The All-New MINI Roadster.

  Richmond Hill.Continuing a vigorous expansion of the MINI model family, MINI is proud to announce the sixth model in the lineup, the all-new MINI Roadster.

The cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept becomes the first premium vehicle of its type in the small car segment. The three-box body structure stands more than 20 mm lower than the MINI Convertible and is equipped with a manually operated soft-top roof with a simplified latching mechanism for quick and easy opening and closing.

When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car’s elegantly sweeping lines intact. Since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.

The MINI Roadster will be available in three versions, with powertrains familiar from the Roadster’s stablemate MINI Coupés:

The MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is equipped with a high-performance version of the well-known MINI 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharging, variable valve control and direct injection along with a host of enhancements lifted directly from MINI’s motor sport program. With an output of 208 hp at 6,000 rpm  and 192 ft-lb or torque from 1,850 – 5,600 rpm, the JCW Roadster accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds (preliminary), maintaining an average fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100km (in the EU cycle).

The MINI Cooper S Roadster sports MINI’s familiar 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve control and direction injection, outputting 181 hp at 5,500 rpm and generating 177 ft-lb of torque from 1,600 - 5,000 rpm, thrusting the Cooper S Roadster from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds (preliminary). Average fuel consumption (in the EU cycle) clocks in at 6.0 L/100 km).
 

The MINI Cooper Roadsteris powered by the naturally aspirated1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Generating121 hp at 6,000 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, the Cooper Roadster sprints from 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (preliminary), rendering a thrifty average fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km (in the EU cycle).

All variants of the new MINI Roadster come equipped with speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering, Dynamic Stability Control , Park Distance Control, air-conditioning, roll-over bars in polished stainless steel , an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX In connection and, like their MINI Coupé cousins, an active rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 80 km/h.

Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) is additionally standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, optional on the Cooper S Roadster.

A full array of options will include black headlight housings, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel, the Always Open Timer, an armrest, a storage package, and preparation for a rear luggage carrier rack. A wide range of entertainment and communications options is also offered: Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system and MINI Connected features including Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.

Bespoke range of exterior paint finishes, Sport Stripes and interior design elements offer the key to individuality.

A range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades are available for the exterior of the MINI Roadster. In keeping with British roadster tradition, the roof remains in black. Sport Stripes, available in three colours for the bonnet, trunk lid and rear apron, allow owners to add an extra personal touch. The light-alloy wheels fitted as standard on the MINI Roadster come in 16 or 17-inch formats, depending on the model variant. A selection of other light-alloy wheels are available as options in the same sizes.

The extensive range of MINI seat and upholstery variants includes ultra-exclusive piped sports seats in the colour shade Toffy. Added to which, black sports seats are also available in Punch Leather with beige-coloured perforations. Trim strips can be ordered in any of six variants, while an extra Chili Red option is also offered for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster.
A choice of five Colour Lines is also available, and customers may likewise choose to explore the additional, extremely exclusive interior design options offered by the MINI Yours range.

A well-rounded concept delivering driving fun without compromises.

With a significant storage area immediately behind the driver and passenger seats, a wide-aperture through-loading door, a 240-liter luggage area and a wide-opening tailgate, the MINI Roadster provides provides generous amenities for its two-seater configuration. An accessory wind deflector is also available, fitting between the roll-over bars.

In standard MINI form, a full complement of passive safety elements include front airbags, head-thorax airbags integrated into the outer sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tire Defect Indicator.

Additional technical details, pricing and options information will be available closer to the market launch of the new MINI Roadster in spring of 2012.

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 44 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 29 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