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MINI and John Cooper Works: shared roots in motor racing
MINI und John Cooper Works: Gemeinsame Wurzeln im Motorsport |
In the name of racing: MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works ClubmanMunich. A big name, a long tradition, outstanding performance, figures and an incomparable driving experience: the MINI John Cooper Works arouses motor racing passion which goes beyond the race track.
Fascinating power due to motor racing expertise.
More air, more power, more torque - the formula for increased driving pleasure.
Petrol direct injection: fuel is precisely measured and efficiently used. With a specific output of 132 bhp per litre of capacity, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman advance into the realm of the purebred sports car. What is more, both new models have the characteristic MINI quality of offering unique driving fun in combination with exemplary efficiency. The key function here is the fuel supply system. The turbo 4-cylinder is fitted with petrol direction injection according to the common rail principle. Injection valves positioned laterally in the cylinder head feed the fuel in precise doses under a pressure of 120 bar from the tank directly into the combustion chamber. This means that in every situation on the road, precise fuel supply is guaranteed which is adapted to the given load requirements. The average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is at an unusually low level for vehicles of this output category. The MINI John Cooper Works makes do with 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman requires 7.0 litres. The respective CO2 figures are 165 and 167 grams per kilometre. Conceived for maximum driving fun: chassis, brakes, assistance systems.
As standard and unique in front-wheel-drive vehicles: DSC with DTC. In addition to sporty suspension settings and powerful brakes, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman also have sophisticated driving stability systems. Their standard equipment includes ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including hill-start assistance and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). By applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power, DSC applies a stabilising effect when required, intervening early on to prevent the vehicle from swerving at the front or rear wheels in especially dynamic driving situations or on slippery surfaces. The brake assistance function, likewise an element of DSC, detects emergency braking situations and ensures instant build-up of maximum brake pressure should the need arise. DTC is a sub-function of DSC which is available here for the first time in a vehicle with front wheel drive. It enables the response threshold levels of driving stability regulation to be increased so as to allow controllable slip on the drive wheels. In this way, the models MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman can be controlled on snow-covered surfaces or loose sand with slightly spinning front wheels, or taken more intensively to the physical limits in highly dynamic driving situations. When the threshold range is reached, the stabilising intervention of DSC is also guaranteed in DTC mode. If necessary, DSC can be entirely deactivated. What is more, in DSC-Off mode an electronically controlled lock function for the differential of the drive axle is activated. This system is also a standard feature and known as Electronic Differential Lock Control: it supports an ambitious, sporty driving style when accelerating out of bends and hairpins, for example. The electronically controlled lock function has the effect of applying specific, appropriate brake force to a spinning drive wheel on tight bends. This enhances the forward propulsion of the vehicle without having a negative impact on self-steering response. The bend can thus be taken more smoothly but also more swiftly. Interior: sports car ambience and a wide range of individualisation options. In the interior, the standard fittings of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman boast a strikingly impressive elegance which is both simple and sporty in style. A three-spoke steering wheel in leather is the point of connection between the driver and his sports machine, while the anthracite roof liner and the interior surfaces in a glossy Piano Black finish create a calm atmosphere which promotes concentration on the road. Another feature of the two top-of-the-range sports cars is a speedometer scale which goes up to 260 km/h. In addition, MINI also offers a wide range of individualisation options for configuring the two new extreme sports cars. In terms of exterior paint finishes, interior design, seat upholstery types, interior colours and decor options as well as the comfort features, the full breadth of variety is available as for the other model variations. Additional comfort, versatility and sporty flair can be achieved with items from the extensive accessory range of MINI and of John Cooper Works. Ten exterior paint finishes are available to choose from for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Contrasting roof finishes and roof decor options provide a wide range of possible combinations. The basic fittings of the interior include seat covers in the fabric Chequered. Optional extras include leather upholsteries, sports seats with fabric/leather covers, sports leather seats and Recaro sports seats from the John Cooper Works accessory program. The decor strips of the interior can be selected in Fluid Silver as an alternative to Piano Black. The accessory program also includes an interior strip in Carbon. The high-quality entertainment and navigation systems of the MINI equipment range are also available for the two top-of-the-range sports cars. The controls of the audio system - with CD player as standard - and the 6 ½ inch TFT colour display of the optional navigation system are situated in the central circular instrument. The standard AUX socket enables music saved on an MP3 player to be played through the audio system, for example. A special interface for full integration of an Apple iPod is also available as an accessory. For optimum and safe communication on the road there is an optional mobile phone preparation or integrated hands-free facility with Bluetooth interface and USB connection. An interface for integrated operation of the audio and telephone functions is also specially available for the Apple iPhone. Performance at premium level: John Cooper Works accessories.
