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For those of you who just can't get enough of BMW/MINI press release reading material here's a nice (long!) recap of what's new with the MINI for 2005. This was distributed to journalists during the Paris Autoshow by MINI Press:

Fresh Wind for MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S.

All models within the MINI range remain extremely popular the world over. And to increase the appeal of these unique cars to an even higher standard, the MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S have been modified and upgraded this summer.

The modified drivetrain, for example, gives the fixed roof MINIs even greater agility and driving pleasure. In terms of looks, the MINI offers even greater product substance through further refinement of that unique MINI design as well as new colors, upholstery materials and wheels, plus enhanced ergonomics and even greater freedom for individual wishes on the part of the customer.

Popular and reliable.
MINI is extremely popular not only on account of its superior product substance and high-quality finish, but also because this is one of the most reliable cars in its class. Indeed, ADAC, Germany's No. 1 motoring club, confirmed just recently in its latest breakdown report that MINIs built in 2001, 2002 and 2003 were subject to far fewer defects than comparable models from German and foreign manufacturers.

MINI also enjoys great customer satisfaction in the USA, together with Great Britain the brand's most significant market: AutoPacific, a consulting company operated by the US car industry, has conducted a survey among more than 32,000 new car purchasers, determining in the process that 93 percent of all MINI customers are very satisfied with their car.

The MINI customer feels a particularly strong emotional link to his or her car, appreciates the options for customization, acknowledges the good value for money and cherishes the superior substance of the product.

Even More Agile: MINI ONE and MINI Cooper

Both the MINI One and MINI Cooper come with a new five-speed gearbox complete with modified transmission ratios shorter and more dynamic than before. This makes these nimble roadrunners even more agile in the interest of enhanced driving pleasure. And both models are also available, as before, with automatic transmission.

As before, the power unit in the MINI One develops maximum output of 66 kW/90 bhp at 5,500 rpm, giving this attractive “basic” model a top speed of 181 km/h or 112 mph. And with maximum torque of 140 Nm or 103 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, the MINI One accelerates to 100 km/h in a quick 10.9 seconds. Fuel consumption of just 6.8 liters premium on 100 kilometers in the composite EU cycle (41.5 mpg Imp), finally, makes the MINI One a very efficient and economical contender.

Developing maximum output of 85 kW/115 bhp, the MINI Cooper has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Maximum torque of 150 Nm or 111 lb-ft comes at 4,500 rpm, while average fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle of just 6.9 liters (40.9 mph Imp) is again relatively modest and certainly very efficient.

Consuming 4.8 liters/100 km (58.8 mpg Imp) in the composite EU cycle, the MINI One D is currently the most fuel-efficient car offered by the BMW Group and comes, as before, with its proven six-speed manual gearbox. With France incidentally being one of the most significant diesel markets, this compact self-ignition athlete developing maximum output of 55 kW/75 bhp and maximum torque of 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm enjoys particular popularity in this country.

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Compact Athlete: MINI Cooper S.

On the top model within the MINI range, the compressor and exhaust system as well as the transmission ratios, to name just the three most significant components, have been modified to upgrade the drivetrain to an even higher standard. As a result, the 4 cylinder power unit of the MINI Cooper S now comes with an extra 5 kW/7 bhp, increasing maximum output to 125 kW/170 bhp at 6,000 rpm. This gives the 1.6-liter MINI Cooper S a top speed of 222 km/h or 138 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds.

Engine torque is up by 10 Newton-meters, peaking at 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Together with the six-speed manual gearbox, this enormous torque and muscle enables the MINI Cooper S to sprint from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in fourth gear in just 6.1 seconds, completing the same exercise in fifth gear in 7.7 seconds. Overall fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is 8.6 liters/100 km or 32.8 mpg Imp – certainly a very moderate figure for a car with this kind of power and performance.

Crisp and powerful gearshift.
The specially developed six-speed manual gearbox, an elaborately designed three-shaft system, now comes with shorter transmission ratios in the interest of even greater agility and performance in the most powerful MINI. To be specific, first gear is 12 percent “shorter”, second gear 8 percent, and gears 3-5 are 4-6 percent “shorter” than on the former MINI Cooper S.

