Sections: Uncategorized Dec 30th, 2004 21 Comments While this should all be old news to the dedicated MotoringFile reader, here's a sneak peak and what we'll be seeing from MINI at the North American International Autoshow (from MINIUSA PR):
MINI's fun and spirited brand personality is highlighted yet again – now with the addition of new optional features, a performance package and Hollywood 'stunt' excitement. The MINI Cooper S with automatic transmission will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. A limited slip differential for the MINI Cooper S equipped with a manual transmission will also be presented along with the new 2005 John Cooper Works tuning kit. Additionally, a display will be on the stand in Detroit featuring “The Italian Job Stunt Track” roller coaster scheduled to debut at Kings Island amusement park in Cincinnati, OH this summer.
World Debut: Automatic Transmission in Copper S and Cooper S Convertible
An all new six-speed automatic transmission for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible makes its debut. Models equipped with the new unit – which features Steptronic mode and Steptronic shifting paddles on the steering wheel – will be shown in Detroit. The optional automatic transmission, features sporty and responsive gear changes, providing a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the sporty character of the MINI Cooper S.The unit also features Adaptive Transmission Control which allows the transmission to adapt to one's driving style. As an example, the transmission will build the revs longer between gear changes if it 'knows' the driver enjoys taking the car to its limits.
A hydraulic torque converter offering maximum efficiency ensures a smooth gearshift, while the converter lock-up clutch guarantees an equally smooth flow of power and superior fuel economy. Despite its six gears, this new transmission requires a far smaller number of gearshift elements, making it much lighter and more compact in its design.
Limited Slip Differential Grabs Hold
A new limited slip differential has added another new feature to the MINI Cooper S and Cooper S Convertible equipped with 6-speed manual transmission. A performance feature coveted by motoring enthusiasts, the limited slip differential helps to divert more torque towards the drive wheel with better traction, ensuring power is transmitted to the road more effectively. This helps to increase traction under acceleration or during cornering, resulting in improved handling and increased stability.The torque-sensitive differential manages torque output under acceleration and offers a 30 percent slip rate; meaning there is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two wheels is 30 percent or less. The system also allows the threshold for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding the system's safe intervention in slippery situations. All of this benefits the enthusiastic driver of a MINI Cooper S at its performance edge.
New John Cooper Works Tuning Kit MINI offers a new higher-output John Cooper Works kit for 2005. Produced by the legendary aftermarket company John Cooper Works, the new kit for the MINI Cooper S offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the previous generation. Horsepower is now increased to 207 hp at 6,950 rpm from 200 hp at the same rpm. Torque is also boosted, now registering 180 pounds-feet at 4,500 rpm, up from 177 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm.
The unique John Cooper Works Company kit is sold exclusively through MINI dealers and is covered under MINI's comprehensive new car warranty. Key enhancements for the new 2005 John Cooper Works kit include a redesigned air box with an electronically-controlled air induction system, a set of higher flow fuel injectors and a reprogrammed electronic control unit.
The new air box features an electronically controlled valve that opens an additional air duct at higher engine speeds, This allows more fresh air to enter though a special low restriction filter element. In addition to dramatically increasing the airflow, the new air box creates a more powerful induction sound that compliments the impressive growl from the performance exhaust, also part of the kit. Of course the John Cooper Works kit continues with its modified supercharger and cylinder head, as well as tasteful under-hood and exterior badges.
MINI Roller Coaster: 'Italian Job Stunt Track'
“The Italian Job” movie by Paramount Pictures showed that MINI cars can handle any kind of stunt. Starting this May in select Paramount theme parks, MINI will be part of a very special roller coaster ride in the recently announced “The Italian Job Stunt Track.” Located at Paramount's Kings Island, north of Cincinnati, Ohio and at Paramount Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, visitors are able to experience truly impressive high speed stunts in cars modelled around the MINI Cooper S.The roller coaster is a perfect combination of special Hollywood effects that combines the thrill of a roller coaster and the exhilaration of driving in an open-air MINI Cooper S. On these wild rides, passengers experience a spectacular chase through all kinds of film sets and scenes offering them a look behind the scenes of a genuine action thriller. The roller coaster partnership was announced by Paramount this past summer and has an expected opening in the U.S. scheduled for May of 2005.
For those curious, the current 2005 JCW kit will not be available with the new automatic transmission. Word is we may see an automatic version of the JCW kit later in the year.
MrV Dec 30th, 2004 Link
I hope that someone goes to this and gets a good picture of those paddle shifters. I have yet to see a good photo of the actual item, just of the BMW version and the CVT version.
