PressClub Italia · Article.
MINI at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Tue Sep 05 23:58:00 CEST 2017 Comunicati Stampa
Double world premiere: MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept with a clear focus on extreme dynamic performance, MINI Electric Concept as a look ahead to locally emission-free driving fun – British premium brand presents the diversity of its model program and customisation options as well as the range of accessory and lifestyle products in Hall 11 of the Frankfurt trade fair centre.
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BMW Group
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Author.
Cristiana Raffaella Lattuada
BMW Group
Munich. MINI is shaping the future of urban mobility
by providing driving fun in increasing diversity. At the 2017
Frankfurt Motor Show, the British premium brand gives visitors an
impression of how the unmistakable MINI feeling will develop in future
to cover a broader range beyond the current model program. Innovative
concepts and technologies provide additional room for individual flair
and highly emotional experiences, while continuing to enhance the
thrilling agility and exemplary efficiency that are typical of MINI.
The world premiere of the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept
turns the brand's stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show into a pit lane.
The concept study conveys spontaneous readiness, offering a genuine
foretaste of an extremely dynamic serial production model that is
constantly able to demonstrate its race track suitability while at the
same time reaching a new level of excellence in terms of driving fun
in day-to-day traffic due to the fact that is approved for road use.
Powerful proportions, expressive colours and exterior components that
can be clearly seen to optimise both weight and aerodynamic properties
– all this is already suggestive of outstanding performance properties.
The MINI Electric Concept showcased in Frankfurt for the first
time embodies a whole new dimension of the brand's characteristic
go-kart feeling, now combining it with locally emission-free mobility.
The concept vehicle conveys a message of sustainable urban
transportation in MINI style while at the same time previewing a
volume production model that will follow soon. The first purely
electrically powered MINI to be manufactured in large-scale production
will go on the road in 2019 – precisely 60 years after the classic
Mini was first launched. It will make electromobility a highly
emotional experience that combines driving fun, style and individual
flair – as is characteristic of the MINI brand.
Success in racing and driving fun on the road: from the
classic Mini's triumph at the Monte Carlo rally 50 years ago and the
MINI ACV 30 through to the present day.
Lots of
driving fun on a small surface area – this traditional principle will
remain an integral part of MINI in the future, too. It is a
fundamental element of its character that is derived from spectacular
motor racing success. 50 years ago the classic Mini achieved its third
outright victory at the Monte Carlo Rally. Once again the British
small car left the larger and more powerful competition behind it,
finally cementing its status as an all-time legend. As long ago as 20
years there was a clear indication of how much the model's racing
career influenced not only the history of the classic Mini but also
the development of the modern MINI. The MINI ACV 30 concept car was
presented at the Monte Carlo Rally in January 1997.
The Anniversary Concept Vehicle came out right on time to mark
the 30th anniversary of its third win at the "Monte" – and
its powerful proportions caused a sensation on the streets of the
Principality of Monaco. At the same time, the two-seater powered by a
mid-mounted engine demonstrated how the classic Mini's characteristic
design features – such as the hexagon radiator grille and the large
circular headlamps – could be transferred to a modern vehicle concept.
As such, the MINI ACV 30 was not merely reminiscent of the brand's
origins: it was also a consistent recasting of the brand's traditional
values to meet the requirements of urban mobility in the 21st century.
The foundation stone was laid for a new era full of driving fun and
individual style in a variety of forms.
Diversity and individual character are also embodied by the
other elements of the MINI trade fair showcase in Frankfurt. From 14
to 24 September, the British premium manufacturer presents a broad
cross-section of its range, containing elements drawn from the current
model program, its rich selection of optional equipment and the latest
additions in the area of accessory and lifestyle products. The setting
for this display of both current and future items is Hall 11 at the
main entrance to the Frankfurt trade fair centre, a site that will be
shared by the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands.