With its very short shift travel, the gearbox is smooth, fast and very precise in its gearshift. Through its configuration, it gives the MINI Cooper S its top speed of 222 km/h or 138 mph in fifth gear, sixth gear coming with a reduced ratio in order to minimize engine speed and fuel consumption on long distances.

Spontaneous and quick.
In conjunction with unladen weight of just 1140 kg or 2514 lb (DIN), the superior power and muscle of the engine gives the dynamic MINI Cooper S a standard of performance otherwise only sports models in higher segments of the market are able to provide. But not only fast acceleration as well as a high top speed are crucial to the driving pleasure offered by this agile athlete since superior pulling power throughout the speed range is equally significant. And this is also one of the fortes of the MINI Cooper S, developing 80 percent of its maximum torque of 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft consistently between 2,000 and 6,500 rpm.

Superior chassis and suspension.
All MINIs excel through their superior agility and direct handling. And on the top model both the suspension and steering have been specially tuned to match the greater power of the engine. Indeed, the very direct steering and very stiff body structure enable the most powerful MINI to respond quickly and spontaneously to virtually every movement of the steering wheel.

Stronger, reinforced anti-roll bars on both axles and firmer springs ensure neutral behavior even at high speeds and under extreme conditions. As a result, the entire car is tuned perfectly to the superior power and performance of the engine. The multi-arm rear axle of the MINI Cooper S, in turn, remains unique in this segment of the market, providing optimum road contact at all times and thus contributing significantly to the car's exemplary handling.

The suspension is rounded off, finally, by 16-inch light-alloy rims fitted as standard together with runflat tires measuring 195/55 R16.

Also featured as standard, Stability and Traction Control (ASC+T) makes sure that the car's significant power reserves are always conveyed properly and safely to the road under all driving conditions. And DSC Dynamic Stability Control is available as an option for even better driving qualities and safety.

Clear Lines, Optimum Function.

MINI One and MINI Cooper in a fresh, new look.
The redesigned front bumper on the MINI One and MINI Cooper highlights the very attractive, likeable appearance of the two high-volume models from Oxford, a particularly striking feature being the crossbar in the large air intake scoop. The foglamps are integrated in the bumper at the same level as the crossbar, the radiator grill with its three grids being held in a smooth chrome surround on all models.

At the rear the reversing light is no longer integrated in the redesigned bumper, but rather in the rear light cluster with its modified interior, LED look and chrome surround. And taking the place of the reversing light, the rear fog warning lamp has now been moved into the bumper, positioned between two slender crossbars.

New colors for all MINIs.
The two new Astro Black and Purple Haze metallic paintwork colors create a new, fresh look in the world of motoring, giving the purchaser of a MINI One and MINI Cooper the choice of six metallic and four non-metallic paintwork options.

The top-of-the-range MINI Cooper S is available with no less than 12 different exterior colors, two of which – Hyper Blue and Dark Silver – being reserved exclusively to this compact power machine.

Modifying and upgrading the model range, MINI has also enlarged the choice of attractive light-alloy wheels, two new wheels in the range being the 15-inch five-star Rocket wheel and the 16-inch seven-fin wheel.

Friendly face.

All models in the MINI range now come with clear glass-look headlights matching the new and fresh appearance of the car. And apart from adding an extra touch of beauty, these lights also provide a brighter and even more intense beam.

The optional xenon headlights are surrounded by a ring of LEDs giving the MINI yet a further sign of distinction. The small light dots coming from these spots around the main beam enhance the effect of the xenon lights and make the transition from light to dark even smoother and more harmonious.

Apart from ensuring radio reception, the rod aerial on the roof now also provides the mobile telephone and navigation system functions.

Additional function.
The new key with remote control of the central locking now comes with an additional function serving to unlock the rear lid at the touch of a button. If, in this case, the driver does not open subsequently the lid within 20 seconds, it is automatically locked again – just as the doors to the car are locked again after two minutes when opened inadvertently. And pressing the button to unlock the car a bit longer, you automatically open all windows as well as the optional panorama roof.