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David Dec 30th, 2004 Link
Okay, bringing an automatic to the MCS, fine. Bringing the JCW kit to the automatic, unh-unh, no way…. This is really going to sap the life blood out of the JCW mystique should they actually go through with it. There is a certain air of exclusivity in the JCW kit. Imagine a Corvette ZO6 with an auto tranny. Both ideas are an insult to auto enthusiasts everywhere.
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Ian Dec 30th, 2004 Link
“both ideas are an insult to auto enthusiasts everywhere” … as a MINI enthusiast who asked everyone at their dealership this week if they knew why you could not get JCW on an auto MCS, I disagree totally.
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drew Dec 30th, 2004 Link
i don't mean to get nasty here – but i cannot echo ian's feelings enough. i am about to order an mcs automatic and would love to one day upgrade to the jcw.
play nice! – drew
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matt Dec 30th, 2004 Link
actually, didn't the Z06 originally only come in an automatic? could have sworn when they originally were released you could only get in automatic, then eventually the manuals started trickling out.
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Dave Dec 30th, 2004 Link
Remember that the Cooper has a JCW kit too. My guess (and it is just that) is that the transmission might not be able to handle it. On the other hand perhaps the ECU needs a different programming.
Dave
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Ryan Dec 30th, 2004 Link
We'll have a few Motoring File readers attending this event. I'll be sure to capture photos of interesting Mini displays. Inevitably something is always missed. Remember the two-toned R90s? If you live within driving distance to this event, don't miss it. It's Mecca for any level of auto enthusiast (and even for some who don't consider themselves such).
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Wraith Dec 30th, 2004 Link
cannot wait for this event. will make a note to take good pics of MCS Auto w/ paddles
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Ryephile Jan 1st, 2005 Link
I'll be going to the NAIAS Press Days and will be putting together a small story for MotoringFile. I'll try to cover all the new items MINI has released.
Cheers, Ryan
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David Jan 1st, 2005 Link
Look, there's a reason the ZO6 does not (and never did) come with an auto tranny. It was reserved specifically for the driving enthusiast who WANTED to row through the gears him/herself. As was the 55 extra horses. MINI needs to treat the JCW kit the same way. I see nothing wrong with MINI saying, “If you want this extra power package, you need to get the manual.” It's a choice you make between performance and convenience. Otherwise, the JCW MCS becomes another Mustang GT (not the new one…yet), a lingering joke of what it was supposed to be.
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MrV Jan 2nd, 2005 Link
David,
Does that mean Mini has lost you as a customer? Are you going to sell your Mini now and go buy a Z06 now since the company is more in line with your philosophy ?
That would be a shame.
I sure do respect your right to have an opinion, but I don't respect your opinion. How does someone owning a MCSA /JCW make your car a lesser car?
Freedom of choice, it's the Amercian way, live and let live, yadda yadda yadda. Be happy with your car, let others be happy with theirs.
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Ryephile Jan 2nd, 2005 Link
I'd bet the non-JCW MCSa is due to the transmission not being able to handle the power, and definitely not MINI trying to cut sales, regardless of what ideals they feel. I'm sure the suave customer might be able to convince their dealership to install the JCW kit in their MCSa regardless, perhaps at the expense of transmission warranty. Can you say, aftermarket for the MCSa?
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Gabe Jan 2nd, 2005 Link
From my understanding dealers won't install the current JCW kit in a MCSa because BMW won't warranty it. Essentially it would be one huge liability for any dealership that tries it since it's not officially supported by corporate. However, the Aisin transmission in the MCS can handle more power as it's essentially the same unit in the Audi TT.
If there is a JCW kit for the MCSa the changes to the kit will most likely be some subtle enhancements to make it work better with the attributes of the auto.
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Ian Jan 2nd, 2005 Link
Patience … my sources tell me that a JCW-equipped MCSa is currently undergoing tests.
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David Jan 3rd, 2005 Link
Well, I'm sorry so many disagree with me and, no, MINI has not lost me as a customer. I love the manual MCS and have no real problem with an auto MCS, as its existence was inevitable, but I think the watering down of the ultimate performance aspect of the brand is simply BMW selling out for higher profits. I hope the decision to start testing auto JCW kits was met with resistance by some of those in charge.
And yes, I do intend to own a Vette as well, with any luck, a ZO6.
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MrV Jan 5th, 2005 Link
Found the fuel consumption ratings for the auto S in a press release for the detriot show:
“Fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible with automatic transmission in the composite EU cycle is just 9.2 and, respec¬t¬ive¬ly, 9.0 litres/100 km (30.7/31.4 mpg Imp).”
Now, who knows how to convert these to american gallon equivelents.?
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jd Jan 5th, 2005 Link
I work for BMW group, and have had the chance to drive an auto MSC, All I can say is that it won't dissapoint!
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