The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible: Genuine
MINI
The MINI Cooper Convertible and
MINI Cooper S Convertible bring the fun of open to motoring to the
MINI brand. The authentic four-passenger convertibles have been
engineered from the ground up to be fun-to-drive cars while offering
a high level of safety and practicality.
The design of the MINI Convertible
does not compromise appearance, functionality and engineering, and
remains honest to the MINI concept of go-kart-like performance with
a recognizable “MINI” appearance from every angle.
Popular option groups
like the MINI Convertible Sidewalk package and John Cooper Works kit
remain for 2008. The Sidewalk package offers an exclusive look,
featuring special light-alloy wheels, an attractive interior surface
trim and leather upholstery developed specifically for the package.
In addition, the package offers English leather sport seats in malt
brown and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics. And the steering
wheel comes wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather.
The John Cooper Works kit remains
a factory installed option for the MINI Cooper S Convertible. This
performance-oriented option includes the engine-performance kit,
limited-slip differential and the John Cooper Works brake kit.
Cool Convertible Concept
Following the concept Alec
Issigonis used as his blueprint for the first generation Mini in
1959, the MINI Convertible utilizes its compact exterior dimensions
while making optimum use of its surprisingly spacious four-passenger
interior. And the stiff body/chassis package, combined with its
sport tuned suspension, gives the MINI Convertible superior handling
and agility.
The MINI Convertible is packed
with sophisticated technology reinforcing MINI’s premium positioning
within its market segment, most notably the fully automatic roof
with a truly unique integrated sliding sunroof function and the
expandable easy loading system to maximize accessibility to the rear
cargo area. Other technology includes multi-arm rear suspension,
runflat tires with a tire monitoring system and an available
navigation system.
The MINI Convertible Roof – Two Ways to Enjoy Open Motoring
The MINI Convertible comes on the
scene with a unique offering in the convertible market – an
automatic convertible roof with an integrated power sunroof. The
sliding sunroof on the MINI Convertible is designed with a rigid
panel under the first section of the canvas. When the top button is
first pressed, the section slides back along the top rails to create
a16-inch opening overhead. The sliding sunroof can be operated
while the vehicle is in motion up to speeds of 75 miles per hour,
offering open-air motoring while on the go.
In its standard mode, the MINI
Convertible’s roof goes from closed to open in just over 15
seconds. The roof operates at the touch of a button and does not
require the manual release of any latches. Powered by an
electro-hydraulic system, the top’s frame mechanism automatically
unlatches and retracts. The four side windows lower automatically
as the soft top folds neatly to the rear.
The ingenious and compact
“z”-shaped folding mechanism lets the roof fold compactly to store
behind the rear seats. Also, there is no need for a tonneau cover
when the top is folded because the front section of the roof
provides protection when the soft top is down.
The top operation can also be
controlled by ingenious features built into the remote locking
system. The key-operated remote locking system not only operates
the doors, trunk and fuel door, but can open the roof and side
windows from a distance of up to 50 feet.
The first press of the unlock
button on the key fob unlocks the driver door. When the button is
pressed and released a second time, the passenger door, fuel filler
flap and rear boot lid all unlock. If the button is pressed the
second time and held, all four windows lower and the sunroof opens
up. Lastly, if the key fob button is released, then pressed and
held for the third time, the convertible top will fully retract –
all this can be done without opening a door.
The top can also be fully closed
from outside the car. By inserting the key into the driver’s door
lock, turning and then holding it in the locked position, the top
will raise and fully latch, all four windows will close
simultaneously and the doors and rear boot will automatically lock.
To top it off, the MINI
Convertible top comes standard with a heated glass rear window
helping to maintain a clear view even in inclement weather. The top
comes in three colors, blue, black and green.
Room to Haul
Another unique feature of the MINI
Convertible top is the easy load system. This feature allows the
car to swallow up cargo through the rear boot in a very ingenious
way:With the top up, the lower rear edge of the top can be
unlatched from inside the cargo area. This allows the rear edge to
swing up 35 degrees to increase the size of the rear opening (since
the “normal” trunk lid opens by dropping down thanks to
bottom-mounted hinges), easily allowing large items to pass into the
cargo area. Due to the MINI Convertible’s very rigid body
structure, there is no need for a cross member at the top of the
rear boot opening, nor a need for a rear bulkhead behind the rear
seats. This allows for 50/50 split rear folding seats that can
easily accommodate large or awkward sized items.