Upgraded interior.
With two of the seam lines on the surface of the instrument panel now being dropped, the dashboard surfaces in anthracite (standard on the MINI One and MINI Cooper), silver, aluminium patina or wood trim now have an even more well-balanced and homogeneous look. The rev counter on the steering column, in turn, is now standard on all MINIs.

In the interest of greater comfort and extra storage space in the door panels, the padded armrests show a slightly greater curvature and are larger than before. Additional storage space in the center console as well as a larger, painted cupholder for the rear-seat passengers add a further touch of practical value and convenience. And to facilitate control operations by the driver, the buttons for the optional automatic air conditioning have been redesigned.

The control unit on the roof lining has also been modified slightly where required: Instead of the digital clock now integrated in the speedometer, the roof control unit now houses the halogen interior lights package as well as the two reading lights in the optional illumination package. This particularly comprehensive package comprises not only the vanity mirror and rear lights, but also the ambience lights in the door handles automatically activated when unlocking the car by remote control. A further practical feature is the illumination beneath the doors brightening up the area around the car for easy and safe access and exit.

Great attention to detail.
The additional sun visor on the driver's side is a very practical feature enhancing the “regular” sun visors above the windscreen. A grab handle on the front passenger's side on the front roof lining, in turn, makes access to and exit from the car even easier and more convenient.

The rear-view mirror is larger than before to provide enhanced visibility to the rear. And whenever the customer orders his or her MINI with an automatic rain sensor, the mirror is automatically darkened whenever required.

With the Chrome Line Interior Package available as special equipment, the instruments and controls as well as the air outlet vents, cupholders and handbrake lever all come in chrome surrounds.

Adding a sporting touch.
The Cockpit Chrono Package available as an option (not on the MINI One D) ensures a particularly sporting and elegant look inside the car. Featuring this special package, the central instrument comes with three round dials informing the driver of the level of fuel in the tank as well as the oil and coolant temperature. The speedometer in this case is fitted next to the rev counter on the steering column.

Whenever the customer orders his or her MINI with two circular instruments on the steering column, a second LC display is also fitted on the column, providing information on the car's fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, and outside temperature.

Well-padded.
Side pads on the front seat bottoms extending up 10 millimeters or 0.4″ higher improve side support for the driver and passenger. Seat upholstery in four different designs and various colors, as well as three combinations of cloth and leather, plus four leather-only options provide lots of freedom for individual preferences. Two high-quality cloth options as well as an optional cloth/leather combination for the sports seats all come in new design.

New upholstery and more color.
The interior excels in particular through especially sophisticated cloth, surface finish and leather options. Choosing among the upholstery options reserved exclusively to the top model in the range, the customer has the choice of one cloth finish, two combinations of cloth and leather, and three leather options. And five exterior colors are available with the same matching color on the dashboard and door linings.

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Clear visibility all the way.
The wide range of Original MINI Accessories also comprises a great number of attractive features for retrofitting. Whenever the MINI is fitted with an on-board monitor, for example, it may be further upgraded by the addition of a front-end and back-up camera, particularly the wide-angle back-up camera integrated into the luggage compartment lid serving to avoid expensive bumps when parking. Enlarging the driver's angle of vision to 131°, this color camera automatically projects its image to the monitor once the driver shifts to reverse.

Also retrofittable, the front-end camera is able, as it were, to “look round the corner”, serving for example to reveal a driveway or gate otherwise not in sight. Incorporating a prism, the lens covers a range of 90 degrees on each side, thus clearly presenting the flow of traffic from left and right on the on-board monitor. The color camera thus enables the driver to turn safely at a road junction or round a sharp, abrupt corner. Being fitted discreetly beneath the front numberplate, the camera itself switches on and off at the touch of a button.

Through their special structure and surface, the two lenses are able to clean themselves in the interest of optimum clarity.

A superior experience in digital sound.
Introducing the Digital Power Sound Module, MINI is offering the particularly discerning HiFi enthusiast an extremely powerful, top-quality audio system. The most outstanding features of this superior system are the first-class quality of sound, audio control and all-round finish, as well as the excellent value offered for money.

