New MINI Convertible Features Automatic Fabric Top
Long anticipated, the MINI Convertible bowed at the 74th annual Geneva Auto Show this week.
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| It was just a matter of time, and those who've waited patiently have been rewarded with Mini's debut of their hot new Convertible. (Photo: Mini Canada) |
The new model, that will become available for summer 2004, features a fully automatic "Z-mechanism" fabric roof, that when upright combines with exposed rear lid hinges for an even greater retro appearance than the regular MINI.
An innovative "sliding roof mode" allows the top to open up to 400 mm (15.75 inches) at speeds of 120 km/h (75 mph), letting in the sun with reduced wind and noise. The press of a button drops the top in 15 seconds, stowing it behind the rear seats without the need of a tonneau cover.
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| The press of a button drops the top in 15 seconds, and the fully automatic "Z-mechanism" fabric roof stows behind the rear seats. (Photo: Mini Canada) |
In order to accommodate the top, the MINI Convertible features bonus power actuated rear windows, not available in the coupe.
Up to four occupants are protected from rollover by dual aluminum roll bars located behind the rear passenger headrests. Further protection comes from an "ultra-strong steel" A-pillar and windshield surround, also combining to increase the car's torsional rigidity.
In case you were wondering if the gold bar toting MINIs as featured in the movie "The Italian Job" had greater payload capacities than Dodge's Ram 3500 1-ton, the current light vehicle leader, the car's actual capabilities are 400 kilos (882 pounds). Not bad for a MINI Convertible just the same, as is its 164 liter (5.8 cubic foot) trunk capacity. That space shrinks to 119 liters (4.2 cubes) with the top dropped.