Racing feeling with a tradition: MINI John Cooper Works GP
Concept.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept showcased
at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show radiates pure power and
uncompromising sporty flair. With a design inspired unmistakably by
motor racing, it arouses the expectation of authentic, unadulterated
and highly intense race feeling. Together with a spirited turbo engine
and suspension technology designed for use on the race track, the
exterior and interior of the concept study form a precisely harmonised
overall package for thrilling performance.
Compact dimensions, short overhangs, large tracks, optimised
weight, a low centre of gravity and a balanced axle load distribution
are design principles that helped the classic Mini three achieve
overall victories at the Monte Carlo Rally along with other legendary
motor racing triumphs five decades ago. The MINI John Cooper Works GP
Concept combines these principles with large front and rear aprons,
aerodynamically optimised side sills and a striking roof spoiler. The
extremely sporty style of the exterior design is underscored with a
body finish in Black Jack Anthracite enhanced by accentuations in
Curbside Red metallic and Highspeed Orange. The use of carbon fibre
reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other lightweight materials is clearly
visible, too. The authentic character of the MINI John Cooper Works GP
Concept is defined by perfect unity of form and function, with a
design that promotes both performance qualities and a highly emotional look.
In the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept, traditional racing
expertise and progressive technology form the basis for passionate
driving fun – on both race track and road. In the interior, the
roll-over cage, bucket seats, a puristically designed cockpit and the
lack of a rear seat clearly indicate the sporty ambitions of the
concept study. But this reduction to the absolute essentials is
combined with state-of-the-art digitalisation, too: the MINI Head-Up
Display facilitates concentration on what is happening on the road or
race track, while the suspension settings can be adjusted by means of
a touchscreen in the central instrument.
More driving fun, more style, no emissions: MINI Electric
Concept.
The MINI Electric Concept is modern, purist and
efficiently dynamic, providing a look ahead to a new form of urban
mobility free of local emissions that still guarantees unmistakable
driving fun. The spontaneous response of the electric motor to every
movement of the accelerator adds a whole new dimension to hallmark
brand agility. The powerful drive of the MINI Electric Concept draws
its energy from a lithium-ion battery, ensuring maximum range and
typical MINI agility combined with emission-free mobility.
The MINI Electric Concept not only stands for increased driving
fun, it also adds a touch more style in local emission-free city
traffic. Its design combines hallmark brand proportions and design
features with specific details reflecting the fact that is purely
electrically powered. The radiator grille is closed for superior
aerodynamics. There are also fibre glass attachment parts that reduce
aerodynamic drag. The paint finish in Reflection Silver and
Interchange Yellow is reminiscent of the MINI E presented in 2008.
Produced in a small series of some 600, the latter was subjected to
field tests in everyday driving conditions, thereby providing key
insights for the development of the purely electrically powered BMW i3.
The MINI Electric Concept is the next step along the way to
sustainable urban mobility. The BMW Group announced in July 2017 that
the expansion of its model range to include electrically powered
vehicles was to be a central pillar of its corporate strategy. In this
connection, start of production of the first purely electric MINI was
announced for 2019. Based on the MINI 3 door, the electric vehicle
will be manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford. Its drivetrain will
be produced at the Dingolfing and Landshut sites – the competence
centres for e-mobility within the BMW Group production network.
Paving the way for electric driving fun:
the MINI
Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
The world premiere
of the MINI Electric Concept comes just a few months after the launch
of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.3
– 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 – 13.2 kWh/100 km;
combined CO2 emissions from fuel: 52 – 49 g/km). The first plug-in
hybrid model of the British brand is already paving the way for purely
electric and therefore locally emission-free driving fun. Thanks to
its battery range of up to 42 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle, the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 effortlessly overcomes the limits of
urban mobility without producing any CO2 emissions at all. And
sustainable MINI feeling is ensured beyond city limits, too: a top
speed of 125 km/h is possible in electric driving mode.
