MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008

Official MINI Press Rlease: As of August 2007, all MINI hatchback models with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as standard – maximum efficiency in the new MINI Cooper D: 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, 104 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Munich. The new MINI is even surpassing itself. With a range of measures to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels, the world’s only premium small car is extending its lead in the area of efficiency in the model year 2008 even further. As of August 2007, all model variations (except Convertible) of the new MINI will have high-tech engine periphery components as standard which allow more economical fuel consumption and at the same time increase driving pleasure. Consisting of Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Gear Shift Indicator, this package of measures will ensure that the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper as well as the MINI One and MINI Cooper D achieve a relationship between driving fun and fuel consumption which is unsurpassed in their relevant output categories. The absolute leader in terms of efficiency is the MINI Cooper D: with its 80 kW/110 bhp 4-cylinder diesel engine it has a fuel consumption level of just 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle and achieves a CO2 emission level of just 104 grams per kilometre – an outstandingly low level in this output category.

Accelerating is pure fun – while braking generates power for the vehicle electric system.

A perfect example of the clever combination of additional driving pleasure and reduced fuel consumption is Brake Energy Regeneration, which will be a standard feature of all model variations of the new MINI. An intelligent energy management system ensures that engine power is primarily converted into forward thrust and that electricity for the vehicle power supply is only generated when the vehicle rolls or is braked. In order to achieve this, the generator is automatically disconnected during pulling phases. The power which would be diverted in a conventional vehicle is thus available for even more powerful acceleration. The vehicle electric power supply is still fully maintained, however: as soon as the MINI changes to a pushing or braking phase, the generator is reactivated. The charge level of the battery is constantly monitored by an intelligent energy management system. Specific regeneration phases, a defined minimum load capacity and the use of the new AGM battery technology (Absorbent Glass Mat) guarantee maximum battery lifetime. The Brake Energy Regeneration system leads to a reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels in the new MINI regardless of driving style.

Auto Start-Stop Function: no more idling.

In all manual-transmission models of the new MINI, idling phases will be eliminated virtually entirely in future. The new Auto Start-Stop Function ensures that the engine switches off automatically when the vehicle stops at a junction, for example, as soon as the gear lever is moved into neutral position and the driver removes his foot from the clutch. To restart the engine, the driver simply activates the clutch. The engine is then automatically restarted without any delay.

The Auto Start-Stop Function enables a significantly more efficient use of fuel, especially in urban traffic. At every interim stop, energy consumption and exhaust emissions can very simply be reduced to zero. Unnecessary fuel consumption in idling phases is thus a thing of the past. The Auto Start-Stop Function is on standby every time the engine is started. The system is activated as soon as the engine oil has reached the required operating temperature. Under certain conditions for reasons of safety and comfort, the engine is not switched off. By means of permanent monitoring of the operating condition of the vehicle and weather conditions, the intelligent control system is able to identify situations in which it is advantageous to leave the engine running. This applies when the battery is at a very low charge level and also at outside temperatures which are very high (over 30 degrees Celsius) or very low (less than 3 degrees Celsius). What is more, the engine remains running at short interim stops if the interior temperature has not yet reached the level selected in the air conditioning system or when heat is required to remove ice or condensation from the windscreen. The system is also able to distinguish between short-term stops and the end of a journey: there is no automatic restart if the seat belt buckle, driver’s door or engine compartment lid are opened when the engine is switched off. What is more the Auto Start-Stop Function can be deactivated at any time by the driver at the press of a button.

Always in the right gear: Gear Shift Indicator.

Thanks to Gear Shift Indicator – another standard feature – the driver of a MINI with manual transmission can always maintain an economical driving style. The engine management system permanently analyses the engine speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates the optimum gear for economical driving. As soon as a gear shift would be appropriate from this point of view, the relevant arrow symbol appears in the cockpit display underneath the tachometer. The ideal gear is also displayed as a number. Gear Shift Indicator can be activated and deactivated via the menu of the on-board computer. The system also takes the current driving style into account, for example intensive acceleration manoeuvres.

MINI Cooper S: top performance with even greater efficiency.