MINI and John Cooper Works: shared roots in motor racing. The two top sports cars are sold through the MINI dealer network. Like all variations of the MINI and MINI Clubman, both models are manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford according to customer wishes. In this way, the integration of the John Cooper Works label under the umbrella MINI is now also reflected in the range of vehicles available ex works. The close connection between MINI and John Cooper Works, based on a motor racing tradition stretching back decades, has a defining influence on the development of new vehicles and components. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman represent the shared values of driving fun, premium quality and individuality in an especially concentrated form. In terms of reliability, quality of workmanship and authenticity of design, they fulfil the high standards of the BMW Group, as do the John Cooper Works Performance components with their perfect adaptation to MINI. The new models are thus also subject to the warranty conditions applicable to MINI.
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In August 2008 the new model - produced at the British MINI
plant in Oxford - will be coming to Germany along with the MINI John Cooper
Works Clubman. With their world premiere at the International Automobile
Salon in Geneva (March 6th-16th 2008), these versions are the first two models
to be launched by MINI under the brand MINI John Cooper Works. The heart
beating under the bonnet of each of the two new extreme sports cars is that
of a racer. The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger
and petrol direct injection delivers 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) and develops
its maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres (192 lb-ft US) between 1,850 and
5,600 rpm - by means of overboost the torque can actually be increased to
280 Nm. (207 lb-ft US). The power unit is based on the engine of the John
Cooper Works CHALLENGE, which will see its premiere at the MINI CHALLENGE
2008. It accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works in 6.5 seconds from 0-100
km/h, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman manages the spurt in just 0.3 seconds
more. It is not only the engines of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI
John Cooper Works Clubman that provide genuine racing feeling. Both models
are also fitted with extensive motor racing technology as standard: exclusive
light alloy rims with especially light and extremely high-performance brakes,
a new exhaust system and the modified 6-speed manual transmission, also created
with close reference to the new racing car for the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE. Rarely
before has motor racing expertise found its way so directly onto the road.
The MINI John Cooper Works will be available in Germany at a price of 27,700
Euros, the price of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be 29,500 Euros.
(US Pricing yet to be announced)
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
are driven by a true power package based on the current engine of the MINI
Cooper S, extensively revised for the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing
vehicle and now back on the road with refreshed power. Even the basic design
of the 1,598 cc 4-cylinder engine has details which are drawn from motor
racing. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of aluminium, the
four valves per cylinder are controlled by two upper camshafts,
friction-optimised cam followers and hydraulic valve clearance compensation
elements. The outlet valves are filled with sodium so as to meet the increased
cooling needs of a turbo engine. The camshafts of the 4-cylinder are composite.
Instead of using the conventional die-cast procedure, the cam rings are made
of high-strength steel and shrink-fitted to the actual shaft. The intake
camshaft has a continuously variable phase adjustment function by means of
which the valve control times can be adapted to the relevant performance
requirements. The engines for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John
Cooper Works Clubman are made at the BMW Group engine plant Hams Hall (Great
Britain) where the engine units for all MINI model variations are manufactured.
In the case of the top-of-the-range engine, there are a number of special
modifications to the production process to do justice to the increased output
and the resulting higher temperatures in the combustion chamber, thereby
guaranteeing maximum reliability of the drive system. The engines are fitted
with reinforced and specifically ground pistons as well as a cylinder head
with optimised rigidity and modified gasketing. The intake valves and valve
seat rings are also made of especially resilient material, and as compared
to the engine of the MINI Cooper S there is a slight reduction of the
compression.
The power increase as compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper
S is mainly achieved by means of optimised air intake and outlet due to an
adapted turbocharger. The air filter, air mass sensor, exhaust system and
catalytic converter have been modified so as to achieve a power-enhancing
dethrottling on the induction and exhaust side. This is also reflected in
an engine sound which is peculiar to this model. Due to the adaptation of
the exhaust system, a significant reduction of counterpressure is achieved.