With the top in the up position,
trunk capacity is 5.8 cubic feet, and even with the top down, the
trunk provides 4.2 cubic feet of luggage space. With the rear seats
folded down, cargo capacity is increased to a remarkable 21.3 cubic
feet. Maximum load capacity is 771 pounds. While the top is down,
the rear seatbacks are lockable in their upright position, so
luggage in the trunk is protected from theft.
A rear parcel shelf is provided
for safety and security. With the top lowered, the rear parcel
shelf acts as a shield for the rear glass window to protect it from
possible damage by cargo in the trunk. The top has a safety feature
whereby it will not lower unless the rear parcel shelf is properly
installed.
With the top in the up position,
the parcel shelf visually secures the rear cargo area so valuables
can be stowed out of sight. The cargo shelf can be easily taken out
when maximum cargo space is needed.
Taken from classic Mini design,
the Convertible has externally mounted hinges on the rear trunk lid
that is designed to swing down to open. These signature MINI hinges
are further accentuated with the optional exterior chrome trim
package. When open, the trunk lid is held in position by two
supports, creating a practical loading platform capable of carrying
up to 175 pounds – making the open bootlid a perfect place to hold a
cooler or snacks when tailgating.
An added benefit of the boot lid
opening downward is that it offers easier visibility and access to
the rear cargo area without the need to bend down or duck under the
open lid. The MINI Convertible also comes with a soft-touch
electric latch release located in the trunk handle.
·
EXTERIOR:
Always a MINI, Top Up or Down
The MINI Convertible design
combines sporty muscular styling with the functionality of a true
four-seater, and yet looks like a MINI, top up or down. When
closed, the roof of the MINI Convertible is slightly lower than the
roof of the MINI hardtop; however the car still retains the
signature MINI upright silhouette.
Due to the rigid structure of the
car’s body, the MINI Convertible does not require a protruding
B-pillar or a “basket handle” structure behind the doors.
Additionally, the windshield is at an upright angle, providing more
open space overhead. These design elements lend a feeling of
spaciousness when the top is open and underscore that the MINI
Convertible is a true open-top car.
British Bulldog
Like all MINI Coopers, the MINI
Convertible’s most recognizable aspect is its face. The MINI Cooper
Convertible sports distinctively designed front bumper, headlights
and front grille. The smoothly sculpted front bumper comes with
chrome accents, which, along with integrated fog lamps, add a look
of elegance, all while retaining MINI’s signature bulldog look.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible
continues to be distinguished by the design cues which underscore
the performance provided by both what’s in the engine compartment
and the engineering of the chassis. The air intake scoop on the
hood provides a muscular appearance as well as feeding fresh air to
the supercharged engine’s intercooler. The intercooler sits below a
slight bulge in the hood, which is 1.6-inches higher than the
standard hood. The MINI Cooper S Convertible also features
body-color bumpers and three-slat grille, front and black, honeycomb
lattice integrated into the lower valences.
The design of the front headlights
provide enhanced illumination while adding a striking design element
to the Convertible. The light produced by the halogen lamps is
deflected through a reflector system which helps increase light
efficiency. The MINI Convertibles also feature “Pathway Lighting,” a
standard safety and convenience feature. When activated, this
feature allows the headlights to remain lit for 30 seconds after the
driver has left the vehicle. Optional Xenon headlights with
automatic leveling make the transition from bright light to darkness
more gradual.
Rear Quarters
The Convertible’s short rear
overhang is integrated with the curves of the quarter panels and
black rear-wheel arches, thus providing a sporting character for the
car when viewed from a rear angle. The back-up lights are
incorporated into the taillight design which feature clear covers.
A black honeycomb trim insert between the two chrome strips on the
rear bumper is reserved for the optional rear accessory fog lamp.
