Mini Cooper makes evolutionary steps, adds more technology and dresses to impress
It's the new version of the best selling small car in the premium segment. The new Mini Cooper, now in its second generation, will carry a reworked interior as well as a pair of new and more efficient engines under the hood. The styling of the exterior has been updated as well, with turn signals now integrated in the headlamps, and a more distinctive hood and scoop for the "S" designated model. A new grille up front and more muscular rear complete the exterior styling upgrades.
Subtly increased in size, the Mini meets the tradeoff of appearing nostalgic while satisfying ever more demanding safety standards. Changes to the updated body are more evolutionary than extreme- and the overall look is still very satisfying to Mini fans. The interior will satisfy as well, with its fascinating appearance and added room over the previous generation. There is more leg space, and an optional waterfall lighting system can be fitted to give the interior a glow in driver-selectable coloring to match his or her mood.
The performance would also have to satisfy Mini veterans. The 1.6 litre engine is now fitted with a selection of advanced features which have the goal of increasing usable power and boosting efficiency. The standard engine generates 120 horsepower.
A high-output turbocharged version of the power plant is available for the Cooper S, with 175 horsepower and peak torque available at just 1600 RPM. This year, a turbo, not a supercharger, creates boost. The engines pass the strict Euro 4 emissions standards.
Six gears are available on all models, in the owners choice of automatic or manual shift. The Cooper S is also available with a limited slip differential for enhanced traction, and a standard or sports suspension is available to each model.
To impress enthusiasts, a small number of Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works (JCW) editions were made available in dealerships, with upgrades including a sports brake kit, more aggressive suspension, special color scheme and an engine tune netting 208 horsepower. The Cooper S JCW was the official Targa Newfoundland Pace Vehicle this year.
A new production system moves manufacturing from BMW's joint venture in Brazil to the UK- a move that allows the company is able to call on the expertise of three different facilities. In effect, each of the three plants involved in building a new Mini is allowed to do the tasks which it is best known for, meaning that the level of final product quality is also sure to impress.
The new "Mini Production Triangle" as it's called increases production by 20 percent after an investment of some 200 million pounds. The increase in capacity is likely a smart move, because with the upgrades and changes to the new Mini's, they're sure to be a sales success once again.
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| (Photo: MINI) |
Subtly increased in size, the Mini meets the tradeoff of appearing nostalgic while satisfying ever more demanding safety standards. Changes to the updated body are more evolutionary than extreme- and the overall look is still very satisfying to Mini fans. The interior will satisfy as well, with its fascinating appearance and added room over the previous generation. There is more leg space, and an optional waterfall lighting system can be fitted to give the interior a glow in driver-selectable coloring to match his or her mood.
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |
A high-output turbocharged version of the power plant is available for the Cooper S, with 175 horsepower and peak torque available at just 1600 RPM. This year, a turbo, not a supercharger, creates boost. The engines pass the strict Euro 4 emissions standards.
Six gears are available on all models, in the owners choice of automatic or manual shift. The Cooper S is also available with a limited slip differential for enhanced traction, and a standard or sports suspension is available to each model.
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |
A new production system moves manufacturing from BMW's joint venture in Brazil to the UK- a move that allows the company is able to call on the expertise of three different facilities. In effect, each of the three plants involved in building a new Mini is allowed to do the tasks which it is best known for, meaning that the level of final product quality is also sure to impress.
The new "Mini Production Triangle" as it's called increases production by 20 percent after an investment of some 200 million pounds. The increase in capacity is likely a smart move, because with the upgrades and changes to the new Mini's, they're sure to be a sales success once again.
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