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Woodcliff Lake, December 21, 2006 |
NEXT GENERATION MINI COOPER AND COOPER S TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT 2007 NAIAS IN DETROITThe all-new second generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops will make their North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.
MINI's signature design and enhanced performance: the all-new MINI. Boasting brand-new, aluminum-alloy four-cylinder engines with increased power and performance, the new MINI hardtops make a strong statement as they enter the North American market. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper develops a maximum of 118 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. This propels the car to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 126 mph. The new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides 172 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque in a range from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. The Cooper S reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph. Despite their greater power and performance, the engines are even more fuel-efficient than before: Most notably the MINI Cooper with a manual transmission achieves an impressive 40 Miles per Gallon in highway driving according to the latest EPA testing. The second generation MINI has been completely redesigned from the ground up. Yet the new hardtops carry on MINI's distinctive design elements, such as its instantly recognizable profile and contrast roof, its large round headlights and its wheels out at each corner - all elements that are the hallmark of MINI's design, The overall length of the MINI Cooper has been extended by a mere 2.36 inches over the length of its predecessor; while the new MINI Cooper S is 2.4 inches longer. Although remaining one of the smallest cars on the road in the US, this modest increase in size is due to the MINI's new, larger engines and MINI's vision to anticipate and meet compliance for future impact and pedestrian safety standards. The interior of the new MINI has been thoroughly redesigned, offering a premium look with more choice and convenience. Reflecting the purist concept of the car, the highlight of the dashboard is the larger center speedometer, which features integrated audio controls as well as enhanced readouts and functions over the previous model. Offering more ways to customize a MINI Cooper and Cooper S, the new hardtops are available with a wide range of new features and equipment. One such new feature is the optionally available ambient interior illumination which may be varied between warm orange and a cool blue, according to the individual preferences of the driver and passengers. MINI features a bank of its signature, rally-inspired toggle switches not only in the center console but in the overhead control panel as well. And there is an auxiliary input in the center console to accommodate portable audio devices such as an MP3 player. Drop-top Driving in an exclusive package: the MINI Convertible Sidewalk.
MINI in the US MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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MINI will also present the MINI Convertible Sidewalk for its
World debut. It will be offered in the U.S. as an option package and as a
separate model for international markets. The new MINI Cooper and Cooper
S hardtops build upon the design success of the first generation MINI models
which offer go-kart like reflexes and the ability for customers to individualize
their car. The most successful premium small car in the world has been updated
in a way that is evolutionary in design and revolutionary in substance. And
a wide range of engine, transmission, chassis and steering innovations give
the all-new MINI an impressive level of sportiness and agility.
Making its World Debut will be the MINI Convertible Sidewalk.
It is a car for the true enthusiast who appreciates the fun and exhilaration
of open-air driving. In the US, the Sidewalk will be available in the spring
as an exclusive package on both the MINI Cooper Convertible as well as the
MINI Cooper S Convertible at a cost of $4,000. For other international markets,
the MINI Sidewalk Convertible will be sold as an individual model. The Sidewalk
package offers an exclusive, look, featuring special light-alloy wheels,
an attractive interior surface trim and leather upholstery developed specifically
for the package. In addition the package comes with a host of options and
equipment bundled together to offer more exclusivity, substance and value.
The Cooper Sidewalk includes 16 inch bridge spoke wheels and sport seats.
The Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk includes 17 inch Night Spoke wheels and
Xenon headlamps. The package for both models comes with English leather sport
seats in an exclusive malt brown color and Sidewalk interior surfaces and
graphics. The steering wheel comes wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather
and is integrated with multi-function controls including cruise control.
Dynamic Stability Control, Chrome Line interior trim, a center arm rest and
a Harmon/Kardon sound system round out the package options.