With the top fully lowered and
stowed snuggly behind the rear seats, the Convertible takes on the
look of a muscular sports car. The standard high-strength aluminum
roll bars are visible just above the rear seats, adding to the car’s
“street racer” appearance. The roll bars feature integrated rear
headrests.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible
comes standard with the roll bars trimmed in chrome and a set of
centrally located, twin chrome-plated tailpipes integrated into the
rear bumper. Speaking of chrome, the optional exterior chrome trim
package adds chrome to the mirror caps, rear boot lid hinges and
handle along with chrome trim strips in the front and rear bumpers.
On the MINI Cooper Convertible the roll bars are trimmed in chrome
as part of the package.
All MINI Convertibles come
standard with PDC – Park Distance Control for added safety and
convenience. The PDC sensors located in the rear bumper measure the
distance from the rear of the car to other objects such as a
building or another parked car. As the driver backs closer to these
objects, the system will sound an alert inside the car that beeps
more rapidly as the car gets closer to the object. The tone becomes
constant at a threshold prior to the rear bumper making contact with
the object. This feature makes the already easy-to-maneuver MINI
Convertible even easier to park in tight confines.
Windows to the World
Like all MINI models, the MINI
Convertibles feature frameless power windows. The convertible
models are also equipped with a one-button express operation of all
four windows. With the touch of a button located at the top of the
windshield, all four windows can be raised or lowered
simultaneously, making quick work of opening up the car to the
elements. To ensure a tight, moisture-free seal, each side-door
window lowers slightly when the door is opened, and then rises again
when the door is shut. And as expected, all windows are tinted to
minimize glare.
MINI Colors
The MINI Convertibles are
available in 10 exterior colors. The Convertible’s side-view
mirrors come in body color. With the three colors of the
convertible top – black, blue and green – there are quite a number
of choices for customers to personalize the color combination of
their MINI Convertible.
Hot Wheels
The MINI Cooper Convertible comes
standard with 15-inch light alloy wheels with a “Five-Star Rocket”
design, mounted with standard, 175/65 R15 all-season tires. The
MINI Cooper Convertible can be equipped with optional 16” “Bridge
Spoke” or “5-Star Blast” light-alloy wheels mounted with 195/55 R16
run-flat performance tires either as a stand-alone option or as part
of the Sport package.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible
comes standard with 16-inch” V Spoke” Spoke design light-alloy
wheels mounted with 195/55 R16 run-flat tires. Optional sport
wheels and tires for the MINI Cooper S Convertible include a set of
17-inch “Five-Spoke Bullet” or 17-inch “Web-Spoke” light-alloy
wheels with 205/45 R17 run-flat tires. A further option is a
17-inch “Crown-Spoke” wheel mounted with either performance or
all-season tires.
When the Sport package is ordered
on the Cooper S Convertible, the 17-inch “Five-Spoke Bullet” wheels
with performance tires come standard. However, customers have
additional choices within the Sport package: one can choose the
17-inch “Crown Spoke” wheels with all-season tires or the 17-inch
“Web-Spoke” wheels with performance tires for only $500 more.
·INTERIOR:
A Sporty Cockpit
The interior of the MINI
Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible have received the same
attention to detail as the exterior. The highest-grade fabrics and
surfaces complement the Convertible’s sporting characteristics.
The MINI Convertibles offer
multiple interior colors including the exclusive water-resistant
Sunrise Laser Blue upholstery – a perfect material for a car which
will likely spend most of the time with its top down. There are
eight different upholstery choices for the MINI Cooper Convertible
and seven different for the MINI Cooper S Convertible. Other
upholstery materials include cloth, leather and leatherette.
The dashboard and door-panel
inserts are available in silver, anthracite and aluminum-style
trim. Body colored interior trim – dashboard and door panels – is
also available to match select exterior colors – five colors in the
Cooper S and four colors in the Cooper. The door panels have a
contoured handle, and at night the interior door handles are back
lit for ease of locating them in the dark. There is also a courtesy
light mounted on the bottom of the doors to illuminate the ground
upon entering or exiting the car at night.
In addition to housing the
overhead courtesy light, map lights and buttons for the fully
automatic top, the overhead console also houses pinpoint lights.
