Not only fast acceleration and a high top speed, but also superior pulling force under all conditions is crucial to the driving pleasure offered by the top model in the MINI range. A genuinely "beefy" torque curve with 80 per cent of the maximum torque of 155 lb-ft constantly available between 2,500 and 6,500 rpm enables the MINI Cooper S to accelerate from 80-120 km/h in fourth gear in just 6.9 seconds, with the car requiring only 8.7 seconds for the same exercise in fifth gear.
Fuel consumption of the most powerful MINI averages 8.4 litres/100 km in the EU composite test — certainly a very moderate figure considering the power of the engine. And like the two other MINIs, the MINI Cooper S naturally meets all national exhaust standards. Indeed, it even fulfills the EU 4 emission standard in countries offering a tax benefit for such superior environmental care.
To convert the superior power and performance of this supercharged 4-cylinder even more efficiently into pure driving pleasure, the new top-of-the-range model comes with a six-speed manual gearbox featuring ultra-precise gearshift control developed specifically for this car.
AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMER
Agility and direct handling are two of the big strengths shared by all models in the MINI range. Benefitting from the plus sports suspension, the MINI Cooper S is tailored even more directly to the requirements of the dedicated motorist, offering supreme handling and performance on both winding country roads and long, fast motorways. Compared with the sports suspension already featured on the MINI Cooper, this very special suspension comes with reinforced anti-roll bars and even firmer springs.