Mini Coupe here in 2012
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Mini
26th September, 2011
The Mini Coupé is the first two-seater in the Mini
ranks. The new model, which is due in Australia in early 2012, further increases the variety within
the brand’s vehicle line-up. The fifth model of the new Mini generation to wear the British brand’s
badge represents a reinterpretation of the super-compact sports car category.
The Mini Coupé is set to thrill customers with levels of agility and performance beyond the reach
of even its Mini 'stablemates'. The engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic
properties of the new model all serve the cause of optimum performance. Added to which, the
two-seater concept – emphasised clearly by both the exterior and the interior design – underlines the
stand-alone status of the new model. Its extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area
(capacity: 280 litres) with through-loading to the passenger compartment allow the Mini Coupé to
display outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports
gear, and on touring trips for two.
Design
The Mini Coupé is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly
stepped rear end. Its distinctive, sporty characteristics are also reflected in a low-slung
silhouette and expressively styled “helmet” roof. Resting atop the Mini Coupé’s 'glasshouse', the
roof is painted in a contrasting colour as standard; a new take on Sport Stripes is among the
additions available as an option. The distinctive lines of the Coupé body take their lead from the
established Mini design language, while stand-out design features in time-honoured Mini style also
offer clear hints as to the brand identity of the new model.
The two-seater measures 3,734 millimetres (Mini Cooper Coupé: 3,728 millimetres) in length, 1,683
millimetres in width and 1,384 millimetres (Mini Cooper Coupé: 1,378 millimetres) in height. Its
exterior length, width and wheelbase (2,467 millimetres) therefore match the measurements of the Mini
virtually to the millimetre, but the Mini Coupé has a significantly lower body height.
Once inside, the two-seater’s distinctive character is underlined by oval recesses in the roof
liner; these also serve to optimise headroom for the driver and front passenger. A conspicuously
three-dimensional, two-piece luggage compartment cover is another feature of the Mini Coupé
interior.
Engines
The most powerful petrol and diesel variants in the brand’s engine portfolio are primed for action
in the Mini Coupé.
Outputs range from the 90 kW (122 hp) of the Mini Cooper Coupé, through the Mini Cooper SD Coupé
(105 kW/143 hp) and Mini Cooper S Coupé (135 kW/184 hp) all the way to the range-topping performance
Mini John Cooper Works Coupé with 155 kW (211 hp). The Mini Cooper Coupé, Mini Cooper S Coupé and
Mini Cooper SD Coupé can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox as an
alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the Coupé range.
Chassis
The suspension set-up of the Mini Coupé gives the brand’s traditional driving experience and
intensity. The customary Mini front-wheel drive, MacPherson struts at the front axle, a multi-link
rear axle, powerful brakes and Electric Power Steering ensure agile handling properties. Sports
suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics and sturdier anti-roll bars, is available as
an option. And customers in search of an even sharper racing edge can order John Cooper Works
suspension from the accessories range.
The Mini Coupé is fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), while Dynamic Traction
Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – standard on the Mini John Cooper
Works Coupé, optional on all other models – adds even greater assurance on slippery surfaces and
additional sports performance under dynamic cornering.
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road test
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Body and safety
Like its chassis technology, the body structure and weight balance of the Mini Coupé are also
geared to providing maximum driving fun. Innovative pedestrian protection measures and technology
developed to improve body rigidity shift slightly more of the car’s weight to the front, which has a
positive effect on the traction of the front-drive Coupé. In addition, increasing torsional rigidity
with carefully targeted, model-specific strengthening measures further enhances the car’s agility
and safety rating.
An active rear spoiler teams up with the sharply raked windscreen, low-slung silhouette and
integrated roof spoiler to optimise airflow at higher speeds. Making its Mini debut, the active rear
spoiler is integrated into the boot lid and pops up automatically when the Mini Coupé reaches a speed
of 80 km/h (50 mph approximately). In so doing it provides an optimised aerodynamic balance between
the front and rear axle. When travelling at maximum speed, the active rear spoiler provides 40
kilogrammes (88 lb) of extra downforce. The Mini John Cooper Works Coupé also comes as standard with
a John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit.
The range of standard safety equipment on board the Mini Coupé includes front airbags and
head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests, three-point
inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tyre Defect
Indicator.
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Equipment
The customary Mini variety in the range of available exterior paint finishes, interior colours,
upholstery variants and equipment features, together with a selection of other options specific to
the Coupé, give owners scope when it comes to customising their Mini Coupé. The car’s character is
underlined by an expansive range of standard equipment, which includes speed-sensitive power
assistance for the steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control,
height-adjustable seats, air conditioning (Mini Cooper S Coupé, Mini Cooper SD Coupé, Mini John
Cooper Works Coupé) and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Optional
equipment includes black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic
climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, the storage package,
preparation for a rear luggage carrier rack, the John Cooper Works Pack and exclusive options from
the Mini Yours range.
And in then there's the Mini Coupé’s range of entertainment and communications systems. Customers
can choose from equipment such as a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth mobile phone
preparation and a USB audio interface. And, if the Mini Visual Boost radio or Mini navigation system
is specified, Mini Connected functions such as web radio, Google local search and Google Send to Car
services, reception of RSS news feeds, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter, are also available.
Made in England
The Mini Coupé also underlines its links to the brand’s successful motor sport history through its
British roots; it will be produced alongside the Mini, Mini Clubman and Mini Convertible at Mini
Plant Oxford (Mini Country is assembled in Austria). The arrival of the new model sees the assembly
plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory near
Birmingham playing an even more important role for the BMW Group. The start of Mini Coupé production
is part of another increase in capacity, a process which will be boosted further through the ongoing
development of the Mini model range. Mini already ranks as the country’s third-largest car maker.
Australian availability
The new Mini Coupe is due for an Australian release in early 2012. Stay tuned for local specs and
prices.
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