PressClub Canada · Article.
The New MINI Clubman ALL4.
Thu Jan 21 23:55:00 CET 2016 Press Release
The new MINI Clubman lineup expands to a total of four models.
Press Contact.
Robert Dexter
BMW Group
Tel: +1-905-428-5447
Fax: +1-905-428-5086
send an e-mail
Author.
Robert Dexter
BMW Group
Richmond Hill. MINI is today launching the all new MINI Clubman ALL4, marking the MINI brand’s further advance into the premium compact segment. The 2016 MINI Clubman ALL4 is the first ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.
MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which has previously only been offered on MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models, has been specially redeveloped to ensure more dynamic handling and improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of the new MINI Clubman and will be offered in both Cooper and Cooper S variants.
MINI Cooper Clubman ALL4
The advanced engine technology helps the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper Clubman ALL4 achieve superb acceleration, especially at speed, without sacrificing fuel economy. The power unit generates a peak output of 134 hp and puts its maximum torque of 162 ft lbs on the line at just 1250 rpm. The engine is combined as standard with the 6-speed manual transmission and is available for the first time with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This enables a run from standing to 100 km/h in 9.5/9.6 seconds, respectively.
The MINI Cooper Clubman ALL4 will be launched with an MSRP of $26,990.
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4
With a peak output of 189 hp, the 2.0-litre engine in the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is the most powerful engine in the compact model's portfolio. Its technology package comprises turbocharging, direct injection, fully variable valve control and variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust side. It mobilizes a maximum torque of 207 ft lbs at 1,250 rpm.
With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 accelerates in 7.0 seconds from standing to 100 km/h, while in conjunction with the optional 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission the standard sprint takes just 6.9 seconds. Regardless of transmission, this represents an improvement in 0-to-100 acceleration of 0.2 seconds compared with the front-wheel drive Cooper S Clubman.
The MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 will debut with an MSRP of $29,990.
Innovative transmissions for increased driving fun and efficiency.
The transmissions available for the new MINI Clubman ALL4 have also been newly developed for the current model generation of the brand. The 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by low weight, high internal efficiency and shift comfort optimized by means of carbon friction linings for the synchroniser rings. A gear sensor also enables active engine speed adaptation for especially sporty shifting when accelerating and increased comfort when shifting down (rev matching).
With its broader gear spread and smaller engine speed steps, the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission provides an especially favourable basis for efficient, comfortable and sporty driving. An 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission is optionally available for the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 that offers even shorter shift times and is operated in manual mode by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel. It also has a Launch Control function for traction-optimized acceleration with maximum dynamic performance from standing.
Latest generation MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system
The electronically controlled ALL4 all-wheel drive system distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles as appropriate to each specific situation on the road. This enables highly spirited acceleration and increases agility when cornering at speed and ensures supreme traction and optimal driving stability in all weather and road conditions
The latest version of the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system is particularly compact and weight-optimized in its design. The drive power delivered by the engine via the manual or Steptronic automatic transmission is initially fed to the front axle differential. An integrated single-stage power take-off bevel gear diverts the power and relays it to a propeller shaft leading to the rear axle. Here power transmission to the rear axle differential is effected in a continuously variable manner via a hang-on clutch, depending on the given situation on the road.
In normal driving situations with active Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the new MINI Clubman ALL4 defaults to front-wheel drive as is typical of the brand. This enables a reduction in lost torque of up to 30 per cent in power transmission to the rear axle. If necessary, the hang-on clutch can relay torque to the rear wheels within a fraction of a second by means of an electrohydraulic pump. Fast and precise adaptation to the given situation on the road is possible because the all-wheel drive system is interconnected with the driving dynamics system DSC which distributes torque by means of selective braking on individual wheels. Its control unit permanently calculates the ideal power distribution between front and rear axles.
Other functions of the driving dynamics system DSC include the anti-lock brake system ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBD), the braking and drive-off assistant, the brake dry function and Fading Brake Support. It is also possible to activate the DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode at the press of a button, permitting controlled slip and thereby facilitating set-off on loose sand or in deep snow.
Typical MINI suspension technology, characteristic go-kart feeling.
In conjunction with all-wheel drive, the high-quality suspension technology with a single joint strut axle at the front and a multilink rear axle ensures the go-kart feeling that all MINI models are renowned for.
The new development of all front axle parts has resulted in an optimization of kinematics as well as component stiffness and weight. The particularly stiff wheel suspension on the rear axle, along with the large track width and long wheelbase of the MINI Clubman ALL4 also enhances the agile handling properties of the MINI Clubman. Dynamic Damper Control is available as an optional extra. This allows the damper program map to be adjusted via MINI Driving Modes.
The new MINI Clubman ALL4 comes as standard with the speed-related Servotronic steering support for the electromechanical power steering. Both all-wheel drive model variants come off the production line with alloy wheels. The Cooper Clubman ALL4 comes with 16-inch light alloy wheels, while the Cooper S Clubman ALL4 features 17-inch light alloy wheels. The range of special equipment features includes additional light alloy wheels sized 17 to 19 inches.
In addition to the torsionally stiff, rigid and also weight-optimized body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI Clubman ALL4. This comprises eight airbags, as well as 3-point belts on all seats. A tire pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard.
The MINI Clubman ALL4 will go on sale in April at MINI dealers across Canada.
-30-
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 45 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 30 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.
For more information, please contact:
Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
416-305-1709 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca
Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist
BMW Group Canada
905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca