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MINI ... two world premieres at the New York International Auto Show


MINI Cooper Convertible

MINI Cooper Convertible

 

New York, 24 March, 2016

The British premium brand MINI presents two new attractive representatives of its model program with two world premieres at the New York International Auto Show 2016. The motor show on the East Coast of the USA provides the setting for the world’s first public appearance of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible and the new MINI Clubman ALL4. The two new additions reflect the further expanded spectrum of options for enjoying characteristic MINI driving fun. John Cooper Works lines up its second top athlete of the new model generation in the form of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, while the MINI Clubman ALL4 combines the very latest MINI feeling with all-wheel drive.



The New York International Auto Show was established as long ago as 1900 and has been held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center since 2000. Current models, products and technologies will be showcased here from 25 March to 3 April 2016. The appearance of MINI in the heart of Manhattan offers visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves not only with the two new models but also with the entire model family as well as new offers in the program of optional equipment and accessories.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: outstanding driving fun and intense open-air pleasure.
As the second John Cooper Works model of the latest generation, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible combines extremely sporty properties with the refined qualities of the new MINI Convertible. With engine and suspension technology optimised for the racetrack as well as distinctive design and equipment features, the new edition of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible offers the most exclusive way of combining racetrack feeling with open-air pleasure. The British brand’s most powerful engine with an output of 228 hp provides a powerful, spontaneous response and a thrilling, emotional sound. Taking just 18 seconds to open or close, the soft top is fully electrically powered for the first time so it is now especially low-noise. It terms of styling, the elongated silhouette and the powerfully modelled surfaces are supplemented with exclusive design elements to optimise cooling air intake and aerodynamics. The suspension technology set-up based on racing expertise and convertible-specific bracing elements ensure excellent agility and precisely controlled handling. Advancements over the predecessor model are also reflected in the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible not just in terms of acceleration figures but also from the point of view of space comfort and the premium characteristics of the interior, where the rollover bars that extend automatically if needed are now fully integrated behind the rear seats.

The power is generated by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine fitted with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology that offers 20 hp more output than the predecessor model. The top athlete has an output that is 39 hp higher than that of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the British athlete accelerates in 6.4 seconds to 60 mph, making it 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor. When equipped with the optional 6-speed Steptronic sports transmission, the sprint takes just 6.3 seconds (0.5 seconds less). The car's outstanding performance combined with driving properties that remain supremely under control even when travelling in an extremely sporty style derive from a precisely assembled overall package that also comprises a sports exhaust system, a sports suspension, 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels and a sports brake system developed in collaboration with the specialist manufacturer Brembo. The car’s dynamic appearance is rounded off with the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit and a distinctive interior design featuring John Cooper Works sports seats.

The exclusive appeal of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is also reflected in an extensive range of standard features. Air conditioning and the Radio MINI Boost, LED headlights, the MINI Driving Modes and Park Distance Control are just some of the elements that come as standard. Even greater driving fun, comfort and individual style is provided by special options available in addition to the new special equipment features available for the MINI Convertible as well as the range of John Cooper Works Tuning accessories. Exclusive options for the John Cooper Works models include the body finish in the variant Rebel Green, 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels and bonnet stripes.

The new MINI Clubman ALL4: supreme performance in every situation.
Hallmark brand driving fun and MINI feeling can now be experienced in combination with all-wheel drive in the new MINI Clubman ALL4. The new generation of the all-wheel drive system ALL4 with electrohydraulic control sees its premiere in two versions of the largest and most versatile MINI model. A new design principle featuring power take-off bevel gear on the front axis with a dual-section propeller shaft and Hang-On multidisc clutch in the rear axle differential provides a perfect alternative and supplement to the typical MINI front-wheel drive. The precise distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels to suit the current situation on the road is taken care of by the fact that the ALL4 control unit is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. This enables a fast response to changes in driving style or road surface and ensures extremely sporty handling and supreme traction in all conditions. Two particularly powerful engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology combined with manual and Steptronic transmissions ensure dynamic thrust in the new MINI Clubman ALL4. The MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (189 hp), while the MINI Cooper Clubman ALL4 is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine (134 hp), each of which come as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission or optionally with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

In terms of the suspension, the new MINI Clubman ALL4 combines hallmark brand go-kart feeling with safe driving properties and supreme comfort at all times. This is enabled by suspension technology that is unique within the competitive environment, comprising a single-joint strut front axle and a multilink rear axle. What is more, the MINI Clubman ALL4 is fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels. The new MINI Clubman ALL4 derives its versatility from four side doors, rear split doors that open sideways, five seats and a luggage compartment volume of between 360 litres (17.5 cubic feet) and 1250 litres (47.9 cubic feet). The range of body paint finishes has also been extended to include the variant Digital Blue metallic. Distinctive style inside the car is provided by a dashboard with cockpit facia frame in the upper section, while a comprehensive range of instruments supplies a wide variety of information.

Driving fun, comfort and individual style can be enhanced even further with the extensive range of optional equipment. In addition to the MINI Driving Modes for an individual vehicle set-up, other modern driver assistance systems are available such as MINI Head-Up-Display, Parking Assistant, rear view camera and Driving Assistant. The broad range is rounded off with LED headlights and LED fog lamps as well as a large number of other equipment options, including John Cooper Works and MINI Yours features - not to mention the current MINI Connected in-car infotainment program.

The MINI model program: still on course for success with even greater diversity.
With the new models on show at the New York International Auto Show 2016, the latest MINI generation reflects a level of diversity that enables driving fun in virtually all its facets. So MINI is clearly set to continue its success story on the American automotive market. In the new generation, the original in the premium segment of small cars is now available in the USA, too, as both the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door. Based on the classic 3-door model variant and the MINI Convertible, there is also the extremely sporty MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. These two top athletes are the most powerful serial production vehicles of the brand ever to be produced. Typical MINI driving fun and individual style beyond the small car segment is provided by the MINI Countryman. As the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional ALL4 all-wheel drive, for the last five years this all-rounder has likewise made a significant contribution to the success of the brand in the US market. It has added support here from the avant-garde and sporty MINI Paceman, the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium compact segment. Both models also serve as the basis for two other extreme athletes: the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman offer drive and suspension technology developed on the basis of racing expertise, all-wheel drive as standard and a striking exterior and interior design. The MINI Clubman also transfers the properties of the latest model generation to the premium compact segment. It offers the highest level of everyday practicality, long-distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort ever available in a MINI, and as the MINI Clubman ALL4 it now also benefits from all-wheel drive.