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Every few years manufacturers tweak their models in order to compete with the newest creations from their rivals, this year sees Porsche tweaking their 911 model and the Mini Countryman is to be tweaked as well.
The Porsche 911 tweaks
For 2015, the current generation of Porsche 911 will be face-lifted, when a new 911 GTS will be brought to the market. The GTS could combine an all wheel drive 911's 44mm wider bodyshell with rear wheel drive, an a power boost to around 420 brake horse power. This would position the car above the standard 3.8 litre Carrera S but nowhere near the 518 brake horse power 911 Turbo.
The main change to the front of the model is to be the new bumper, which will feature more angular air intakes. The rear will gain more sweeping changes, with new vents by the rear wheels. Camouflage on the vehicle's spy shots hint at the current car's slimline LED rear lights being swapped for a pair of '3D' clusters inspired by the Macan 4x4's lights.
This isn't the only vehicle Porsche are working on, Porsche's GT3 boss, Andreas Pruenlinger, confirmed that the ultimate track ready 911, the new GT3 RS, will arrive in 2014. The RS will build on the GT3's stellar performance by boosting power to around 500 brake horse power, adding shifter suspension and a more extreme aero package. As with the GT3, a PDK dual clutch gearbox and rear wheel drive will be standard fit equipment.
The Mini Countryman 2015 tweaks
The Mini Countryman is onto it's third generation since it's 2001 revival, with many bodystyles spun off the core model. The Mini crossover is bigger than the rest of it's line up, with more doors, more driven wheels and a familiar yet different look. For the new generation, which is already in the works, Mini are set to use the same architecture as BMW's own front wheel drive family. The new generation is still a year or two away, so to keep their Countryman looking fresh, Mini are reportedly preparing to roll out a mildly face-lifted version for the upcoming 2014 New York Motor Show.
The automaker has yet to confirm this rumour and few details on the updated Countryman have been revealed. Word has it that the new version will only gain some minor cosmetic enhancements to the interior and exterior.
We'll keep you updated on any more tweaked models as they are announced.