Today the blogs are abuzz with a rumor that BMW is in talks with Toyota to trade use of the MINI platform to Toyota in exchange for BMW's use of the new Toyota iQ platform for production of the proposed iSetta city car.

MotorAuthority reports that MINI will delay unveiling of the new MINI Crossover until 2010 due to development delays. It will not be at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first versions will be available in front-wheel-drive only, with a BMW Xdrive-derived all-wheel drive model set to go on sale soon after the initial launch.

This video provides some hints because the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is part of BMW's iProject to bring efficiency (without sacrificing performance dynamics) to the entire range of cars sold by MINI and BMW, not just the upcoming iSetta small city car products.

Coming September 12 & 13, 2009, to Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA, is the ABF Performance Road Tour 2009 presented by MINI USA and Yokohama Tire Corporation. The tour provides participants with the opportunity to experience the handling, performance, and lifestyle that is MINI. Attendees will be treated to the use of Auto-Cross type courses at each event. They will ride along with professional drivers as they demonstrate the MINI's handling prowess. Then they take the driver's seat and experience first-hand what makes MINI owners so dedicated to the marque. You can also show off what makes your car unique (or just see what others have done to their MINIs). There will be a Car Show and trophies and prizes in over twenty categories (from Best Cooper and Cabrio to Most Miles on the Odometer). In addition, enjoy the Manufacturer's Midway (to find those parts you have been looking for); Product Displays and Demonstrations; ("Ask the Experts" Panels in case you are into some serious customization); Great Gifts and Giveaways; and, of course, food, drink, and a slew of other fun activities.

Here is something that could be robin you of some scratch. Now available for $18.00, bat wings and snout to convert your car into a batmobile (of sorts). What, you think I am a joker? Check out the story at AutoMotto.

Guangzhou, China had a problem with suicidal jumpers getting on, and jumping from, a bridge. Not only were people dying their escapades were causing severe traffic jams. The government tried employing guards at both ends of the bridge but that didn't work. They put up special fences and notices asking people not to commit suicide there. That didn't work. Then government officials ordered workers to smear butter on all of the climbable surfaces of the 1,000 foot long steel bridge. Now, nobody can get up on the bridge and, if they try, they fall. This seems to have halted most suicide attempts but we have to wonder about flies and what it smells like on a hot, sunny, day.

This is not a BMW or MINI design. Richard Mitchell – a transportation design graduate from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco – conceptually started with the BMW 1 Series platform to give his design, called the Clubster S, a longer profile with rear-wheel-drive. We can only hope the Speedster will be as cool. More photos are available here.

Because you blog readers asked for it according to this quote from Director of MINI Design Gert Hildebrand:

New ideas never come from the board offices; they come from the floor of the design studio. BMW does trend analysis a lot and every three months we talk to Mini representatives from all over the world to discuss the needs of our clients. But we were never asked to do a coupé. We’re close followers of blogs and so forth, and we just felt that people would like the idea of a car like this.

The coupé will be launched as a Cooper S and a JCW initially and will have specifications to please the enthusiast. With over a 200 lbs. weight reduction over the MINI Cooper, mainly as a result of the all aluminium roof, this will be the fastest MINI ever produced by the factory. Production is expected to occur in 2011 or 2012 and the car will likely be priced about the same as a MCS Convertible. Add 8 to 10% more for the Speedster.

According to Jalopnik, the five best Minis ever are Paddy Hopkirk's "33EJB" Cooper S; the Mini-Moke; the Mini Countryman Woody; the Mark VII Mini; and the John Cooper Works New MINI. Check out the article to find out why.

Luggage Space: It is a true two-seater. The only luggage space is behind the seats. The space itself measures about 8.8 cubic feet, about the same as a regular Mini three-door. There will be a pass-through area so you can grab items from the trunk from the passenger seat.

Is this concept of a two seat MINI Coupe the prototype vehicle MINI has been hinting it will reveal before or at the Frankfurt Motor Show? The rumors are flying and many think so. We shall see soon enough.

We previously reported on the efforts of the British Steam Car Team to break the steam car speed record set by Fred Marriott in 1906 when he went 127.659 mph in a Stanley Steamer Rocket. Today, Charles Burnett III drove the team to a new record with a two way average speed of 139.843 mph in the 25 foot long car Inspiration. Full coverage is available here.

Salvaged from the Long Beach Pike Amusement Park, builder Tom Wright made seven of these bumper cars street legal with Honda or Kawasaki 750 motorcycle engines. They have been clocked at up to 160 MPH.

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