PressClub Global · Article.
MINI at the Tokyo Auto Show 2013.
Mon Nov 18 17:55:00 CET 2013 Press Release
The international motor show in the Japanese capital is the setting for the Asian premiere of the new MINI.
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Andreas Lampka
BMW Group
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Author.
Andreas Lampka
BMW Group
This article in other PressClubs
Munich/Tokyo. Just a few days after the world
premiere of the new MINI in its home country the UK, it now makes its
first trade fair appearance in Asia at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The
new edition of this globally successful model will therefore be one of
the highlights at the international motor show in the capital of
Japan. The instantly recognisable features of the new MINI are its
unmistakable design - which has now evolved further - increased
interior space and a new display and operating concept. But it also
comes with an entirely new range of engines and transmissions,
completely revised suspension technology and numerous innovations in
the field of driver assistance systems, making it one of the most
spectacular new products on show at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.
The debut of the new MINI in Tokyo is supplemented with an
extensive presentation of the brand's other models. At the
international trade fair centre Big Sight, visitors will be able to
experience driving fun, premium quality and individual flair in all
its diversity from November 23rd to December 1st 2013 - from the
highly sporty open-top two-seater MINI John Cooper Works Roadster to
the exclusive design model MINI Clubman Bond Street and the latest
all-wheel drive model, the MINI Cooper Crossover ALL4.
The new MINI: more distinctive and progressive than ever.
The latest edition of the MINI features an extensive upgrade in
terms of product substance that benefits its sporty, agile handling,
ride comfort and efficiency as well as enhancing its unmistakable
aura, functionality and premium style. New engines with MINI TwinPower
Turbo Technology and likewise newly developed transmissions increase
the car's sprint capabilities while at the same time reducing fuel
consumption. Efficiency is significantly boosted by means of extensive
MINIMALISM technology, consistently optimised weight and improved
aerodynamic properties.
The sophisticated technology of the new MINI, unparalleled in
the small car segment, is also reflected in numerous innovative
features. For the first time ever, a MINI can be fitted with
adjustable dampers. The new MINI Driving Modes option allows the car
to be driven in GREEN mode, including coasting function with decoupled
drivetrain. Another unique feature in this class of vehicle are the
optionally available LED headlamps. Meanwhile the range of driver
assistance systems and MINI Connected Services has been significantly
expanded. New features in this area include the MINI Head-Up Display,
the Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control,
collision warning and road sign recognition, the parking assistant and
Emergency Call.
Hallmark proportions, optimised space.
This latest evolutionary stage in the development of MINI
enhances not only driving fun but also the car's quality feel, the
space available on all four seats and the level of safety. The new
MINI is 98 millimetres longer, 44 millimetres wider and 7 millimetres
higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28
millimetres while the track has been increased by 42 millimetres at
the front and 34 millimetres at the rear. Bot cornering agility and
ride comfort benefit from these new dimensions as does the amount of
space available to occupants, and the luggage compartment volume has
also been increased by 51 litres to a total of 211 litres.
Like its proportions, the evolutionary refinement of the model's
design ensures that characteristic features are retained. The
three-section body structure continues to define the car's distinctive
look in the new MINI. The main corpus of the vehicle, the greenhouse
glass section encompassing the entire car and the roof on top are
clearly separated from each other in visual terms. The wide track and
short overhangs emphasise the striking expression of the vehicle's
corpus, seated powerfully on the wheels. The athletic stature of the
new MINI is also highlighted by prominent lines in the side view.
Traditional design features such as the hexagonal contour of the
radiator grille, the side indicator surrounds known as side scuttles,
the circular headlights, the upright rear light clusters and the black
periphery around the bottom edge of the body are reinterpreted and
given additional emphasis by means of a high-end surface design in
each specific area.
The MINI Cooper S draws its model-specific sporty flair from
such features as a radiator grille with honeycomb pattern, an
additional opening in the bonnet, brake air ducts integrated in the
lower air inlets and a separate rear apron with exhaust tailpipes
arranged at the centre. In addition to the side scuttle elements, the
radiator grille of this model variant now also bears an "S"
logo with chrome surround.
Unique in the segment: LED headlamps and adaptive light distribution.
The new MINI is the first car in its segment to offer the option
of LED headlamps. The bright white LED units provide the light source
for both low and high beam. They are also surrounded by an LED
daylight driving ring, of which the lower section reaches down to the
white turn indicators. Another option is an adaptive light
distribution function that ensures optimum illumination of the road
surface and roadside - depending on situation and route profile - and
also includes a turning light. The optional fog lamps are likewise
available in halogen or LED, according to preference. In conjunction
with the LED headlamps, the rear light clusters also come as LED units.
High-end interior with new display and operating concept.
The design of the interior likewise combines hallmark brand
styling with an optimised premium look and feel. A key element here -
in addition to the high-quality selection of materials and colours -
is the new display and operating concept. One of the most important
new features is the instrument cluster on the steering column. Road
speed, engine speed and fuel supply are displayed on vertically
arranged circular instruments. The speedometer scale includes a colour
display for Check Control messages, vehicle status displays and visual
indicators relating to currently activated driver assistance systems.