The increased efficiency of its engines raises the profile of the new MINI in a way which is particularly appropriate to the times. The MINI symbolises self-confidence with a design which is as fascinating as it is likeable. It embodies an awareness of quality at absolute premium level and combines all-round appeal with a level of environmental awareness which has now been further increased. MINI’s combination of driving fun and economy is exemplary – not just in the small car segment – and applies to all engine variations. Top level efficiency is achieved by the new MINI Cooper S. It is powered by a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. This engine delivers 128 kW/175 bhp and mobilises its maximum torque of 240 Nm in the engine speed range between 1 600 and 5 000 rpm – an overboost function even allows this to be increased to 260 Nm. Its maximum speed is 225 km/h and it accelerates from stationary to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S as per EU test cycle is 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 6.9 litres/100 kilometres) and its CO2 level is just 149 grams per kilometre (previously: 164 g/km) – these figures clearly demonstrate how state-of-the-art engine technology can combine efficiency with top performance.

MINI Cooper: more driving fun, less fuel consumption

The 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the new MINI Cooper has a capacity of 1.6 litres and delivers 88 kW/120 bhp. Its maximum torque of 160 Nm is available from 4 250 rpm. The control of the intake valves, inspired by the unique VALVETRONIC technology of the BMW Group, is fully variable. The valve stroke and opening times are controlled electronically and at continuously variable levels so as to adapt to output requirements. This innovative valve control system not only makes for a highly spontaneous response and excellent running smoothness, it also ensures a low level of fuel consumption and optimised exhaust gas response. The MINI Cooper accelerates from 0 to 100 km/ in 9.1 seconds, its maximum speed is 203 km/h. With an average fuel consumption level of just 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 5.8 litre/ 100 kilometres) in the EU test cycle and a CO2 level which has been reduced to 129 grams per kilometre (previously: 139 g/km), the MINI Cooper sets an even higher benchmark for efficient driving fun in the model year 2008.

MINI One: the basis for sustainable driving fun.

The new MINI One enables an attractive entry to the world of MINI. It embodies the fascination of the unique premium small car in a particularly economical way. Its 1.4 litre 4-cylinder engine has the same high-tech components which give the MINI Cooper its impressive power delivery and efficiency. With an output of 70 kW/95 bhp and a maximum torque of 140 Nm at 4 000 rpm, the MINI One achieves sporty performance figures. It requires just 10.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and its maximum speed is 185 km/h. The average fuel consumption according to the EU test cycle and the exhaust emission levels have been further optimised. The MINI One of the model year 2008 makes do with 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 5.7 litre/100 kilometres) and a CO2 level of 128 grams per kilometre (previously 138 g/km).

MINI Cooper D: economical, clean and with higher torque than ever before.

The new MINI Cooper D demonstrates the great potential of modern diesel engines more impressively than ever before. Its 1.6 litre 4-cylinder power unit has direct injection based on the common rail principle and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which ensures a perfectly adapted level of power delivery at all engine speeds. The output of the newly developed and – due to its aluminium construction – lightweight diesel engine is 80 kW/110 bhp, and it has a maximum torque of 240 Nm available between 1 750 and 2 000 rpm. An overboost function allows the torque level to be increased to 260 Nm at short notice.

The MINI Cooper D offers impressive pulling power and sporty performance figures: 9.9 seconds is all it requires for the spurt to 100 km/h, and the maximum speed is 195 km/h. In the light of this, the fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels of the new MINI Cooper D are especially impressive. Average fuel consumption based on the EU test cycle is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 4.4 litres/ 100 kilometres) and the CO2 level is 104 grams per kilometre (previously: 118 g/km) – both of which set new standards. Never before has a MINI been so economical and low on emissions – and never before has so much driving fun been available with such low fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. With a maximum range of 1,025 kilometres, the MINI Cooper D also shows remarkable long-distance qualities.

New equipment details for even greater driving comfort and charisma.

One feature offering increased ride comfort in the new MINI of the model year 2008 is the modified Cruise Control, that shows the selected speed digitally in the cockpit. It enables the driver to select a desired speed which is then automatically maintained, regardless of the route profile. And after the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper and the MINI One, the MINI Cooper D will now also be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2008 model year. For even simpler extension of on-board entertainment facilities in the new MINI, a USB connection including Bluetooth function is optionally available from August 2007 for the integration of external audio sources. This enables USB-compatible storage media and MP3 players such as the Apple iPod to be integrated in the MINI entertainment system via the USB port. Music selection can then be accessed via the audio system controls where the menu offers to choose between interpreter, album etc. Also mobiles can then be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. An additional visual highlight within the varied equipment program is provided by the exclusive paint finish in White Silver metallic available for the MINI Convertible Sidewalk.