These amber diodes are illuminated when the headlights are switched
on and cascade an unobtrusive ambient light over the center console
to aid in easily locating switch gear or items in the console
without the need to turn on the interior lights.
The large speedometer at the
center of the dashboard is reminiscent of the Classic Mini and
continues on the MINI Convertibles. In addition to a speed
read-out, the center gauge cluster incorporates warning lights,
coolant and fuel level indicators, and service-interval and tire
monitoring system indicators.
In true sports car fashion, the
tachometer is located directly in front of the driver on the
steering column. If the car is equipped with the optional
navigational system, the screen is located in the center gauge
cluster and the speedometer is relocated adjacent to the tachometer
on the steering column.
An optional Chrono Gauge Package
is available and houses analog readouts for fuel level, coolant
temperature, oil pressure and oil temperature. The gauge package is
located in the center of the dash and is designed with contrasting
sized and colored gauges, reminiscent of a fine chronograph watch.
This option gauge package also requires the speedometer to be
relocated next to the tach.
Adding an elegant touch
reminiscent of classic British motorcars is the optional Chrome Line
interior trim package which adds chrome around the gauges, air
outlets, select dash switches, the parking brake handle and the cup
holders.
The three-spoke leather-wrapped
steering wheel, mounted on a height-adjustable column, adds to the
sporting feel inside the Convertible. An optional multi-function
sports wheel allows the driver to operate cruise control and radio
functions without removing his or her hands from the steering wheel.
Front seat occupants get a
supportive seat design with manual adjustments for height, fore/aft,
rake and head-rest height. Contoured sport seats are available on
the MINI Cooper Convertible and come standard on the MINI Cooper S
Convertible.
Despite its small overall size,
the MINI Convertible offers ample seating for four adults. Access
to the rear seats is facilitated by wide-opening doors, as well as
manual memory function front seats that move far forward. The rear
seats are also ergonomically designed and utilize three-point safety
belts.
Standard child-seat mounting latch
points are also conveniently located in the rear seating area for
the safe installation of one or two child seats.
The extremely stiff body of the
MINI Convertibles offers occupants a high level of protection when
combined with the standard safety features. These safety features
include intelligent front airbags, seatbelt latch tensioners, belt
force limiters, head / thorax side airbags, reinforced A-pillars,
door beams and strong roll bars. This technology, in combination
with a design engineered to manage the absorption of impact energy,
offers fully integrated crash protection and occupant safety.
Extra Stiff
The stiff body structure on the
Convertible does more than just provide excellent driving and
handling characteristics; it is designed to redirect and absorb much
of the impact energy away from the passengers and through the body
in the event of a collision.
To enhance the already stiff
chassis design of the MINI Convertibles, the floor and side sills
are specially reinforced. These components are larger and even
sturdier in the MINI Convertible, primarily through the use of
additional lower B-pillar crossbars and floor pan stiffeners. High
strength door beams are also incorporated into the vehicle structure
to help reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment during a
side impact.
High strength aluminum roll-over
hoops behind the rear seats along with a reinforced A-pillar-
windshield surround helps to protect occupants in the event of a
roll-over. Through these additional reinforcements, the Convertible
offers a high level of passenger protection while retaining precise
and nimble driving dynamics.
In high-force frontal crashes, the
MINI Convertible powertrain is engineered to “break away” and be
pushed under the car as the impact forces are absorbed. This design
helps channel energy away from the occupants and reduces the
likelihood of intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Airbag Protection
The MINI Convertible comes
standard with four airbags. In addition to the two front-mounted
airbags, the MINI Convertibles’ two side airbags protect occupants
in the event of side impact. These head/thorax airbags are
concealed within the Convertible’s seat upholstery.
Additionally, the seat belt latch
tensioners activate in the event of an impact and tighten the belts
to reduce excessive movement of the belted occupants. The front
belts fasten to the Convertible’s reinforced lower B-pillar; the
rear belts attach to the high-strength rear roll bars.
Give Me A Brake
The MINI Cooper Convertible and
the MINI Cooper S Convertible feature 10.9-inch disc brakes in the
front and 10.2-inch disc brakes in the rear, providing optimum
stopping power, with standard Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS).