The No. 1 sound system currently available in the MINI is specially tailored to the spatial and acoustic features of this four-seater and is intended exclusively for retrofitting in MINI audio systems in conjunction with the Boost radio.

The fully-digitalized audio amplifier on the Digital Power Sound Module covers a frequency range from 20-30,000 Hz and offers music output of 660 watt. In conjunction with the six speakers developed exclusively for the MINI, this creates a full and transparent sound effect. The six extra-large high-performance loudspeakers perfectly finished to the last detail generate sound pressure of 126 dB, thus providing a clear and crisp sound effect, a powerful and deep bass, and brilliant treble sound.

Open-Air Driving Machine – the MINI Cooper S Convertible.

The new MINI Cooper S Convertible, a powerful and muscular driving machine offering superior practical value, will certainly make the heart of the enthusiast in dynamic open-air motoring skip a beat. This open four-seater with its 170 bhp compressor engine is joining the MINI One Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible, at the same time rounding off the power range right at the top.

Despite the compact dimensions of this special car, function and practical value remain the most important features. Optimum use of space available with four full-size seats as well as good access to the variable luggage compartment give this very sporting convertible a high level of everyday driving quality.

Unique and unparalleled.
Features such as the compact 4 cylinder power unit developing a substantial 125 kW/170 bhp from 1.6 liters thanks to its compressor and intercooler, the fully automatic roof with an integrated sliding roof function, the multi-arm rear axle, six-speed manual gearbox or runflat tires together with a Tire Defect Indicator as well as electronic PDC Park Distance Control at the rear are certainly everything but “normal” in the MINI Cooper S Convertible segment.

The exclusive look and appearance of the car, the very careful finish of top-quality materials, the wide range of equipment, the unique choice of customization options, as well as that go-kart feeling so typical of MINI all underline the premium standard of this new model in its segment of the market.

The main sales markets of the most powerful MINI Convertible will be the USA, Great Britain, and Germany, as well as further markets in Western Europe.

Compact Power Package.

To ensure supreme power in the top model, the 1.6-liter, 16-valve 4 cylinder power unit comes with a mechanically driven compressor and an intercooler. Maximum output as a result is 125 kW or 170 bhp at 6,000 rpm.

The maximum torque of the engine also does justice in every respect to this compact power machine: 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft at 4000 rpm is certainly quite remarkable. Pulling force throughout a wide speed range is of course particularly important, with 80 percent of the engine's maximum torque of 220 Nm being maintained consistently between 2,000 and 6,500 rpm. So it is no surprise that the MINI Cooper S Convertible accelerates from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in fourth gear in just 6.6 seconds, completing the same exercise in fifth gear in an equally impressive 8.4 seconds.

Power and muscle of this kind gives this open four-seater the performance of a sports car, the most powerful MINI Convertible accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is 215 km/h or 133 mph. And fuel consumption of just 8.8 liters/100 km equal to 32.1 mpg Imp in the EU composite cycle is certainly remarkable considering the superior power of the engine.

Fitted as standard, ASC+T Automatic Stability and Traction Control conveys the substantial power of the engine to the road safely and smoothly at all times. And DSC Dynamic Stability Control is available as an option.

In conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the extra-stiff bodyshell and sports suspension with excellent handling guarantees supreme fun at all times. The final touch to this outstanding suspension is then added by 16-inch light-alloy rims and runflat 195/55 R16 tires featured as standard.

Fun and Function.

Keeping dimensions extremely compact, MINI, in creating the MINI Cooper S Convertible, has developed a car with remarkable performance, supreme handling, and outstanding function ensured by the very versatile luggage and storage compartment.

A convertible with a sliding roof.
Without requiring any manual intervention, the roof opens at the touch of a button within 15 seconds. While the folding roof is sliding back, the roof pillars are automatically retracted and the rear side windows move down into the body. Benefitting from its configuration, the roof with its heated glass rear window folds down to form a compact package behind the rear seats. There is no need for a tonneau cover.

Another special feature is the sliding roof function: Pressing the button on the front roof frame, the driver first opens the integrated sliding roof, then the complete roof as a whole. In the process of being opened, the MINI roof moves back horizontally on the first 40 centimeters or almost 16 inches, thus opening up infinitely like a conventional sliding roof at speeds of up to 120 km/h or 75 mph. And in the process the side pillars remain in position on the A-columns.

