Electric Cars

Mini has unveiled a striking new special edition, the 1965 Victory Edition, paying tribute to the brand's iconic triumph at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. This new offering, drenched in a vivid Chili Red paint scheme with a contrasting Glazed White roof and the historic race number 52, brings a piece of rally history to contemporary showrooms. The edition is available across multiple powertrains, including the Cooper S, the John Cooper Works, and the formidable John Cooper Works Electric, which boasts an impressive 258 horsepower. However, this homage focuses on visual appeal and heritage rather than incorporating off-road performance enhancements, maintaining the familiar 'go-kart' handling characteristic of the current Mini lineup. Pricing in the U.S. for the two-door John Cooper Works variant starts at a premium of $46,220, with a phased global release scheduled to commence in March 2026. Canada will see a highly exclusive release, limited to just 45 units, all based on the John Cooper Works 3 Door, directly referencing the legendary AJB 44B rally car.

Mini's 1965 Victory Edition: A Blend of Heritage and Modern Performance

The newly introduced 1965 Victory Edition directly channels the spirit of Timo Mäkinen's 1965 Monte Carlo Rally-winning Mini Cooper S. The vehicle's exterior proudly sports the distinctive Chili Red body, a sleek Glazed White roof, matching mirror caps, and a rally stripe that stretches gracefully from the hood across the roof to the tail. The famous number 52, synonymous with Mäkinen's victory, is prominently displayed on the doors. Further nods to its heritage include exterior trim elements and badges inspired by the original AJB 44B registration plate, unique 1965 script on the C-pillar, and exclusive hub caps, valve caps, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the 1965 theme continues with special lettering on the entry sills and a dedication plate on the driver's door, serving as a constant reminder of its rally roots. This edition offers a choice of three distinct powertrains: a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating approximately 204 hp in the Mini Cooper S, a more potent 231 hp version in the John Cooper Works model, and the range-topping, all-electric John Cooper Works Electric, delivering a robust 258 hp. Despite its rally-inspired appearance, the 1965 Victory Edition retains the standard mechanical setup of its respective models, meaning no bespoke suspension tuning, limited-slip differential, or shorter gearing are included. For enthusiasts seeking genuine off-road capabilities, Mini's Countryman special edition remains the more suitable choice.

The 1965 Victory Edition represents a compelling proposition for Mini aficionados who appreciate the brand's rich history and iconic design. While it masterfully encapsulates the visual and emotional essence of Mini's rallying past, it does so within the framework of modern engineering and urban driving dynamics. This strategic approach caters to a market that values collectible aesthetics and a connection to a legendary heritage, even if it means foregoing specialized rally hardware. For many, the allure of owning a piece of automotive history, beautifully reinterpreted for the present day, is a powerful draw. It prompts us to consider the evolving definition of a "special edition" car – whether it must always push performance boundaries or if a strong narrative and authentic design cues are equally, if not more, compelling. This Mini stands as a testament to the latter, inviting drivers to celebrate a golden era of motorsport with a contemporary twist.

Mitsubishi is poised to make a significant return to the American truck market, leveraging a new alliance with Nissan. This strategic move is part of Mitsubishi's ambitious Momentum 2030 initiative, which aims to rejuvenate its presence in North America. The collaboration will see Nissan undertaking the production of a new midsize pickup for Mitsubishi, marking a pivotal moment for both brands as they seek to strengthen their market positions.

While official details regarding the truck's specifications, including its exact size and powertrain options, are still under wraps, internal design concepts suggest a robust, boxy aesthetic featuring distinctive split LED headlights. This design direction signals a departure from Mitsubishi's current SUV-focused styling, indicating a fresh approach for its re-entry into the competitive truck segment. The partnership with Nissan is crucial, as it provides Mitsubishi with a streamlined pathway to market, sidestepping the extensive development cycles typically associated with new vehicle platforms. Nissan's established presence with models like the Frontier in the US and the Navara internationally offers a proven foundation, although Mitsubishi has not explicitly confirmed the use of these specific architectures.

This forthcoming pickup truck is one of several key products under the Momentum 2030 roadmap. Preceding its launch, Mitsubishi plans to introduce the Eclipse Sportback EV, an electric hatchback developed in conjunction with Nissan and based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf. This EV is expected to arrive in US and Canadian dealerships by late 2026. Following that, a more rugged, off-road capable variant of the Outlander is slated for release in early 2027. The introduction of the Nissan-built pickup will further diversify Mitsubishi's offerings, expanding its US lineup from its current four models to six. This expansion is a cornerstone of the Momentum 2030 plan, which also emphasizes electrification, modernizing retail operations, and growing its dealer network.

Concurrently, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan is preparing for the global unveiling of the next Pajero, historically known as the Montero in North America, with a teaser campaign pointing to a September 2 debut. This new Pajero is envisioned as a separate, ladder-frame flagship SUV project, distinct from the US pickup. While some speculation exists about potential shared hardware between the new pickup and a revived Montero, for now, they remain independent development programs. This strategic diversification aims to provide Mitsubishi with a comprehensive portfolio to compete effectively in various segments.

By leveraging alliance resources, Mitsubishi is gaining a rapid and efficient entry into the truck segment, addressing a long-standing demand from its dealer network and reinforcing its US market standing. The challenge for Mitsubishi will be to infuse this Nissan-derived pickup with its unique brand identity through distinctive tuning, design, and a compelling ownership experience, ensuring it is perceived as an authentic Mitsubishi vehicle rather than a mere rebadged product.