Also standard are two other
electronic brake control and stability systems offering excellent
directional and driving stability, even in extreme situations.
These systems include: Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD),
which distributes brake forces between front and rear wheels, and,
Cornering Brake Control (CBC), which prevents unstable conditions
caused by lateral wheel load alterations in cornering situations.
Optional control systems include
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which, when working in concert with
the engine management system and braking system, helps keep the
vehicle from losing lateral adhesion when pushed to its limits.
Working with the ABS system, DSC is able to monitor and intervene in
critical situations by applying varied brake forces on individual
wheels and changing engine torque through the engine management
system.
Run-flat Technology
Both the MINI Cooper Convertible
and the MINI Cooper S Convertible offer run-flat tire technology.
The reinforced sidewalls of the run-flat tires, along with
heat-resistant rubber compounds help maintain the tire’s integrity
even with a loss of air pressure. This technology helps to keep the
deflated tire from completely collapsing or jumping off the rim
while keeping frictional heat at a minimum.
The MINI Cooper Convertible comes
with run-flat tires when the vehicle is equipped with the optional
16-inch wheels. The MINI Cooper S Convertible comes standard with
run-flat tires when the car is equipped with either the standard
16-inch wheels or the optional 17-inch wheels. The MINI Convertible
can continue for up to 90 miles at speeds up to 50 mph without air
pressure in the tires.
As an additional tire safety
measure, the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S
Convertible both come standard with a tire monitoring system. This
system alerts the driver to any potential issue with regard to
integrity of one or more tires.
When a tire loses pressure, its
roll radius and circumference changes, which causes the wheel to
rotate at a higher speed. The tire monitoring system uses the ABS
sensors to compare the average rotational speed of each wheel in
relation to the other wheels. If the average rotational speed of
one wheel differs enough to fall out of the rotation average of all
wheels – such as in the event of a loss of pressure - the tire
monitoring system will alert the driver. The alert comes in the
form of an audible chime and an amber blinking indicator light in
the gauge cluster.
·POWER
TO THE PEOPLE:
Get Your Motor Running
The 1.6 liter four cylinder
engines that power the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtops are
shared with their Convertible counterparts.
The engine block in both models is
constructed of sturdy cast iron, which reduces engine noise and
vibration. The cylinder head is aluminum, and features four
hydraulically compensated valves per cylinder driven by an overhead
camshaft with roller-type rocker arms.
The engine in the MINI Cooper
Convertible provides responsive power and motoring fun. The
normally aspirated 1.6-liter unit in the MINI Cooper Convertible
generates a maximum output of 115 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and
develops maximum torque of 111 pounds-feet at 4,500 rpm.
Convertible “S” Power
The MINI Cooper S Convertible
features a 1.6-liter supercharged power plant. Performance output
with its low-restriction exhaust and modified gear ratios is 168 hp
at 6,000 rpm. This allows the S Convertible to accelerate from zero
to 60 in just 7.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 138 mph.
The additional performance of the MINI Cooper S is the result of the
16-valve unit’s mechanically driven supercharger and intercooler.
The supercharger compresses the fresh air drawn in by the engine to
a pressure of 0.8 bar. Since the
air warms up in this compression process, it is then cooled
by an intercooler before entering the combustion chambers, thus
ensuring a significant increase in engine charge, output, and
performance. Driven by a toothed belt, the compressor builds up
torque until peaking at 162 lb-ft at a very useable 4,000 rpm.
The additional power produced by the MINI Cooper S results in
increased thermal and mechanical loads on the power unit, requiring
modification from the standard power plant to components such as the
crankshaft, pistons, valves, radiator and engine management.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible has
a Getrag six-speed manual transmission with performance-enhancing
modifications to it gearing. By reducing the ratio of the first,
second and third to fifth gears, a sprint from 50 mph to 75 mph in
fourth gear takes just 6.1 seconds. The same exercise in fifth gear
takes just 7.7 seconds.
Fuel consumption for the MINI Cooper Convertible is 23/32
miles-per-gallon city/highway for a combined fuel economy rating of
27 mpg. The MINI Cooper S Convertible has a ranking of 21/29 mpg
city/highway for a combined rating of 25 mpg. The MINI Convertibles
exceed government emissions standards and are clean enough to not
require a complex exhaust gas recirculation system.