This means that pure electric power is already sufficient to
take care of most everyday driving. The combustion engine comes into
play if a higher level of performance is required. Together the two
power units produce a system output of 165 kW/224 hp. Here again, the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 offers an entirely distinctive
experience. The precisely controlled interplay between the combustion
engine driving the front wheels and the electric motor powering the
rear wheels makes for an intelligent all-wheel drive system that
guarantees supreme driving fun in all weather conditions and on all
road surfaces.
MINI feeling in the premium compact segment: MINI Countryman
and MINI Clubman.
The launch of a model variant with
plug-in hybrid drive once again makes the MINI Countryman the pioneer
of a whole new dimension of the typical go-kart feeling. Its
predecessor was groundbreaking, too: it was the first all-wheel drive
model of the brand to be able to handle rough terrain, winning over
additional target groups with its advance into the premium compact
segment. The current generation of the MINI Countryman offers even
more space for passengers and luggage plus a noticeable increase in
ride comfort and functionality, as well as further advancements in the
areas of sporty flair, efficiency and premium characteristics. In
addition to the plug-in hybrid drive, there are three petrol engines
and three diesel engines to choose from for the all-rounder, and the
all-wheel drive system ALL4 is available for four of these models.
The success of the MINI Clubman shows just how well the British
brand has now become established in the premium compact segment. In
this hotly competed vehicle category, its unique body concept already
sets it apart from the rest. With its strikingly long roof line, four
side doors and the two split doors at the rear, the MINI Clubman is
the modern interpretation of a classic shooting brake. Five
fully-fledged seats, a large luggage compartment and a diverse range
of options in terms of space distribution means the model perfectly
meets mobility needs that go far beyond those of purely urban
mobility. The MINI Clubman is likewise available with three petrol
engines and three diesel engines. The two most powerful engines can be
combined with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 on request.
Three originals in the small car premium segment: MINI 3 door,
MINI 5 door, MINI Convertible.
The concept study of a
MINI Cooper for the 21st century was presented at the Frankfurt Motor
Show 20 years ago. A unique success story began shortly afterwards:
the relaunch of the British brand offered a new interpretation of its
underlying principle – namely maximum interior space and functionality
within the smallest possible surface area. The result was the first
small car in the premium segment and a new original. The MINI
instantly aroused enthusiasm with its agile driving properties,
powerfully expressive design, fascinating tradition and individual style.
The brand's classic body concept is also embodied in the latest
generation of the MINI 3 door. With the very finest drive and chassis
technology, progressive driver assistance systems and intelligent
connectivity, it meets the needs of modern target groups who attach
importance to driving fun, innovative technology, quality and
character. The new MINI 5 door demonstrates how the tradition-steeped
principle of the clever use of space can be advanced with a further
increase in functionality that results from a body extended in length
by 161 millimetres, two additional doors and three seats at the rear.
The trio of small car originals is rounded off with the MINI
Convertible. In its role as the sole premium convertible in the small
car segment, the four-seater is still unrivalled in the current model generation.
Four petrol engines and three diesel engines are available for
the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door. The MINI Convertible is available
in three petrol engine and two diesel engine variants.
Top athletes of individual character: the John Cooper Works
models.
The John Cooper Works models arouse passion for
motor racing. The model selection of top athletes currently
encompasses four distinctive characters that all have one thing in
common: an overall package – comprising engine, suspension and both
exterior and interior design – which was developed on the basis of
sound racing experience and fine-tuned on the race track. This makes
MINI John Cooper Works the epitome of maximum performance in a premium
small car. In the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, extremely lively
sprint capacity is combined with spontaneous open air pleasure.
Two additional extreme athletes are also lined up for the start
in the premium compact segment. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and
the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman convey intense race-track
feeling combined with unlimited everyday practicality. Both models put
the power of their turbo engine on the road via the standard all-wheel
drive system ALL4.
For further details on official fuel consumption figures,
official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars,
please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions
and power consumption of new cars”, available at all sales outlets,
from Deutschen Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1,
73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at
http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html.
Manual CO2 (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI,
Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading
premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides
premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW
Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries
and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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