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Mini: the 50th anniversary and new models galore

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 27 May 2009 13:14 Mini’s renaissance is entering a new phase of electric power, 4x4 crossovers and yet more bodystyles, said BMW marketing chief Ian Robertson at the British brand’s 50th birthday party. Over the last May bank holiday weekend, some 15,000 Mini fans converged on Silverstone, for a three-day festival of cars, racing and music. The company revealed three special editions: high-spec Camden and Mayfair models, plus the 211bhp World Championship 50 Edition in homage to racing team boss John Cooper.

New BMW Zagato Concept teased for Pebble Beach

A surprise new BMW Zagato Roadster Concept is teased ahead of a debut at Pebble Beach later this month. Following on from the BMW Zagato Coupe we saw at Villa D’Este earlier this year, BMW are now teasing what appears to be a Roadster version ahead of a debut at Pebble Beach later this month. A one-off collaboration between BMW and Zagato at Villa D’Este is one thing, but to follow that up a few months later with a Roadster version makes us think the protestations that the Villa D’Este car was a one-off were a tad disingenuous.

Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire – first details

Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire - another Veyron Limited Edition appears at Geneva '09 [ad#ad-1] We had a pretty good idea this was coming, as we reported last week, but the Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire has appeared at the Geneva Motorshow last night. Contrary to expectations, it would appear that the Bleu Centenaire carries the stock 1001bhp Veyron engine and not, as was much speculated upon, a boosted version. Still, it looks like Bugatti have had the paring scissors out, and the reduced weight of the Bleu Centenaire should trim the Veyrons already awesome 0-60 time by a tenth or two.