Drive-By-Wire
All MINIs utilize drive-by-wire
technology, which converts gas pedal actuation into an electrical
signal. This signal, in turn, is transferred to a drivetrain
control unit, which ensures maximum performance and minimum
emissions under all operating conditions. The system also optimizes
torque, which makes the engine extremely responsive to driver
inputs.
Automatic for the (Performance-Minded) People
The MINI Cooper S Convertible is offered with an optional six-speed
automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and Steptronic
paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the MINI Cooper Continuously
Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission is a
conventional gear-type transmission with a performance-tuned torque
converter and fixed gear ratios which result in quick gear changes
and a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the
MINI Cooper S’s sporty character. This new automatic transmission,
is built by Aisin, and features the following gear ratios:
Transmission type
AISIN Automatic
Gear ratio 1st / 2nd / 3rd
4,044 / 2,371 / 1,556
Gear ratio 4th / 5th / 6th
1,159 / 0,852 / 0,672
Reverse gear ratio
3,193
Final drive ratio
3.683
The unit also features Adaptive Transmission Control which allows
the transmission to adapt to one’s driving style. For example, the
transmission will build the revs longer between gear changes if it
‘knows’ the driver enjoys taking the car to its limits.
Automatic MINI: Continuously Variable Transmission with Steptronic
The
MINI Cooper Convertible continues to be offered with an
easy-to-operate continuously variable transmission (CVT), which also
contains Steptronic control. Steptronic allows the driver to choose
between normal automatic mode, which makes driving in city traffic
easier, and a sporty driving mode with a six-stepped
“semi-automatic” transmission. While being responsive to drive, the
continuously variable transmission is compact and lighter than a
conventional automatic transmission.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible can be optioned with a limited
slip differential, a performance feature coveted by motoring
enthusiasts. The limited slip differential helps to divert more
torque towards the drive wheel with better traction, ensuring power
is transmitted to the road more effectively. This helps to increase
traction under acceleration or during cornering, resulting in
improved handling and increased stability.
The unit, manufactured by GKN Driveline, is a
torque-sensitive differential that manages torque output under
acceleration and offers a 30 percent slip rate. This means, there
is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two
wheels is 30 percent or less. The system also allows the threshold
for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding
the system’s safe intervention in slippery situations. The limited
slip differential is available with the manual 6-speed transmission.
Service Interval Indicator
The time between service intervals
depends on each individual’s driving style. In some cases drivers
can travel up to 15,000 miles before the next service is required.
The system gathers data on the vehicle’s operating conditions,
including things such as fuel consumption and average speed. When
the system reaches its threshold, a light on the dashboard informs
the driver when a service is necessary.
Warranty Coverage
All MINIs come with a
four-year/50,000 mile new-vehicle warranty, with a 12-
year/unlimited- mileage corrosion rust-through warranty. Also part
of the warranty package is MINI’s free three-year/36,000-mile, full-
maintenance program which includes MINI’s Roadside Assistance
Program.
·
SUSPENSION:
Low, Wide and Agile
The precise handling
characteristics of MINI Convertibles are a result of having a low
center of gravity, a wide track, a stiff body, a multi-arm rear axle
with anti-roll bars and direct, quick-ratio steering. The MINI is a
direct descendant of the classic Mini’s design philosophy, which was
the first production vehicle to be engineered with a space-saving
transverse-mounted power unit driving the front wheels. This design
results in a low center of gravity and favorable 60-percent
front/40-percent rear weight distribution.
Chassis and Suspension
As expected, the MINI Convertibles
exhibit responsive handing due to the chassis design, which places
the four wheels as far out to the corners as possible. Up front,
the MINI Convertible features MacPherson-style struts and a firm
anti-roll bar. Through the use of an additional axle bearing which
allows both axles to be identical in length, the MINI does not
exhibit “torque steer” when driven aggressively.
The MINI Convertible features a
sophisticated multi-arm rear axle which keeps the wheels in full
contact with the road at all times. And the rear anti-roll bar
helps provide excellent road holding even under hard cornering and
on uneven road surfaces, adding to the neutral driving
characteristics of the car.
