World's Largest BMW Showroom Opens in Abu Dhabi, Best Selling Model in the M.E. is the 7-Series

Abu Dhabi, home of all things extravagant such as the largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park, can now lay claim to having the world’s largest showroom for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW motorcycles.

BMW Group’s long-standing importer for the region, Abu Dhabi Motors, invested some AED 300 million (roughly €62 million or US$81 million) in the new 35,000-square-metre showroom over its three-year construction.

The facility features separate showrooms and sales areas for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce cars, and for BMW motorcycles, with more than 70 automobiles and 10 motorcycles on permanent display.

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MINI Introduces New Convertible Highgate Special Edition

Leave it to Mini to present a special edition model every two weeks. After the "Baker Street" and "Bayswater" hatchbacks, it's the convertible model's turn to gain a new moniker.

This one is called is called "Highgate" and is offered with four engine variants including the 122HP Cooper, 184HP Cooper S, and for those markets that get diesel versions, the 112HP Cooper D and 143HP Cooper SD.

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2012 MINI Roadster Priced from $24,350 to $34,500*, Costs $600 Less than the Convertible

Mini has just released U.S. pricing for its new two-seater Roadster model that will be available in three flavors.

The Cooper Roadster is priced at $24,350 and is powered by a 121HP 1.6-liter inline four that allows it to hit 60mph in 8.7 seconds and top out at 124mph, while returning 30mpg combined.

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Mini said to have Pulled the Plug on the Rocketman

Remember the Mini Rocketman Concept from last year's Geneva Motor Show? Over the past few months, there had been several reports saying that the BMW Group was planning to put the city-car sized Mini into production by 2016.

Today, Car is reporting that the Germans have shelved those plans for a smaller Mini model inspired by the Rocketman.

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MINI Launches Baker Street and Bayswater Specials in Honor of the London 2012 Olympic Games

As an official sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games that kick off on July 27, the BMW Group is trying to squeeze every ounce of publicity it can from the event, including the launch of special edition models.

Today, it's Mini's turn to present a pair of bespoke editions, the Bayswater and Baker Street models, both of which are based on the three-door hatchback and will be offered worldwide this spring.

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Mini Countryman Wins the Dakar 2012, Peterhansel Records 10th Victory [Video]

Despite not taking place in Africa anymore but in South America, the Dakar Rally remains a very tough race. To finish is in itself a unique experience but to win is a truly great achievement.

Imagine now how Stephane Peterhansel must have felt on January 15, after 38 hours, 44 minutes and 56 seconds and 4,000 competitive kilometers from Argentina’s Mar del Plata to Peru’s capital Lima.

Not only did he win what is probably the most demanding off-road endurance rally in the world but he also did it for a record 10th time, having won six times riding a motorbike and four driving a car.

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BMW Group Recalling 235,000 Turbocharged MINI Models Worldwide

The BMW Group announced a global recall of approximately 235,00 turbocharged Mini models because of an issue with the circuit board controlling the electric auxiliary water pump that cools the engine's turbocharger.

The company said that the circuit board might malfunction and overheat which could result in a vehicle fire adding, however, that there have been no reports of any injuries or accidents related to the glitch.

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