Cars On The Blog

New Addition to Convertible Line-Up Marks Third John Cooper Works Entry

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will be making its worldwide debut at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show next week. Consistently open, conceived and designed without compromises for maximum driving pleasure, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible combines the benefits of MINI’s new open, four-seater with an undiluted passion for motorsport.

The convertible model, which goes on sale in the U.S. in April this year, marks the third John Cooper Works entry in MINI’s 2009 product portfolio.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection that delivers a maximum output of 208 hp, with peak torque of 192 lb-ft between 1850 and 5600 rpm, increasing briefly by way of Overboost to an even more significant 207 lb-ft.

This power unit is based on the engine raced for the first time in the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE season. With this kind of power, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, turning in high-caliber performance, outstanding sportiness and setting itself apart among convertibles in its segment.

Like the engine itself, many other components are derived direct from motorsport, including, exclusive 17-inch Change Spoke Alloy wheels that are particularly light and agile, the12.4-Brembo front brakes which set an extremely high standard for stopping power, new exhaust and induction systems, and a modified, six-speed manual gearbox.

The exceptionally sporting character of the new model is borne out, in particular, by the car’s unmistakably MINI design – the elongated side view boasting a silhouette inspired by the historic classic convertibles. The low roofline created when the soft top is up emphasizes sporting flair. When the fully-powered soft top is lowered, in a mere 15 seconds, the steep rake of the windscreen creates the appearance of an uncompromisingly open car and enhances the open-air driving experience. The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is available with the full-range of exterior color combinations, options, interior features, seat upholstery, interior color and trim variants and the wide choice of comfort and convenience features – allowing for a nearly infinite number of customization options.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is the third model bearing the John Cooper Works logo integrated under the MINI brand umbrella. Like the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, both presented at the Geneva Motor Show last year, this open-air, top-flight performer represents the close connection between the two brands derived from decades of experience in motorsport that have influenced the development of both new cars and components.

Parallel to the debut of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, new options and accessories from John Cooper Works also are being introduced for the MINI and MINI Clubman models. This extends the wide range of motorsport-inspired “retrofittable” options through the addition of exclusive special instruments that offer the driver even more detailed information on the state of the car and driving conditions. Depending on personal preferences, for example, the driver may focus more on the coolant temperature, the relative torque of the engine or the car’s lateral acceleration.

Also at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show, MINI will introduce two new entry-level models, that are not slated for the U.S. markets – the MINI One Clubman and the MINI One Hardtop with a 55kW powerplant. Both vehicles offer a particularly economical rendition of individual style, the agility so typical of the brand and premium quality. The new MINI One Clubman combines the versatility of an innovative package concept with an efficient 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering a maximum output of 70 kW. The same ultra-efficient engine is revised to powers the new MINI One Hardtop 55kW, offering the lowest fuel consumption and best emission ratings in its class.

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 of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy 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 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sport Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 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.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Source: BMW / Fotos © BMW