Topic: MINI Cooper

In Gear BMW Mini Countryman: compact, but surprisingly versatile

The Mini Countryman is slightly larger than its predecessors, but it is the modern answer to what a utility vehicle should be, Ireson says. It comes in an all-wheel drive option and offers both manual and automatic six-speed transmission.

Rosie Pope, the Martha Stewart of maternity, helps navigate baby gear

As Rachel Ray is to cooking and Rachel Zoe is to style, Rosie Pope hopes to be to motherhood. And, as the overwhelmed faces on the moms-to-be at the New York Baby Show this past weekend seem to point out, the industry is asking for a guru.

Latin America Monitor How the Zetas drug gang took Monterrey

The Zetas have many sides, but how and why the gang settled in Monterrey explains a lot about who they are and how they operate.

Mars rover Curiosity soil analysis: why no news still isn't bad news

The Mars rover Curiosity has finished its first full soil analysis in Gail Crater, and its findings are consistent with those elsewhere on the planet. Researchers say the results form a 'baseline.'

Mars rock hound: Rover Curiosity prepares to head for unique formation

The Mars rover Curiosity is about to head for Glenelg, a unique confluence of rock formations. It's only a quarter-mile away, but the trip could take weeks as the chemistry lab on wheels examines the terrain.

Latin America Monitor Drug cartel violence drives Mexico's troops to once tranquil towns

The Mexican government has dispatched 15,000 troops, and some are headed to places that used to be considered a refuge from the drug-related violence wracking much of the country.

Rover Curiosity is a star, but can it help fund future of Mars exploration?

The steady stream of enticing photographs from the rover Curiosity may be wowing scientists and the public, but NASA is facing serious budgetary constraints on the future of Mars exploration.

A star is born: Mars rover Curiosity has legions of fans all a-Twitter

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity began tweeting to avid followers years before it dramatically landed on the surface of Mars. But the number of its followers just skyrocketed.

As rover Curiosity lands, Mars exploration program fights for its life (+video)

The pinpoint landing of the rover Curiosity on Mars early Monday went as planned, to the jubilation of NASA scientists. But the budget for the Mars program is on the chopping block, as Washington grapples with debt and deficit.

Search for life: Mars rover's target crater a 'geologist's paradise' (+video)

The ultimate destination of the NASA rover Curiosity is a gigantic mountain in a huge crater, where scientists will be looking for signs of life. But geologists are also excited for the possibilities right where the rover lands.

Mars rover: Scientists target huge crater in the search for signs of life (+video)

NASA's Curiosity probe is scheduled to make landfall on Mars early Monday. If the nail-biter landing goes according to plan, the $2.5 billion probe will be looking in a massive crater for conditions that may have once hosted life.    

Where to watch Curiosity's Mars landing? Times Square.

It's not New Year's Eve, but just beneath the ball's usual spot sits a screen which will feature NASA's coverage of the landing of its Mars probe, Curiosity, on Sunday night. Other sites around the country will also provide viewings of the landing.

NASA's $2.5 billion Mars rover faces tricky landing (+video)

The one-ton Curiosity Mars rover is designed arrive on Mars using a supersonic parachute and a first-of-its-kind 'sky crane,' in what experts are calling a risky maneuver.

Mars rover's crazy-looking landing plan is technically sound, says NASA (+video)

NASA scientists say that the Mars Curiosity rover's audacious August 5 landing plan, which involves a hypersonic parachute, retrorockets, and a hovering 'sky crane' system is exactly what is needed for the $2.5 billion rover.

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.

Stir It Up! 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.
12/28/2011 08:00 am

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.
11/26/2011 08:43 am

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.'
04/22/2011 07:43 pm

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.
04/19/2011 01:26 am

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:
02/14/2011 02:12 pm

Fiat 500 to take on Mini in US

Fiat 500 will cost $15,500, nearly $5,000 less than the Mini.
11/20/2010 12:13 pm

Gallery Best and worst cities to live in

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.
04/26/2010 02:52 pm

In Pictures Tiny Cars

Horizons Mini Cooper SUV? The Countryman beefs up the petite car brand

Upcoming four-door Countryman aims to compete with crossovers. The Mini Cooper SUV will hit sales lots in 2011.
01/21/2010 11:28 am