Press Release
Short Version (II)
New turbocharged engine in the MINI Cooper S.
The MINI Cooper S is powered by a brand-new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing maximum output of no less than 128 kW/175 hp. This superior power is provided by a twin-scroll turbocharger driven by the separate flow of exhaust gases coming out of two cylinders on each side.
This configuration enables the turbocharger to build up its extra power and boost with virtually no delay even from low engine speeds. And the effect achieved in this way is most significant, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit of the MINI Cooper S developing its power and performance in a style quite exceptional for an engine of this size: Maximum torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 1, 600 and 5, 000 rpm, and when accelerating all-out torque is raised to an even higher peak of 260 Nm or 192 lb-ft by a brief increase in charge pressure (overboost) Variable valve management in the power unit of the MINI Cooper.
The MINI Cooper likewise boasts a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, in this case with normal aspiration, maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp, and peak torque of 160 Nm or 118 lb-ft. Intake valve timing incorporates advanced control and management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology, and is naturally fully variable, with valve lift and opening times being adjusted infinitely and with electronic precision to the driver's current requirements in terms of power and performance.
This innovative valve management ensures not only a very smooth and dynamic response as well as supreme motoring culture, but also low fuel consumption and optimised emission control at all times.
Engines with innovative features, six-speed gearbox fitted as standard.
Both engine variants on the new MINI are fitted crosswise at the front and convey their power to the front wheels. Composite instead of conventional cast camshafts and a weight-optimised crankshaft are part of the
lightweight concept of the all-aluminium power units. Fuel consumption, in turn, is optimised by a volume flow controlled oil pump and an electronically controlled water pump for the coolant circuit two technical features so far only to be found in larger and more expensive model segments.
The new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S both come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, both models are available with automatic transmission again boasting six speeds. And incorporating the latest state of the art in every respect, all transmission variants help to minimise gearshift forces and ensure a particularly smooth and efficient gear change at all times.
Electromechanical power steering for enhanced driving pleasure.
Like its predecessor, the new MINI naturally offers that go-kart feeling so typical of the brand and responsible first and foremost for the unique driving experience. Indeed, with its excellent handling and enhanced agility, the MINI is able to bring out its unique character even more than before.
Compared with the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper S has an even more sporting suspension set-up, and as an option both models are available with sports suspension for an even higher standard of driving pleasure.
New EPAS Electrical Power Assisted Steering helps to make the new MINI even more nimble and agile on the road, speed-related assistance ensuring low steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds on the Autobahn. In conjunction with the optional sports switch, EPAS power steering even offers a special sports mode specifically increasing steering forces for an even more direct driving experience.
Complete range of safety equipment.
Benefiting from its strong and stable body structure, the new MINI offers a standard of crash safety quite unique in its segment. In the event of a collision, optimised load paths within the body structure serve to effectively divert forces acting on the car, despite the short overhangs front and rear.
Reflecting the premium standard of the MINI, both model variants naturally come with a wide range of safety equipment, no less than six airbags fitted as standard serving to ensure all-round occupant safety on all seats.
Enhanced active safety is ensured in critical driving situations by ABS anti-lock brakes, EBFD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction standard on the MINI Cooper S with individual on/off control, as well as DSC Dynamic Stability Control optional on both models.
The Brake Assistant on the new MINI detects emergency operation of the brakes and builds up maximum brake pressure as quickly as possible.
A new feature is Hill Assist start-off assistance featured in conjunction with DSC and activating the brakes when setting off on an uphill gradient to prevent the car from rolling back.
The new MINI proudly takes up the concept of success already featured by its predecessor now looking back at a production run of more than 800,000 units and a growing group of fans and aficionados the world over. So proceeding from the high standards of quality, technology, and safety characteristic of the BMW Group, the new MINI maintains its claim to leadership in its segment.
Making its premiere on the 100th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis.
The new MINI is built in the British production triangle formed by the BMW Group Plants in Oxford, Swindon, and Hams Hall. In recent years the BMW Group has invested GBP 200 million (approximately Euro 290 million) in the expansion and modernisation of this full integrated production network, where the various tasks and functions handled by the Plants in Oxford (final assembly), Swindon (press shop) and Hams Hall (bodyshop) are focused clearly and consistently on the requirements of the market. All together, the three plants currently employ some 6,350 associates, with the workforce scheduled to grow to 6,800 in the medium term. When that happens, production capacity will increase from currently 200,000 to 240, 000 MINIs a year.
The market launch of the new MINI in Europe will be on 18 November 2006, precisely marking the 100th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, the creator of the legendary classic MINI whose concept, philosophy, character and flair all live on in the new MINI.
This revolutionary compact car was presented to the public for the first time in August 1959, front-wheel drive, the engine fitted crosswise at the front, short body overhangs, the long wheelbase and wide track making the MINI the role model for generations of cars to follow in its segment. And indeed, the special style of big city life, universal appeal beyond all classes and segments, and outstanding success in motorsport quickly made the MINI a genuine milestone in the history of the automobile, with production of the classic MINI amounting to almost 5.4 million units by the year 2000.
The creator of the MINI was knighted in 1969 by the Queen and died in 1988 at a time when production of the classic MINI had already exceeded four million units at an age of almost 82.
