Topic: MINI Cooper

10 great summer cars

Wind in your hair, sun in your face – the summer drive is as classic a pastime as barbecues and baseball.  For dedicated sun-seekers, the right machine can make all the difference, and since most of us can’t afford the demi-convertible Maybach Landaulet limousine, here are 10 fun-loving new models sure to keep a summer smile on your face.  Climb into one of these this season, and you’ll be happy to keep driving duties for yourself.

Comfort food with an English accent: Lancashire Hotpot

This take on Lancashire hotpot – traditional English food at its most comforting – is made with lamb, onions and carrots topped with sliced potatoes and baked until fork tender.

Mars explorer 'Curiosity' set for Saturday launch

NASA's Mars explorer Curiosity, the most capable robotic rover ever built for taking the measure of a planet, is to launch Saturday morning. Curiosity will analyze the layered terrain in Gale Crater to read in its rocks the history of the environment there.

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold: movie review

'Super Size Me' director Morgan Spurlock spins a metadocumentary on branding and film in 'The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.'

2012 Beetle: new design showcased at Volkswagen show

2012 Beetle makes its debut in New York. Traditionalists miss its huggable curves but others are excited about an updated interior and more powerful, fuel efficient engine.

Seven hot cars for Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day, and those “sexiest cars” lists are rolling in. Silly? A little, but it’s too much fun not to play along. We looked at 2011 cars that were attainable (sorry, Dr. Porsche, Jaguar, Tesla), not overly obvious (Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, BMW 3-series), and sporting a noticeably new look. We like the Volvo C30, but it didn’t much improve a reliably pretty fleet. I haven’t driven all these vehicles, but over several years of test-driving I did race through several of these cars’ predecessors. You can still see the skid marks. Here, in random order, are my seven hot cars for Valentine’s Day 2011:

Fiat 500 to take on Mini in US

Fiat 500 will cost $15,500, nearly $5,000 less than the Mini.

Kelley Blue Book: top 10 green cars of 2010

Kelley Blue Book announces its picks for the top 10 green cars of 2010. Despite recent recall woes, the Toyota Prius is at the top of the list.

Mini Cooper SUV? Countryman beefs up the brand

Upcoming four-door Countryman aims to compete with crossovers. The Mini Cooper SUV will hit sales lots in 2011.

Earth Talk – hybrid engines for boats

The boating industry is making efforts to offer a greener product.

Billboard watchdogs clean up skylines

Aiming to clear out commercial clutter, billboard watchdogs from Rio to Toronto police outdoor ads.

Moral of Obama, Kanye incident? Nothing is off the record anymore.

Volkswagen's E-Up! An electric car for the people?

Zune HD review roundup: For the 'anything but iPod' crowd

Facebook roars past the 300 million mark

When author meets Kindle

Are bigger cars safer?

Detroit Auto Show: the highlights

Europe's little 'Smart' car to hit U.S. streets

Hugely popular in many European cities, the teeny tiny two-seater has already been reserved by 30,000 American residents.

Europe's little 'Smart' car to hit U.S. streets

Hugely popular in many European cities, the teeny tiny two-seater has already been reserved by 30,000 American residents.