2008 MINI Clubman at the LA Auto Show

The 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show was the stage for the North American debut of BMW AG's 2008 MINI Clubman model. The 2008 MINI Clubman is the latest addition to MINI's product lineup here in the United States. The Clubman will go on sale in the U.S. market starting in February 2008 for the Cooper and a Cooper S models.

According to a MINI official press release, "The MINI Clubman paves the way into a totally-new market segment, offering new opportunities for the MINI brand and showcasing, yet again, MINI's leadership in the premium small car segment. With its hallmark design elements, the MINI Clubman is clearly a MINI from every angle. Yet it is the MINI Clubman's unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family and make it unlike anything else on the road today."

The 2008 MINI Clubman now comes with new features and revisions. The Clubman received an additional 9.45 inches in body length and 3.15 inches in the wheelbase. This allows the 2008 MINI Clubman to offer more interior space, especially on the rear legroom area. Like all other previous MINI Clubman models, the 2008 Clubman retains the innovative five door configuration. The "Clubdoor", which is located at the right side of the Clubman can swing open towards the main passenger door and can increase the access to the rear area. For safety purposes, the Clubdoor can be only opened when if the front door is also open. Another unique feature of the 2008 MINI Clubman is the split-rear doors. These doors can be opened and offer an easy and comfortable access to the special equipments and large packages.

MINI has also increased the comfort and flexibility of the rear seating area with more legroom. Rear seat passengers can now savor the additional 3.15 inches leg room on the 2008 MINI Clubman. The luggage compartment on the 2008 MINi Clubman can be extended through the flexible rear seat configuration.

For the U.S. market, MINI will offer the 2008 Clubman equipped with two powertrain packages. The 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman will roll out in dealerships equipped with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. This power unit can deliver 175 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm, and features twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection. For the MINI Cooper Clubman, MINI offers the fuel efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with power output of 120 hp at 6,600 rpm. Fuel economy is achieved through the fully variable valve management.

The MINI Cooper Clubman will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $20,600, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman is priced at $24,100. Watch out for the launch of other MINI and BMW models (like the X5 with quality BMW X5 Parts) soon.

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.