Variable luggage compartment.
The space-saving folding mechanism brand-new in this segment is one of the fundamental ingredients for the open-air MINI's high standard of function and versatility. Even with the roof open, luggage compartment capacity is still 120 liters, increasing to 165 liters with the roof closed.

Folding down the rear seat backrests separated from one another and finished complete with locks to keep the backrests in position, the driver can enlarge this storage capacity to a staggering 605 liters.

The rear lid folds down when required and is held in position by two steel cables with spring retractors. This allows the driver to use the rear lid with its hinges at the outside as a practical loading panel able to take up a weight of up to 80 kilos or 176 lb.

The process of loading the luggage compartment is significantly facilitated by the Easy-Load system: With the rear section of the roof moving up when closed and the rear lid swivelling down, the driver benefits from an opening large enough to load and unload even very big and bulky objects.

Proud and Self-Confident.

While emphasising its athletic qualities, the top open-air model in the MINI range is a very emotional car standing out in particular through its supreme versatility.

Powerful silhouette.
The waistline rising up slightly to the rear, as well as the engine compartment lid with its integrated air scoop, give the car a powerful and strong look right from the start further accentuated by the all-round chrome trim along the window line.

Headlights in clear glass look emphasize the clear line of the MINI Cooper S Convertible, with xenon headlights coming as an option.

As a specific design feature reserved to the Convertible, the high-positioned, third LED brake light is integrated in the chrome strip running along the window line. The rear fog warning light, in turn, is housed in the rear bumper between the two chrome strips, the white back-up lights fitted in the rear light clusters are in LED look.

Exclusive range of colors.
The top open-air model in the line-up comes with a choice of 10 paintwork colors. The two Hyper Blue and Dark Silver metallic options are exclusive to all MINI Cooper S models, while Cool Blue and Hot Orange are available only on the MINI Convertible.

The high-quality soft roof comes in Black, Blue and Green. And there is also an optional Chrome Line exterior package as well as the rear mirror housings and rear lid hinges in chrome.

The fine difference.
The top model stands out from the two other MINI Convertibles inter alia by the air scoop in the engine compartment lid 40 millimeters or 1.57 higher, the rollbar finished as standard in chrome, special bumpers in body color with the honeycomb grill in black, as well as chrome-plated dual tailpipes at the rear center.

The MINI Cooper S Convertible comes as standard on 16-inch light-alloy wheels in X-Lite design running on 195/55 R16 tires. The 17-inch five-star Bullet light-alloy wheels running on 205/45 R17 tires are an exclusive development especially for the MINI Convertible.

Exclusive interior.
Within the sophisticated interior, the special form language of MINI design is borne out once again by top-quality textiles, trim surfaces and leather upholstery.

Both the instrument panel and the center console as well as the inserts in the door linings come as standard in aluminium patina look. The surface lining on the dashboard as well as the door panels also come as an option in five different exterior colors as well as silver, anthracite and wood trim.
On the MINI Convertible the rear side windows also move down electrically at the touch of a button into the side panels, thus going beyond the standard provided in the fixed roof models, where only the front side windows are electrically retractable.

The customer opting for the optional Cockpit Chrono Package receives a central instrument incorporating three round dials. In this case the speedometer is positioned next to the rev counter on the steering column. As an option the interior is also available with a Chrome Package incorporating chrome-plated trim surrounds inter alia on the rev counter, the central instrument and cupholders.

Since chrome has always been an important feature of British car design, the MINI Cooper S Convertible comes with an additional touch of this sophisticated, classy metal. At the same time this bridges the gap in design between tradition and modern function.

The Chrome Line Exterior Package for the MINI Cooper S Convertible offers special chrome trim on the grills and the rear lid handle, with the rear-view mirror housing and rear lid hinges also being finished in chrome.
The sports seats coming as standard on this special model are available either in exclusive cloth upholstery or with one of three different cloth/leather and all-leather upholstery options.