With its new indicator elements and extended functionality, the
central instrument so characteristic of MINI intensifies the
interaction between driver and car. As an optional extra, its interior
surface can also act as an on-board computer. The colour screen -
measuring up to 8.8 inches - is used along with the MINI Controller on
the centre console to operate vehicle functions, air conditioning,
infotainment, communication, navigation and MINI Connected Services.
This allows for intuitive, safe and convenient operation based on the
principles of the BMW iDrive system - a ground-breaking force
throughout the entire automotive sector.
The innovative display and operating concept is supported by a
lighting design in the area of the central instrument which is unique
to MINI. LED units around the outer edge of the circular instrument -
optionally available in six colours - can respond to the current
situation on the road or else to specific operating steps as the
driver prefers.
The increased interior space available and a wide range of
clever details make for further advancements in the area of
functionality. The split rear backrest is not only foldable, its tilt
angle can be adjusted too. Numerous cupholders and storage facilities
make it easy to take drinks and travel utensils along in the car, and
there is an additional storage compartment behind the decorative strip
on the passenger side.
New engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology.
The new MINI lines up for its launch on the Japanese automotive
market in two model variants: the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S.
Both are powered by completely newly developed engines featuring MINI
TwinPower Turbo Technology, including a turbocharging system, petrol
direct injection, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust
side (double VANOS) and fully variable valve control in the form of
VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The engines are combined
with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of a
6-speed automatic transmission.
The new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder
engine with a peak output of 141 kW/192 bhp which goes on stream
between 4 700 and 6 000 rpm, delivering its maximum torque of 280
Newton metres at 1 250 rpm. Torque can even briefly be increased to
300 Newton metres by means of an overboost function. As a result,
acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 6.8 seconds (automatic:
(6.7 seconds), while the top speed is 235 km/h (233 km/h). This
fascinating sporty flair goes hand in hand with further optimised
efficiency. The combined range of the new MINI Cooper S is 15.8 km/l
(automatic: 17.6 km/l).
The 3-cylinder engine in the new MINI Cooper - also newly
developed - delivers an output of 100 kW/136 bhp from a capacity of
1.5 litres between 4 500 and 6 000 rpm with a maximum torque of 220
Newton metres (230 Nm with overboost) at 1 250 rpm. With this
increased performance the new MINI Cooper sprints from standing to 100
km/h in 7.9 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds), while its top speed is
210 km/h in each case. In spite of these enhanced performance figures,
the new MINI Cooper also boasts a reduced level of fuel consumption.
Its combined range is 19.2 km/l (automatic: 17.8 km/l).
MINI Driving Modes: sporty flair and efficiency at the turn of
a switch.
For the first time, the MINI Driving Modes option is now
available for the new MINI, allowing the driver to select a preferred
set-up. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever is
used to activate either standard MID mode, SPORT or GREEN mode. The
MINI Driving Modes influence the characteristic curve of the
accelerator and steering, as well as the shift properties of the
automatic transmission and the damper set-up where applicable.
In GREEN mode - supporting a relaxed and more fuel-efficient
driving style - the energy used by electrically powered comfort
functions such as the air conditioning and exterior mirror heating is
reduced. In cars fitted with automatic transmission it is also
possible to use the coasting function. Here the drivetrain is
decoupled at speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h, enabling the driver to
remove their foot from the accelerator pedal.
Optimised suspension technology: less weight, more go-kart
feeling and adjustable dampers for the first time.
The refinement of suspension technology in the new MINI aims to
intensify experience of the car's agile handling properties, commonly
known as the go-kart feeling. Virtually all parts have been modified
at the front and rear axle so as to reduce weight and increase
component rigidity. The set-up of the wheel suspension, body mounting,
suspension, damping, steering and brakes has been adapted to the
increased engine output and to the typical MINI concept consisting of
front-wheel drive, transversely mounted engine at the front, low
centre of gravity, short overhangs, wide track and rigid,
weight-optimised body structure.
The optionally available adjustable dampers are another novel
element in the range of MINI equipment features. Two characteristic
lines are available for damper set-up, allowing activation of either a
more comfort-oriented or a direct, sporty response to road bumps,
depending on the given situation. The electromechanical power steering
has also been subjected to extensive further development and includes
the speed-related assistance function Servotronic as standard. DSC
(Dynamic Stability Control) - likewise a standard feature - now also
features a dry brake function, Fading Brake Support, a drive-off
assistant and the traction mode DTC (Dynamic Traction Control).
Meanwhile cornering agility is enhanced by means of Electronic
Differential Lock Control (EDLC), and the new MINI Cooper S
additionally features the Performance Control system.
Innovative driver assistance systems increase convenience and
safety. Further evidence of the technological progress
ushered in with the new edition of the MINI is to be found in the
program of driver assistance systems. New features include the MINI
Head-Up-Display which shows information relevant to the driver on an
extendible monitor in the upper section of the dashboard between the
windscreen and steering wheel. The new Driving Assistant option
includes a camera-based cruise control and distance function, a
collision warning with initial braking function, road sign detection
and high beam assistant. A rear view camera and parking assistant are
also available for the new MINI. The rear view camera, housed
underneath the tailgate handle, sends video images to the on-board
computer in the central instrument. The parking assistant
automatically identifies suitable parking spaces at the roadside and
then takes care of all the steering movements required to park the car.