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman fulfil the
requirements for adherence to the particularly stringent threshold levels
defined by the exhaust norms EU5 in Europe and ULEV II in the US. The
through-flow capacity of the clean air duct to the turbocharger has also
been increased. The design of the Twin Scroll turbocharger enables an especially
spontaneous power build-up. In the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger,
the channels of two cylinders are separated in each case. The supercharger
blades are set in optimum motion even at low engine speeds. A turbine was
developed in very high-quality material especially for the MINI John Cooper
Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, and the maximum boost pressure
was increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar overpressure. The maximum torque of 260
Nm ( 192 lb-ft US) is available even at an engine speed of 1,850 rpm and
up to a level of 5,600 rpm. During acceleration, torque is raised to 280
Nm (207 lb-ft US) by means of a brief increase in boost pressure between
2,000 and 5,300 rpm. This overboost function gives the MINI John Cooper Works
and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman an even more powerful response. The
engine reaches its maximum output of 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) at 6,000
rpm. The spontaneous response is also reflected in the car's acceleration
figures. The MINI John Cooper Works takes 6.5 seconds to accelerate from
0-100 km/h, the time required by the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is 6.8
seconds. Both have a maximum speed of 238 km/h.
The standard range of features of the MINI John Cooper Works
and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman not only includes a particularly
high-performance engine but also a wide range of other components which ensure
that this irrepressible power is put safely onto the road. As is characteristic
of MINI, the engine powers the front wheels. The MINI John Cooper Works and
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission
whose components have been adapted to the very high level of torque of this
new top-level engine. In addition to the sophisticated chassis technology
with McPherson struts at the front axle and the central control arm rear
axle, which is itself unique in the small car segment, the electromechanical
EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering) is a further guarantee of reliable
and precise handling. The electrical servomotor also contributes to efficiency
in that it is only activated when steering support is required or desired
by the driver. The steering system EPAS allows various settings to be programmed.
The basic set-up guarantees balanced steering support depending on road speed.
With the sports button, which is positioned as standard next to the gearshift
lever in the centre console in the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper
Works Clubman, it is possible to activate a perceptibly more dynamic
characteristic curve with higher steering torque and increased steering
precision. In keeping with this, pressing the sports button also changes
the accelerator pedal to a much sportier characteristic setting. The MINI
John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with sporty
suspension settings as standard. As an alternative, a sports chassis with
harder damper characteristics and stronger stabilisers is available for the
front and rear axle. For a more extreme racing orientation, there is also
a John Cooper Works chassis available in the accessory range for the MINI
John Cooper Works. It includes a lowering of the suspension by 10 millimetres,
even harder damper characteristics and stabilisers with a diameter which
is larger than those of the sports chassis. The standard sports brake system
guarantees short braking distances and is characterised by precise response
and fine controllability. The fixed calliper disc brakes with aluminium callipers
finished in red - inner vented on the front wheels and bearing the John Cooper
Works emblem on the callipers - are large in their dimensions. The type and
function of the brake system is based on those in the MINI CHALLENGE racing
vehicle. The same applies to the exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in
John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE design. Weighing less than 10 kilos,
they are the lightest standard wheels within the competitive environment
of the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The high-speed
tyres in 205/45 W 17 format have runflat properties, and both models are
equipped with a tyre damage display function.
The highlights of the John Cooper Works accessory program include
the aerodynamics package and sports chassis with springs finished in red
for the MINI John Cooper Works, as well as perforated brake discs and rear
spoilers for both model versions. Other items include a suspension cross-brace
for the engine compartment, mirror caps in carbon finish and so-called side
scuttles - direction indicator surrounds with a sporty grid structure. To
match this there are also decor strips, handbrake handles and sports gearshift
levers in carbon decor which provide an even sportier ambience. The gear
shift indicator in the John Cooper Works accessory program also contributes
to an intensive driving experience. With the John Cooper Works Performance
components, the character of the two new models is given even greater emphasis
and visually highlighted, too. Premium-quality sporty flair characterises
them as it does the two new models themselves, both of which bear the John
Cooper Works logo. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works
Clubman have to be able to meet both the extreme challenges of the race track
as well as the extensive requirements of everyday traffic in terms of
functionality, design, reliability and durability. Together, the brands MINI
and John Cooper Works stand for a promise of quality which is uniquely powerful
within the competitive environment of MINI.