BMW officially showed its 2007 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models to the press a few weeks ago, but today it made its auto show debut in Paris. Featuring a new engine, new body design, and a restyled interior, the new MINI doesn't mess with the formula that has made it a runaway sales success since its launch in 2001. At first glance a carbon copy of the original, every body panel is new and stretched over a slightly bigger area.
Under the reskin, the new MINI plays follow the leader to keep the winning formula of go-kart handling and a pleasant ride. Now propelled by a BMW-sourced engine family, the newest MINIs don't offer a huge jump in power, but should offer a little more refinement. The new 1.6-liter engine develops 120 hp and 103 ft-lbs of torque in the normally aspirated Cooper. With a turbocharger, the Cooper S gets a more robust 175 hp and 177 ft-lbs. of torque. Both models will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Apparently gone for good are the CVTs of the previous model. Early in 2007, Europeans will also be able to choose the new MINI One, powered by a 95 hp 1.4-liter engine. A new MINI turbodiesel powerplant will be introduced at the same time.
(Lots more live and press pics and press release after the jump)
Press Release
World Debut of the new MINI
(Short Version)
A unique story of success is entering the next round: The MINI, the world's
best-selling small premium car, is entering its second model generation.
Making its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the new MINI is really
new in every respect five years after its predecessor entered the market.
As the top performer in its class, the new MINI is making its way to the road
with brand-new four-cylinder power units. And despite even better
performance and sportiness, the new MINI is even more economical and
fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
Outside, the design of the new MINI has gone through a careful process
of evolution retaining the characteristic look of the brand. Inside,
the new generation has been revolutionised in intelligent and trendy style.
New equipment features enhance motoring comfort and driving pleasure
in the new MINI to a new standard never seen before.
Entering the market in late 2006, the new MINI Cooper S and the new
MINI Cooper will both be making their appearance first. The new
MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing
maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes
in 7.1 seconds, top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph. Average fuel consumption
in the EU test cycle, in turn, is a mere 6.9 litres/100 kilometres,
equal to 40.9 mpg Imp.
The 1.6-litre normal-aspiration power unit in the MINI Cooper develops
maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp, accelerating the car from 0–100 km/h in
9.1 seconds and good for a top speed of 203 km/h or 126 mph. Average
fuel consumption of the new MINI Cooper is just 5.8 litres/100 kilometres or
48.7 mpg Imp.
The "basic" version, the new MINI One featuring a 1.4-litre 70 kW/95 hp
four-cylinder power unit, will be entering the market in the first half of 2007.
And, finally, there will also be a new MINI featuring the most advanced
and sophisticated turbodiesel technology.
All versions of the new MINI naturally retain that go-kart feeling so typical of
the car thanks to its low centre of gravity, wide track and "one-wheel-
at-every-corner" concept. Given the wide range of innovations on the engine,
Related posts:
Under the reskin, the new MINI plays follow the leader to keep the winning formula of go-kart handling and a pleasant ride. Now propelled by a BMW-sourced engine family, the newest MINIs don't offer a huge jump in power, but should offer a little more refinement. The new 1.6-liter engine develops 120 hp and 103 ft-lbs of torque in the normally aspirated Cooper. With a turbocharger, the Cooper S gets a more robust 175 hp and 177 ft-lbs. of torque. Both models will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Apparently gone for good are the CVTs of the previous model. Early in 2007, Europeans will also be able to choose the new MINI One, powered by a 95 hp 1.4-liter engine. A new MINI turbodiesel powerplant will be introduced at the same time.
(Lots more live and press pics and press release after the jump)
Press Release
World Debut of the new MINI
(Short Version)
A unique story of success is entering the next round: The MINI, the world's
best-selling small premium car, is entering its second model generation.
Making its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the new MINI is really
new in every respect five years after its predecessor entered the market.
As the top performer in its class, the new MINI is making its way to the road
with brand-new four-cylinder power units. And despite even better
performance and sportiness, the new MINI is even more economical and
fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
Outside, the design of the new MINI has gone through a careful process
of evolution retaining the characteristic look of the brand. Inside,
the new generation has been revolutionised in intelligent and trendy style.
New equipment features enhance motoring comfort and driving pleasure
in the new MINI to a new standard never seen before.
Entering the market in late 2006, the new MINI Cooper S and the new
MINI Cooper will both be making their appearance first. The new
MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing
maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes
in 7.1 seconds, top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph. Average fuel consumption
in the EU test cycle, in turn, is a mere 6.9 litres/100 kilometres,
equal to 40.9 mpg Imp.
The 1.6-litre normal-aspiration power unit in the MINI Cooper develops
maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp, accelerating the car from 0–100 km/h in
9.1 seconds and good for a top speed of 203 km/h or 126 mph. Average
fuel consumption of the new MINI Cooper is just 5.8 litres/100 kilometres or
48.7 mpg Imp.
The "basic" version, the new MINI One featuring a 1.4-litre 70 kW/95 hp
four-cylinder power unit, will be entering the market in the first half of 2007.
And, finally, there will also be a new MINI featuring the most advanced
and sophisticated turbodiesel technology.
All versions of the new MINI naturally retain that go-kart feeling so typical of
the car thanks to its low centre of gravity, wide track and "one-wheel-
at-every-corner" concept. Given the wide range of innovations on the engine,
Related posts:
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