Practical features.
On cars fitted with air conditioning, the illuminated, lockable glove compartment may also be cooled whenever required. The optional Lights Package comprises features such as reading lights at the front and ambience illumination in the door handles activated when unlocking the doors by remote control. A further practical feature is the illumination beneath the doors brightening up the ground where the driver and his passenger get into and out of the car. And last but not least in this context, the MINI Convertible is also available with an automatic anti-dazzle function on the interior mirror as well as a rain sensor.

First choice on second row.
Despite the elaborate roof mechanism, the rear seats offer adequate space for two passengers. Ergonomically contoured in their design, the two rear seats come with three-point seat belts and the headrests are integrated in the rollbar.

Safety at its Best.

Well prepared for every eventuality.
All MINI Convertibles come as standard with four airbags. Apart from the two “intelligent” frontal airbags, two side airbags offer the front-seat passengers added protection. These side airbags (head/thorax units) in the side sections of the front seats are adequately dimensioned to help protect the occupant's head and upper body from an injury in a collision from the side.

Both the floor pan and the side-sills in the MINI Convertible are extra-strong and large, with additional reinforcements at all decisive points. Wall thickness on the side-sills has been increased significantly and additional reinforcement plates integrated where necessary. These improvements enhance body stiffness and help to secure the passenger cell integrity in both a frontal and side collision.

Apart from the extra-large head/thorax side airbags, reinforced side-sills, the extra-strong floor pan, additional crossbars as well as thicker panels at all critical points increase occupant safety in a collision from the side.
Should the car ever roll over sideways, an ultra-strong steel pipe integrated in the A-pillars as well as the rollbar made of extra-strong aluminium pipes and accommodating the integrated headrests add to the occupant's protection.

Active safety.
To help to keep the MINI Convertible safely on the road at all times, four disc brakes, four-channel ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) as well as on-demand Traction Control (ASC+T) are all featured as standard. And DSC Dynamic Stability Control is available as an option.

The MINI Cooper S Convertible is the only car in its class fitted as standard with runflat tires as well as a Tire Defect Indicator.

This and That.
With a very wide range of standard equipment, the top open-air model in the MINI family leaves nothing to be desired in terms of comfort, safety and elegance. Each customer is able to configure his or her personal car according to his personal wishes and requirements, benefitting in addition from a wide range of special equipment.

A strong foundation.
Standard equipment of the MINI Cooper S Convertible comprises the following features, among others: – Fully automatic roof with sliding roof function – Four airbags – ASC+T Traction Control – Six-speed manual gearbox – Sports suspension – 16-inch light-alloy rims in X-Lite design – Runflat tires and Tire Defect Indicator – Heated glass rear window – Easy-Load function – Sports seats (driver's seat adjustable for height) – Chrome-plated rollbar – Leather steering wheel adjustable for height – PDC Park Distance Control – Electric window lifts front and rear

Customization.
To meet the customer's most individual, personal wishes, MINI offers a wide range of special equipment such as: – Interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function – Chrome-Line Interior and Exterior Package – Cockpit Chrono Package – HiFi audio systems (harman/kardon, CD changer, Digital Power Sound Module) – Automatic air conditioning – Navigation system with 16:9 color display – Multifunction steering wheel – Wind deflector – Xenon headlights

John Cooper Works: New Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S.

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The new tuning kit developed by John Cooper Works in West Sussex, Great Britain is simply ideal for all MINI Cooper S fans looking for even more power and performance in the top-of-the-range model. The new tuning version of the MINI Cooper S prepared by John Cooper Works differs not only by refinements in design, but also and in particular by the significant increase in engine output and higher torque compared with the former model. With superior peak power of 155 kW/210 bhp, the MINI Cooper S undergoing this special tuning is most certainly the supreme driving machine in its segment.

