2005 MINI Cooper S Works Preview

The gain in output from these new components amounts to 210 horsepower and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, which is a 40 horsepower

A simple, free-flowing air-cleaner is one of the new components for the '05 Works kit. (Photo: MINI Canada)

gain over the recently upgraded 170 horsepower stock Cooper S. Compared to the older Cooper S Works, the new model sports 10 additional horses, and the net gain from the old package to the new one amounts to 3 horsepower. In any sense, the ability to extract 210 horsepower from the petite 1.6 liter SOHC inline-four is very impressive.

Improved power ratings help the Cooper S Works achieve a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds, improved from last year's 6.7 second time. Incidentally, the car's top speed has been upped to 230 km/h (143 mph), a slight improvement over the 200 hp model which ran out of steam at 226 km/h (140 mph). Improved gear ratios featured

The new Works package can be installed with spanners, a tool-box and your own grimy hands, or alternatively it can be dealer-prepped in 10 hours, the choice is yours. (Photo: MINI Canada)

with this year's makeover to the Cooper S' six-speed transmission, make for quicker in-gear acceleration. Specifically, 80 to 120 km/h acceleration takes only 5.4 seconds in fourth gear.

To go along with the new engine components, the Works garage will also be offering a series of high-performance accessories to improve the car's on-road dynamics. New struts with sport springs lower the car by 10 mm (0.4 inches) and increase the Cooper S' cornering abilities, while fan-shaped 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber provide additional grip. Towards the year's end, the Works garage will introduce an upgraded brake package consisting of larger ventilated discs with red-painted calipers.