Go-Kart-Like Steering
Both the MINI Cooper and the MINI
Cooper S Convertibles feature electro-hydraulic power-assist
rack-and-pinion steering (EHPAS), which features quick ratio – 2.5
turns lock-to-lock – steering and thus an immediate response to
steering input. The EHPAS is operated by a small electric motor
which differs from traditional hydraulic-pump systems in that it
only produces power-assist when the steering wheel is turned, This
reduces the need for the engine to constantly drive the hydraulic
pump via a belt, thereby adding to performance and reducing fuel
consumption.
·
HIGH-TECH DROP TOP:
Electronic Systems
The MINI Convertible packs a lot
of sophisticated technology into its modest dimensions. A high-tech
data bus system or k-bus system is incorporated to enhance
reliability and reduce the amount of cables, wires and connectors,
The k-bus system employs mutual
data transmission where the same cables are used by multiple
systems, thus reducing the amount of wiring required. Besides
enhanced reliability, the k-bus system makes assembly much easier,
reduces weight and allows for the simpler integration of additional
functions such as rain sensors.
Other high-tech systems not
usually found in cars of this class include an optional navigation
system with a color display, PDC and the multi-function steering
wheel.
Effective Anti-Theft
The MINI Convertibles come with
Coded Driveaway Protection minimizes theft of the car without the
key. Unless the computer chip in the key recognizes a random,
rolling code in the car’s memory system, the car will not start.
This system, when combined with the optional alarm system, will help
reduce the chance of theft of a MINI Convertible.
The alarm system, with its own
power supply, is triggered upon forced entry through the doors or
windows, or by attempting to lift or push the car. The system works
even if the roof is in its lowered position. An unauthorized
attempt to enter the car causes the hazard warning lights to come on
and the horn to sound for 30 seconds.
Crank Up the Tunes
The Convertible’s sound system has
been designed to deliver sound performance suited for the car’s
interior size and shape. The basic system features six speakers –
four in the front doors and two in the rear side panels.
An optional Harman/Kardon system,
featuring eight specially designed speakers and a digital amplifier,
is available. When combined with the Digital Sound Processor, the
system allows the driver to choose different quality audio patterns
for each seat...
MINI also offers a multitude of audio upgrades, some as dealer
installed accessories, including Sirius Satellite and HD radio. An
available MINI iPod adaptor is also available as a dealer installed
accessory to seamlessly integrate the functionality of Apple’s iPod
into MINI’s audio system controls. A six-disc CD changer located in
the boot is also available as a dealer installation. And Bluetooth
technology is available through a hands-free mobile phone package
allowing the driver to operate a compatible phone through the
vehicle’s sound system.
STANDARD
AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
The MINI
Convertible comes standard with these items:
·Fully
automatic convertible top with sliding sunroof
·Four
airbags
·Four disc
brakes with ABS, CBC, EBD
·5-Speed
Getrag manual transmission
·
Electro-hydraulic power steering
·15-inch
light alloy wheels
·Tire
monitoring system
·Heated
glass rear window
·Rear seat
backrests that fold forward in 50/50 split configuration and
lockable in position
·Easy-load
rear cargo access
·Lockable
glove compartment
·Park
Distance Control (PDC)
·
Tachometer
·Central
locking with remote control
·Front and
rear electric windows
·
Electrically operated exterior mirrors
·Body
colored bumpers
·Locking
fuel filler cap
The MINI
Cooper S Convertible features the items above, with the following
upgrades:
·Six-speed
Getrag manual transmission
·16-inch
light alloy wheels
·Sports
suspension
·Body
colored front grille
·ASC+T
(Automatic Stability Control + Traction Control)
Optional
Equipment
·Interior
mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
·Automatic
Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) (Standard on Cooper S)
·
navigation system with color display
·
Chrome-plated roll bars
·Wind
deflector
·Xenon
headlights
·MINI
IN THE UNITED STATES:
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States,
MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC
which has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce
Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW
Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales,
and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor
vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce
brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in
California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other
operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in
South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network
and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5
Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is
represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car
centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle
retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor
Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales
headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
