MINI expands model lineup with first two-seater.

Richmond Hill.MINI is expanding its product family this fall with the addition of a two-seater super-compact sports car. Arriving in Canada in October, 2011, the first two-seater in the MINI line-up, the MINI Coupé  not only builds on MINI’s successful racing heritage, but also injects an exciting new player into the super-compact sports car class.

With chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties all focused on delivering optimum performance, the MINI Coupé radiates the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling with a whole new depth of intensity and achieves the best performance statistics ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI.

The MINI Coupé will be available in Cooper, Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works versions, equipped with MINI’s latest-generation engines:

MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: Four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from MINI’s motor sport applications.

Displacement: 1,598 cc.
output: 208 hp at 6,000 rpm.
max. torque: 192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm.
207 lb-ft (with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h : 6.4 seconds (preliminary).
Average fuel consumption  (EU rating): 7.1 l/100 km. 

MINI Cooper S Coupé: Four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.

Displacement: 1,598 cc.
output: 181 hp at 5,500 rpm,
max. torque: 177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.
(192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h : 6.9 seconds (preliminary).
Average fuel consumption (EU rating): 5.8 l/100 kilometres.

MINI Cooper Coupé: Four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.

Displacement: 1,598 cc.
output: 121 hp at 6,000 rpm.
max. torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h : 9.0 seconds (preliminary).
Average fuel consumption (EU rating): 5.4 l/100 km.

 The standard-fitted six-speed manual gearbox sets a new benchmark in the segment with its short shift travel and impressively precise action. A ready-to-drive weight of 44.8 kilograms makes this the lightest gearbox of its kind.

A six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function can be ordered for the MINI Cooper Coupé and MINI Cooper S Coupé as an option. With its exceptionally short shift times and direct “target gear” finding capability on downshifts, the automatic likewise showcases the sporting character of the MINI Coupé. The driver can also change gear manually using the selector lever, while shift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an additional option.

Distinctive roof form, optimised aerodynamics, impressive storage space.

 Its flat silhouette and innovative “helmet roof” lend the MINI Coupé a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimises airflow at higher speeds. Facilitated by an extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area with through-loading facility, the MINI Coupé displays outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports gear.

• First “three-box” MINI with strikingly stepped rear end in the classic style of a gran turismo; sporty, flat coupé silhouette; sitting 29 millimetres lower than a MINI hatchback; new, faithful expression of the hallmark MINI design language; distinctive “helmet roof” with integral roof spoiler; first MINI with an Active Rear Spoiler to optimise airflow at higher speeds; rear spoiler extends automatically at 80 km/h . It is also possible to operate the active rear spoiler manually, for cleaning purposes, using a button in the overhead control panel.
• Strict two-seater concept with extended stowage and loading capacity behind the driver and passenger seats; large, variable-use luggage area; large through-loading facility into the passenger compartment; wide and extremely high-opening tailgate makes loading easier.
• The exterior dimensions give the MINI Coupé very sporty proportions and a low, forward-thrusting profile. The new two-seater measures 3,714 mm in length (MINI Cooper S Coupé, MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 3,734 mm) and 1,683 mm in width, with a height of 1,378 mm (MINI Cooper S Coupé, MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 1,384 mm). In other words, while the overall length, overall width and wheelbase (2,467 mm) are almost identical to the measurements of the MINI hatchback, the overall height has been reduced by 29 millimetres. Oval recesses in the roof liner provide extra headroom inside the car.

High-performance suspension technology, electric power steering and powerful brakes.

 The MINI Coupé owes its agility and sure, safe handling not only to front-wheel drive and superior suspension technology, but also to a low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase measuring 2,467 mm, and a front and rear track width of 1,459 and 1,467 mm respectively.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electric Power Steering, are standard equipment on all MINI Coupé models adding to the safe and sporty handling qualities. The DSC system includes integral anti-lock braking (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) is available as on option  (standard on MINI John Cooper Works Coupé).

The MINI Coupé’s Electric Power Steering is also available with variable power assist levels. A Sport Button on the centre console, standard in the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé and optionally available for all other model versions, allows the driver to choose between the basic power assist level and a second mode designed to support a more performance-minded driving style.

The MINI Coupé’s model-specific braking system provides powerful, fade-free deceleration, even under the hardest braking. The vented front brake discs have a diameter of 280 mm on the MINI Cooper Coupé, 294 mmon the MINI Cooper S Coupé , and 316 millimetres on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. Optimal braking performance at the rear is provided by 259 mm discs (MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 280 mm).

The MINI Coupé is the first two-seater volume-production model from MINI since the brand was relaunched. The absence of a rear seat bench creates new scope for offering spontaneous driving enjoyment for two people while at the same time catering for the requirements of an active and varied lifestyle. The spacious, adaptable trunk is extremely flexible. With a large, high-opening tailgate and a wide through-loading system that can also be opened from the driver’s or passenger’s seat, the MINI Coupé offers cargo-carrying possibilities that will suit a wide range of needs, whether for daily routine, leisure or touring for two.

Pricing and additional technical specifications for the MINI Coupé lineup will be released closer to market launch in October, 2011.

  BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 42 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 27 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5005 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca      

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca