Press Release
Chassis and suspension
The chassis, suspension, brakes and electronic dynamic driving programmes on the MINI Clubman are in essence the same in their configuration as on the respective Hatch models. However, the various chassis components have been adapted in their set-up to the specific requirements of the MINI Clubman and the engineers set themselves the goal to achieve the characteristic go-kart feeling of the MINI.
In a configuration tailored specifically for the MINI Clubman, the chassis and suspension guarantee superior handling, safety and sporting dynamics. The front axle is based on the McPherson spring strut principle and features an anti-roll bar to reduce body sway to an absolute minimum. The central-arm rear axle is unique in this segment, and sophisticated kinematics ensure optimum wheel-to-road contact. Aluminium longitudinal arms help to reduce the car’s overall weight.
As with the Hatch, the suspension on the MINI Cooper S is set-up to be firmer and more dynamic than the other models. An even firmer Sports Suspension set-up is available as an option to all three models and features harder springs, dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars.
The MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper D Clubman come as standard on 15-inch alloy wheels, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman features 16-inch wheels with Runflat tyres, allowing the driver to continue driving even after a complete loss of tyre pressure. As an option, all models are available with 17-inch wheels in Five-Star Pace Spoke Design exclusive to the MINI Clubman.
MINI drivers without Runflats are protected from the danger and inconvenience of roadside wheel changes, and the added weight of a spare wheel, through the MINI Mobility System that allows the driver to ‘fix’ the tyre at the point of the puncture.
A Tyre Defect Indicator permanently monitors tyres for any loss of pressure and all wheels are protected by improved locking wheel nuts.
Steering
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) gives direct feedback to the driver and contributes to the pin-point accuracy of the MINI Clubman. Speed-related power assistance guarantees low steering forces when parking and precise responses at high speeds on the motorway. A further advantage of EPAS is that it weighs far less than a conventional steering system and is geared towards saving energy: the electric motor is only activated when power assistance is required by the driver.
Sport button takes the S to the max
The standard Sport button beside the Cooper S gearstick takes the MINI smile-factor to another level. Once the button is pressed, the Servotronic steering is sharpened, the throttle response even more spontaneous and, on automatics, gears are shifted more quickly. This is available as a £90 option on the other models.
Brakes
The sports-tuned suspension of the new MINI Clubman is further enhanced by a high-calibre brake system. The front wheels feature inner-vented disc brakes measuring 280 millimetres in diameter, except on the Cooper S which are 294 mm. The disc brakes on the rear are 259mm on all models.
Anti-lock braking (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) are standard on the MINI Clubman. When applying the brakes in an emergency, MINI Brake Assist, builds up maximum braking power regardless of how hard the driver is pressing down the brake pedal and keeps stopping distances as short as possible.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all models (with on-off control by the driver), and is combined with ASC+T traction control. This system ensures superior safety, acting on the brakes as required or reducing engine power in order to prevent the car from possibly swerving in a bend.
Hill Assist is standard on all manual Clubmans and maintains braking for a brief moment to prevent the car from rolling back after the handbrake is released and the car begins to move uphill.
As an option, a limited slip differential can be specified for the MINI Cooper S Clubman. This prevents wheelspin on slippery surfaces or in fast bends by redirecting engine power between the drive wheels in a split second. The result is better traction and ability to cope with the effect of differing frictional coefficients on either side of the car.
Safety
In safety and quality, the new MINI Clubman reflects the high standards of the BMW Group. The safety equipment is based on the concept for the MINI hatch, which has already been awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
Six airbags are standard consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front passenger. The curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) extend further back in the Clubman and offer optimum protection from head injuries for front and rear passengers.
In the event of a collision, the car’s central safety electronics deactivate the central locking, switch on the hazard warning lights and interior lighting, and deactivate the electric fuel pump.
ISOFIX fasteners on the two outer seats in the rear ensure simple and effective installation of child seats. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated by the owner if a child seat is placed at the front.
Years of accident research within the BMW Group have been exploited to ensure MINI Clubman is as safe as houses. Crash safety is optimised by examining and perfecting the arrangement of various materials in the body and their individual features and interactions. High-strength steel and body plates varying in thickness, aluminium door elements and a magnesium carrier bar for the dashboard between the A-pillars ensure supreme stability, but also low weight.
In a side-on collision, forces acting on the car are diverted to the underfloor on the opposite side. The doors, B-pillars, seats, instrument panel and roof frame all act as an integrated safety shell to keep the side structure strong and stable. The right and left side of the car offer the same high level of crash safety, regardless of the Clubdoor on the right-hand side. Diagonally arranged door reinforcements and an aluminium extrusions-pressed profile on the doorsill level interact with the A and B pillars to form one common deformation zone.
The deformation zone at the rear is formed by two longitudinal arms, the luggage compartment floor, the rear panel, the rear side panels and additional reinforcement elements.
As the engine is fitted crosswise, there is ample space for ‘crash boxes’ that absorb impact energy in the event of a head-on collision. The impact energy is also smoothly diverted to the underfloor through the special design of the front axle subframe. Together with the carrier bar between the A pillars, this system effectively absorbs impact energy, keeping forces acting on the car away from the extremely stiff passenger cell even in a severe collision or roll over.
Active safety is ensured in critical situations by ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution and CBC Cornering Brake Control as standard on all models. In addition, DSC Dynamic Stability Control is also standard (with on-off control by the driver) together with ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction. Included within DSC is Hill Assist. This feature holds a manual MINI on the brake for a few seconds when setting off on a gradient to prevent it from rolling back.
Production
More than a million MINIs in just six years – this is the most recent production record by the world’s first small premium car. The next chapter in the success story sees the MINI Clubman perfectly integrated within the ‘MINI Production Triangle’. The three British BMW Group production plants employ a workforce of nearly 7,000 and form a world-class, efficient and flexible production network for all variants of the MINI. The three plants are Oxford (Bodyshop, Paintshop, Assembly), Swindon (Pressings Plant) and Hams Hall (Engine Plant).
Like the other variants, the MINI Clubman offers virtually unlimited freedom of choice in customised production, with every car built to order. So every customer is able to put together his or her own MINI according to his or her personal preferences. All production and logistics processes are flexible and fully tailored to a high standard of diverse model specifications. Given the numerous options as well as the almost unlimited range of variation, it is perfectly conceivable that every MINI leaving Plant Oxford each year could be bespoke and unique.
The outstanding success of the MINI is borne out most clearly by the development of Plant Oxford. While in 2001 some 2,400 associates built a maximum of 200 cars a day in one shift, more than 4,700 associates now work in three shifts, on seven days and up to 134 hours per week, building up to 800 MINIs a day.
The plant’s maximum production capacity, reflecting market demand, has increased in the same period from approximately 100,000 to the new record level of up to 240,000 units a year. In all, the BMW Group has invested more than £380 million in production of the MINI at Plant Oxford since 2000.
All three plants naturally follow the high production and quality standards of the BMW Group and are certified for environmental care to ISO 14001. Together with the BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre in Munich, the Quality and Engineering Centre (QEC) in Oxford played a decisive role in the technical development of the MINI Clubman. At the same time the QEC applies the most advanced methods in testing and confirming production quality.
Apart from a test track, a hydraulic vibration tester to simulate chassis and body loads, a rain and climate chamber (with temperature from – 40 to + 90 °C), the QEC also operates an acoustic dynamometer where the MINI is examined and tested under laboratory conditions while “driving”.
