Section: R56 (Coupe)
Jul 22nd, 2010
With the 2011 MINI almost upon us we thought it was time for a last look at the best of the R56 Cooper S. Four years ago we pronounced it the best MINI yet and I promptly sold my own R53 Cooper S to buy one. Since then we’ve seen the JCW introduced, cold start issues, and all sorts of new options and packages added to the car. But what remains is a package that has aged well in most ways. Nevermind the pedantic R53 vs R56 debate, the 2010 MINI Cooper S is a compelling product that is selling as well as ever.
This was also a chance for me to step back into a stock MINI for the first time in over a year. It would give me a chance to give a fresh take on the car that inspired me to create this site.
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Jul 16th, 2010
Over the last two weeks we’ve brought you every detail of the 2011 MINI refresh. We’ve given you every detail of the options, colors and overall vehicle changes. We’ve even given you specific information on the US market. Now MINI USA is officially releasing all the information. Look for pricing to follow shortly and the online configurator to be updated in the next few weeks. For photos of the changes and many more details be sure to check out our 2011 LCI section.
Official Release
Exterior updates
- All models will have new bumper fascias, taillamp assemblies and larger foglights.
- There is a new Adaptive Xenon headlight option ($100), and black headlight housings are newly available for Cooper and Cooper S (no charge option).
- Sunroof glass tint will change from 10 percent in the previous model to 30 percent on 2011 MY vehicles, further reducing sunlight penetration.
- New colors: Spice Orange will be available on the Hardtop and the Clubman models., All MINI vehicles will also be available in British Racing Green II (which is lighter and closer in shade to the iconic British Racing Green of decade’s past), Eclipse Gray metallic (which replace Dark Silver metallic), White Silver, Ice Blue (non-metallic) and lastly, Velvet Silver (which replaces Sparkling Silver).
- Five new wheel designs will adorn the MY 2011 MINI lineup. There will be a new 15” wheel for the Cooper models.
- All the 16” wheels will be replaced with new designs. The Rib Spoke will replace the standard S-Winder on the Cooper S models and the 4-Hole Circular is an alternative for both Cooper and Cooper S cars. The 6-Star Twin Spoke will also be available.
- The 17” Conical Spoke wheel replaces the Crown Spoke.
Interior Updates
- All interior items that were previously covered in Silver paint will be matte black, the steering wheel will have a chrome trim ring in the middle and a light beige headliner will be standard (replacing the gray headliner).
- The radio controls for the standard Boost CD system have been simplified.
- A new slot in the Clubdoor can hold the passenger front seatbelt buckle in place for easier ingress and egress for the rear passengers, and there is also a new roller-style rear cargo shade.
Radio and Infotainment
- HD Radio and Sirius satellite radio will both be standard for all 2011 MINI models (previously these options were priced at $500 each); and customers will receive a one-year subscription for SIRIUS.
- There will be three audio options in 2011. Standard will be a new version of Boost CD with new radio controls, and HD Radio and SIRIUS already installed.
- MINI Connected will be an option on all 2011 models. It will add a new 6.5” hi-resolution screen, Comfort Bluetooth with Smartphone prep, voice recognition, and a joystick controller to access all features.
- The third radio option will be MINI Connected with Navigation that also features real-time
traffic information. The new NAV system uses an internal hard memory card and maps can be updated through a USB port in the glovebox.
Engine and Technology Updates
- The MINI Cooper now makes 121HP, thanks to an optimized lubrication and the reduction of internal friction losses.
- The MINI Cooper S makes 181HP, as MINI has added the VALVETRONIC intake valve control.
- Anti-torque steer programming is built into power steering.
- Enhanced acoustic attenuation has been added throughout the car to reduce road and tire noise.
The MINI Experience Continues
- New exterior design reinforces the sporty nature of the vehicle
- Interior enhancements add to premium feel
- All new engines offer more fun and increased efficiency
The fun-to-drive MINI, still guarantees go-kart handling and a fun driving experience, but now with eye-catching design modifications, all-new engines and innovative equipment upgrades, the revamped 2011 MINI is equipped to be the most popular to date.
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Jul 12th, 2010
We’ve had a number of emails asking about the possibility of retrofitting various parts of the 2011 MINI refresh. Specifically the interior.MF reader Houshmand Moarefi from Denver, CO wrote in earlier this week wanting to know what many of you have asked over the last few days. Is it possible to retrofit some if not all of the refreshed MINI interior?
Would I be able to retrofit my 2009 Clubman S with the new speedo/radio andblack finish packages? Has MINI ever offered such upgrades for earlier models?
The answer is yes and no. Yes you swap parts but each component comes with a set of different issues. On the steering wheel for instance the updated part is tied to the airbag which is extremely expensive and likely not worth replacing to get the new chrome trim. The radio face can be swapped out but the lower portion (where the buttons are) may be difficult considering that the volume knob has now moved into this module.
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Jul 8th, 2010
Five new wheels are being introduced with the 2011 refresh. Starting with the Cooper, we see a new 15” wheel for the base model and all the 16s are being replaced with new designs (as seen above).
The Rib Spoke replaces the standard S-Winder on the Cooper S models and the 4-Hole Circular is an alternative for both Cooper and Cooper S cars. The 6-Star Twin Spoke is also available, and is the only 16” that can be had in either Bright Silver (standard) or Jet Black as a no charge option when you specify option 2RV.
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Jul 7th, 2010
For our US readers there have been a few interesting changes to MINI USA’s ordering packages. The premium, convienance, sport and cold weather packages are largely left unchanged but there are number of additions worth mentioning. The recently released “Value” package will continue for 2011 with the following options:
We don’t have pricing but we expect it to remain $1500. The package will be available only on the Cooper since the factory aero kit isn’t compatible with the brake ducts on the JCW or MCS. Of course the problem for most discerning MINI enthusiasts is of course the hugely unpopular factory aero kit. Sources are telling us that it’s included in this package simply because MINI has an enormous stockpile of them they need to get rid of before likely eliminating the factory aerokit for the 2012 model year. It’s also worth noting that the factory aero kit will not work on the 2011 MCS or JCW due to MINI not wanting to redesign it to accommodate for the new brake ducts.
Regardless if you can stomach the look the package will surely offer good value for the money.
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Jul 6th, 2010
Leading up to the debut of the 2011 MINI we’ve been dropping hints that the revised JCW will be both a little dissapointing and a surprising at the same time. Last week with the official information release it became clear that MINI’s intent was to make the JCW more unique while keeping the price relatively untouched. Untouched you say? Yes we expect a price increase of no more than a few hundred dollars over the 2011 JCW.
The biggest visual change is the optional Chili red roof and mirrors that coordinate rather well with with the new black and red bonnet stripes. However as expected MINI will only allow the roof with these approved exterior colors:
- BRG II
- Pepper White
- White Silver
- Midnight Black
- Eclipse Grey
Now here’s the list if exterior colors that are available but not with the new Chili Red roof:
- Laser Blue
- Spice Orange
- Chili Red
- Horizon Blue
- Ice Blue
- Hot Chocolate
But what about the new standard and optional equippment? Here’s the list:
Jul 5th, 2010
A few weeks back we heard a rumor of MINI altering the steering for the 2011 refresh. We now know why. It isn’t to give it more feel (as we reported) but to alleviate torque steer. More specifically the updated software uses the EPS to help the car maintain a straight line under full acceleration.
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