that they had never worked on a car before.

With the help of articles written by a designer, a journalist and a director of the design department at Zurich University, the works of art are presented in a photo book, of which only 2 000 copies were published by Mini Switzerland.

 

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Uncategorized

Coca-Cola Announces Can Smaller Size

Coca-Cola company announced a new format for their popular canned soft drink.

In order to help consumers make healthier choices, Coke will be available in 7.5 ounce cans in December with only 90 calories, 50 less than the 12 ounce format.

This is an alternative to those people who are concerned about calories but still love the taste of soda. A little treat without feeling guilty.

However, it is not recommended to drink two cans, as then you would surpass the 12 ounce format and consume 180 calories. The mini size does not encourage more consumption, as is often the case with smaller quantities. 

 

 

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Uncategorized

BMW to Bridge the Gap

The 3 Series was once the smallest car in the BMW range, but now the automaker is feeling the pressure to enlarge their smaller line.

Rumours are circulating that the brand is already working on the 0 Series, intended to bridge the gap between the 1 Series and the Mini.

This would be a first for the brand, and the platform would require BMW to shift to front-wheel drive.  And, as expected, rumours are also predicting 3- and 5-door versions, as well as a convertible.

At a time when all car manufacturers are trying to reduce environmental impacts, such as the Aston Martin with the Cygnet, the BMW 0 Series could be right on target.

 

Categories
Uncategorized

BMW to Bridge the Gap

The 3 Series was once the smallest car in the BMW range, but now the automaker is feeling the pressure to enlarge their smaller line.

Rumours are circulating that the brand is already working on the 0 Series, intended to bridge the gap between the 1 Series and the Mini.

This would be a first for the brand, and the platform would require BMW to shift to front-wheel drive.  And, as expected, rumours are also predicting 3- and 5-door versions, as well as a convertible.

At a time when all car manufacturers are trying to reduce environmental impacts, such as the Aston Martin with the Cygnet, the BMW 0 Series could be right on target.

 

Categories
Uncategorized

Two New Minis Coming from England

The BMW plant was forced to let 850 workers go earlier this year, but the new models in production, as well as the Mini Convertible and the Mini Clubman, are bringing people back to work.  The increase in production is also expected to create new jobs in addition to re-employing former workers.

The Mini Coupe will be making its debut in a few days at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  The second new model has not been unveiled.  It is believed to be a small SUV (possibly called the Countryman).  The vehicle may be produced by Magna in Austria.  Additional information will be available following the show in Frankfurt.