The Evolution of a Modern Classic
Barcelona, Spain - "Don't mess with success." In some respects, the braintrust at BMW has stuck to this credo with respect to the 2007 MINI Cooper S, the second generation of this modern automotive icon. In other ways, though, the new car is surprisingly different from the "old new MINI".
First, the "new new MINI" has been completely redesigned from the ground up. While the philosophy of having a relatively long wheelbase, wide track and minimal overhang front and rear has been maintained, there have been some modifications.
In terms of overall length, the '07 model is 60 mm longer than its predecessor, but all of the original proportions have been maintained, so the change is hardly noticeable. In order to comply with future pedestrian safety regulations, the powerdome hood is 20 mm higher. The window line is 18 mm higher at the B-pillar to create a more significant "greenhouse" effect.
The rear end has also been made more muscular with a more pronounced rear bumper and larger taillight treatment. (This change was wise; the previous version's compact design led to questions about rear end crash worthiness.) A revised front grille and headlights with integrated turn signals complete the new look.
Inside, the modifications continue, most noticeably with the larger centre speedometer. This eye-grabbing feature is now extremely large, but expansion has been deemed necessary to house displays and controls for the audio system, as well as instructions for the optional navigation system. (Functional or not, the massive speedo detracts from the continuity and cleanliness of the design.)
Otherwise, the interior of the new version is much the same as in the previous version. The old-school toggle switches carry over, including new ones on the roof lining that operate the interior lights. Front and centre is the familiar 3-spoke steering wheel and, just behind, the tachometer. And there's a new start/stop button right next to the ignition key slot, a sporty but redundant feature given that the key must be inserted before the button will work.
In the interests of personalization, the new Cooper comes with no fewer than 319 exterior combinations and 372 interior combinations. (Changes can be made up to seven days before production starts on your MINI.) Possible variations derive from the owner's choice of wood, hand-sewn leather and chrome accents, as well as an ambient lighting package with five distinct "moods" and a Colour Line package with a range of five shades for the lower section of the dashboard and the door linings.
Still, all of this is mere cosmetics compared to the more substantial changes to new MINI - more specifically, in the engine department. Whereas the previous MINI Cooper S employed a supercharged 1.6-litre SOHC 4-cylinder engine, the new version sees a twin-scroll turbocharger bolted onto an all-new 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder. Net result is an increase in horsepower from 163 to 175. (The 2007 MINI Cooper also features a new and different 1.6-litre 4-cylinder.)
Barcelona, Spain - "Don't mess with success." In some respects, the braintrust at BMW has stuck to this credo with respect to the 2007 MINI Cooper S, the second generation of this modern automotive icon. In other ways, though, the new car is surprisingly different from the "old new MINI".
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| (Photo: MINI) |
In terms of overall length, the '07 model is 60 mm longer than its predecessor, but all of the original proportions have been maintained, so the change is hardly noticeable. In order to comply with future pedestrian safety regulations, the powerdome hood is 20 mm higher. The window line is 18 mm higher at the B-pillar to create a more significant "greenhouse" effect.
The rear end has also been made more muscular with a more pronounced rear bumper and larger taillight treatment. (This change was wise; the previous version's compact design led to questions about rear end crash worthiness.) A revised front grille and headlights with integrated turn signals complete the new look.
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |
Otherwise, the interior of the new version is much the same as in the previous version. The old-school toggle switches carry over, including new ones on the roof lining that operate the interior lights. Front and centre is the familiar 3-spoke steering wheel and, just behind, the tachometer. And there's a new start/stop button right next to the ignition key slot, a sporty but redundant feature given that the key must be inserted before the button will work.
In the interests of personalization, the new Cooper comes with no fewer than 319 exterior combinations and 372 interior combinations. (Changes can be made up to seven days before production starts on your MINI.) Possible variations derive from the owner's choice of wood, hand-sewn leather and chrome accents, as well as an ambient lighting package with five distinct "moods" and a Colour Line package with a range of five shades for the lower section of the dashboard and the door linings.
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |