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MINI –Setting New Standards Yet Again
Both the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S carry signature MINI design cues: the classic MINI 'face', the 'lid' roof and distinctive rear to name but some. Yet they also feature the very latest in automotive technology, ensuring that they drive even better than they look.
The 1959 Mini was the first car in the world to feature a transverse front-mounted engine and submounted transmission. Designer Alec Issigonis did this to create room for four adults. However by pushing the wheels out to the corners he also created the first small sedan that could be driven like a sports car. With the new MINIs, built in the original MINI factory in Oxford, England, this design ethos has been retained—wide set wheels, short overhangs, and a low center of gravity, the new cars more than live up to MINI's reputation for outstanding handling. Also, a weight distribution of 63/37 percent gives a further benefit: the front is heavy enough to give excellent traction, while the weight distribution between the front and rear axle guarantees excellent dynamic balance, particularly when cornering. These qualities are further enhanced by the torsionally-rigid body, the multi-link rear suspension, and the extremely direct steering.
MINI Cars – Maxi Enjoyment
MINIs are powered by an extremely agile four-cylinder, 1.6-liter 16-valve engine. The normally-aspirated MINI Cooper has a 0-60 acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 126 mph. In the MINI Cooper S, performance is further enhanced by a mechanically-driven supercharger and intercooler. The supercharger produces a significant increase in engine charge, output, and performance, resulting in a 0-60 time of only 6.9 seconds.
The MINI's engine is a very clean unit, meeting all emissions requirements. The engine is one of the few on the market that requires no secondary air injection or exhaust re-circulation to achieve this.
Agility and direct handling is one of the great strengths shared by all MINIs. The MINI Cooper uses a five-speed manual or a CVT (automatic) transmission and features Sports suspension. The MINI Cooper S takes agility, power, and performance to an even higher level and comes with a smooth-shifting, very precise six-speed Getrag gearbox and Sports Plus suspension.
The automatic transmission offered in the MINI Cooper is an easy-to-operate continuously variable transmission (CVT), which also contains Steptronic control. Allowing the driver to choose between normal automatic mode, for city driving and a sportier driving mode with a six-stepped semi-automatic transmission. The CVT transmission is responsive yet compact and lighter than a conventional automatic transmission.
Lively Engine + Stiff Body+ MINI Technology = Exhilaration
The MINI body is exceptionally rigid, offering two to three times the torsional stiffness of other cars of the same size. This stiffness minimizes body vibration and together with BMW Group's patented innovative multi-link Z-axle rear suspension and precise electro-hydraulic steering, further enhances MINI's exceptional, go cart like handling.
MINI's front suspension uses McPherson struts and unlike most cars of a similar size, the driveshafts are equal length, which significantly reduces torque-steer and provides symmetrical feedback to the driver during cornering, accelerating and braking.
Individuality is Key for MINI Owners
Both MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S autos are truly distinctive cars and differ visually as well as dynamically. While both models are sporty, the enhanced performance of the MINI Cooper S is shown through functional differences such as the visually striking yet functional air scoop on the bonnet. Further differences include unique body-colored front and rear bumpers, an integrated honeycomb grille in a deeper front valance, black side-sills, wider wheel arches, two center-mounted and chrome-plated tailpipes as well as the "Cooper S" logo and a practical roof spoiler all give the MINI Cooper S a very special and athletic touch.
A key feature for MINI owners is freedom of expression. With 12 exterior colors available across the range, allied to contrasting roof and exterior mirrors in either black or white as standard, and a choice of alloy wheels finished in white or silver, there are over 300 ways to specify just the exterior of a standard MINI. Accessory items such as driving lights and sport packages increase that number still further.
Interiors that could only be MINI.
Both cars have three doors and seat four full-sized adults in comfort. MINI's full-size seats with integrated side airbags give excellent comfort and support, including lateral support to help hold the driver and passenger in place during enthusiastic driving. Sports seats (standard in the Cooper S), lumbar support and two-level seat heating are all options. Seats are available in leather, leatherette or cloth. The rear seat splits 50:50 and with both seatbacks folded, increases the boot capacity from 5.6 cu feet to a highly practical 25 cubic feet.
The car's striking interior is evolved from the minimalist original Mini. Fresh, modern materials such as aluminum tone facings add to the immediacy of the design. Both cars feature a classic central speedometer and, consistent with the sporty Cooper name, a rev counter on the steering column. Innovative toggle switches evoking MINI's rally heritage add to a remarkably modern interior that could only be found on a MINI.
Standard features such as electric windows and door mirrors, six-way adjustable seats, six-speaker CD audio system, air conditioning and available Xenon lighting express all MINIs as small, yet premium products.
Safety In a Small Package
An extremely strong and rigid passenger safety cell, front and rear crumple zones and side impact door beams mean occupants are well protected in case of an accident. Passive safety is further enhanced with six standard airbags including two "smart" airbags, which detect the strength of an impact and the presence of a passenger.
BMW Group's AHPS-2 (Advanced Head Protection System) is also fitted. This system features innovative full-vehicle, side impact head protection airbags unheard of in a car of this size!
MINIs come standard with disc brakes all round. The braking system, with a diagonal dual-circuit arrangement, includes four-sensor ABS, Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
The EBD system controls the distribution of the hydraulic braking force between the front and rear wheels. This ensures the optimum braking power distribution under different load conditions and greatly improves the vehicle's braking abilities. CBC tempers the natural tendency for a car to become unstable at the rear if the brakes are applied heavily while cornering. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available as an option. DSC is an expansion of ABS and ASC + T. DSC monitors lateral and longitudinal forces on the car, wheel slippage as well as throttle and steering inputs from the driver. MINIs also come standard with a flat tire monitor.
Who buys a MINI?
It is difficult to draw a typical profile for a MINI buyer, although they are predominantly male with an above-average income and come from varying backgrounds and social environments. Over 80% of buyers are new to the BMW Group (i.e. do not own a BMW) and many cross-shop sports cars and performance coupes. Some unifying conditions seems to be a love of life, the appreciation of distinctive design and the desire to express themselves other than though obvious status symbols.