Extra power for the MINI Cooper S.
The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit comprises the following components:

  • Compressor with a modified transmission ratio for higher engine speed and charge pressure
  • Modified cylinder head with refined intake and outlet ducts
  • Air filter housing specifically built for the modified engine
  • Additional air valve with electronic control unit
  • Special air filter insert reducing flow losses
  • Injection valves with higher throughput
  • Modified engine management
  • Stainless steel exhaust system with a specially designed rear silencer
  • Purpose-built engine cover

To achieve maximum output of 155 kW/210 bhp, further high-performance components are required over and above the components already used in the former tuning kit. The compressor, for example, offers an even higher level of performance and runs at an even higher speed, while the modified cylinder head copes efficiently with the higher thermal load. The stainless steel exhaust system with reduced exhaust gas counterpressure and the powerful-looking trim on the tailpipes remain the same as before.

The new heart of the tuning kit is the air filter specially developed by John Cooper Works. Its electronically controlled valve opens up an additional duct in the air filter housing at higher speeds, increasing the supply of fresh air to the engine through a special filter. As a result, the 4 cylinder develops maximum torque of 245 Nm or 181 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm, becoming even more agile and dynamic in the process. And as a pleasant side-effect, the additional air butterfly on the air filter housing, together with the exhaust system, provides the right kind of muscular sound.

Both the injection jets and the spark plugs have been modified to cope with the extra load, the former by increasing the flow volume, the latter by raising the thermal value. Engine management has also been modified appropriately to meet the new requirements, giving the engine an even smoother and more spontaneous response.

This retrofittable tuning kit is fully suited for both the original MINI Cooper S developing maximum output of 163 bhp and the new, modified version with maximum output of 170 bhp. The tuning kit will be available from autumn and will be fitted by authorized MINI dealers and service partners. John Cooper Works is the only authorized supplier of a MINI tuning kit coming with the full MINI warranty even after the engine has been tuned.

Starting in autumn, an upgrade kit with the new air filter and injection jets will also be available for cars already equipped with the former John Cooper Works Tuning Kit (147 kW/200 bhp). In conjunction with modified engine electronics, these models will then likewise develop maximum output of 155 kW (210 bhp).

Matching the output of the extra-powerful MINI.
To clearly present the sporting driving qualities of the tuned MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works and authorized MINI dealers also offer further features such as exclusive bucket-type sports seats as well as special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design with 205/40 R18 runflat tires. A three-piece dashboard with carbon-fiber in the middle adds a particular touch of motorsport appeal within the interior.

Yet a further highlight is the John Cooper Works sports suspension lowering the entire car for even better handling. Jointly developed by specialists at John Cooper Works and the BMW Group, this suspension, with its special spring and damper set-up, ensures a further improvement of the car's sporting and agile handling and makes the steering even more dynamic and spontaneous.
The product portfolio of John Cooper Works will be enhanced in the near future by the addition of further sporting products.

Exciting Club Sport – MINI CHALLENGES.

What could be better than driving a MINI tuned by Mike Cooper on the race track? The idea to launch a special MINI Club Sport Series was borne in Great Britain in 2002. In the meantime the MINI CHALLENGE has become a significant lifestyle event also in Germany and Belgium. And organizing pilot events in Switzerland, Japan and Bahrain, MINI has proven its sporting performance on the race track to a broad audience in other countries too.
MINI is presenting a MINI Cooper S from the German MINI CHALLENGE at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

Large crowds.
Experienced drivers, young talents and celebrity guest drivers ensure exciting club sport races at the MINI CHALLENGES. The MINI CHALLENGE is an additional highlight at international race events such as Formula 1, the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) or the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) on some of the most famous race tracks in Europe.

Wolf in sheep's clothing.
In Germany up to 30 drivers compete in the MINI CHALLENGE, all of them at the wheel of identical MINI Cooper S race cars converted into thoroughbred club sport models with the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit. With all cars in the Series being absolutely identical, the driver's skill is obviously the most important factor.
The German racing version being entered in the 2004 season offers ample power and performance: Maximum output of more than 200 bhp (147 kW) at 6,950 rpm accelerates this sports machine to a top speed of 226 km/h or 140 mph. And with maximum torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft, this compact racing model reaches the 100 km/h-mark in just 6.5 seconds.
The racing models come complete with a welded-in safety cell, a race exhaust, an aerodynamic package with an adjustable rear spoiler, a special braking system for race requirements, racing suspension with 7J x 17 light-alloy wheels and slicks as well as a bucket seat for the driver.