A wide range of other high-end options in the areas of comfort,
functionality and individuality are also available to allow drivers to
style the new MINI according to their own detailed personal
preferences. In addition to the air conditioning system (comes as
standard in the MINI Cooper S) there is also a 2-zone automatic air
conditioning system, seat heating for driver and front passenger, a
panorama glass roof, a visibility package including windscreen
heating, rain sensor and automatic light control, the harman kardon
hi-fi speaker system and a sports leather steering wheel (as standard
in the MINI Cooper S) including optional multifunction buttons and
cruise control.
Other options include Comfort Access, Park Distance Control,
roof rails and electrically heatable and folding exterior mirrors as
well as interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle
function. Options for customisation of the exterior and interior in
hallmark brand style also include a rear spoiler in John Cooper Works
design as well as various roof and exterior mirror decors, bonnet
stripes, seat upholsteries, interior surfaces, Colour Lines and the
lighting package with LED interior lighting and orange ambient lighting.
MINI Connected: premiere for Emergency Call; apps now also
available for Android smartphones.
The option MINI Connected or MINI Connected XL is also available
in conjunction with the Radio MINI Visual Boost and the MINI
navigation system. It offers extensive integration of smartphones in
the car and therefore the use of internet-based services in the areas
of infotainment, communication and driver experience. These are
provided via a range of apps whose functional diversity is being
continuously expanded. MINI Connected XL also includes the function
Journey Mate for networked navigation including Real Time Traffic
Information with traffic feedback in real time. In future, both the
MINI Connected App and the so-called MINI Connected ready Apps
supplied by third-party providers will be available not just for the
Apple iPhone but also for smartphones using the operating system Android.
And for the first time, the new MINI can be fitted with a SIM
card which is permanently installed in the car. This can be used to
make telephone calls required for Emergency Call , including automatic
detection of vehicle location and accident severity.
MINI on the Asian automobile markets: a driving force for
continuous growth.
The new MINI puts the British
manufacturer of premium small cars and compact models fully on course
to continue its global success story. 12 years after the relaunch of
the brand, MINI has become established all over the world as the
epitome of efficient driving fun, stylish individual flair and
uncompromising quality. One key factor accounting for the continuous
increase in sales figures is dynamic growth in the Asian automobile
markets. The MINI Community in Japan are among the most demanding
customers, as well as being especially open to technological
innovations and therefore looking forward very keenly to the launch of
the new MINI.
But the continuing growth of MINI is also due to the consistent
expansion of its model range. By transferring the hallmark MINI
qualities to new vehicle concepts and making a successful move into
the compact segment, MINI has been able to inspire additional target
groups with its driving fun, premium quality and individual flair. For
this reason an overview of the most recent and most attractive
representatives of the remainder of the model portfolio will likewise
be on show at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, parallel to the debut of the
new MINI.
The model program of the MINI family has continuously expanded
over recent years to reach its current size of seven members. Hallmark
brand qualities are to be found in the classic MINI vehicle concept
just as they are in the MINI Clubman, which offers the additional
benefit of expanded space. As a purebred two-seater, the MINI Coupé
embodies a thoroughly sporty style. With the MINI Convertible and the
MINI Roadster, motorists are offered two ways of enjoying the brand's
typical driving fun in an open-top premium small car. And there are
also two models now representing the brand's venture into a new market
segment. The trailblazer here was the MINI Crossover, the first model
of the brand to be fitted with four doors, a large tailgate and space
for up to five occupants. As of this year, this agile all-rounder is
now joined by the MINI Paceman, the world's first ever Sports Activity
Coupé in the premium compact segment. The all-wheel drive system ALL4
specially developed for MINI is also available for the MINI Crossover
and the MINI Paceman. With supreme traction and enhanced agility on
bends, it adds yet another distinctive touch to the authentic driving
fun offered by MINI. In future this can also be enjoyed in the models
MINI Cooper ALL4 Countryman and MINI Cooper ALL4 Crossover and MINI
Cooper ALL4 Paceman.
On the Japanese market, too, the aspirations of especially
high-performance MINI models are addressed by the extremely sporty
John Cooper Works versions. The range of top sports cars in the small
car and compact segment has now also reached a total of seven models.
With their drive and suspension technology derived directly from motor
racing, an aerodynamically optimised exterior and specific interior
styling, the John Cooper Works models generate an authentic race
feeling. In the MINI John Cooper Works Crossover and MINI John Cooper
Works Paceman, the enormous power of the 4-cylinder turbo engine is
transferred to the road by the standard all-wheel drive system ALL4 to
suit the given situation.
Note: The cars described in this press release correspond to the
engine and fittings specifications of the Japanese automobile market.
Deviations are possible in other markets. All figures for driving
performance figures and fuel consumption figures are provisional.
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