Uncategorized
It's been talked about on this site and others many times but now the news is official. This is from MINI PR:
From July 2004, the MINI hatchback range will receive an enhanced interior and exterior look. In addition, modifications to the transmission will increase engine flexibility in the mid range. Trevor Houghton-Berry, general manager MINI UK said: “Clearly we did not want to change a winning formula – customers love the friendly face and retro interior of the MINI. This model update is merely a few subtle tweaks to make the MINI even more desirable than it already is.”
New transmission
A new five-speed ‘Getrag’ gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper models. The modification results in improved acceleration for both models. The MINI One now accelerates in fourth gear from 50-75 mph in 11.9 seconds (previously 12.8 seconds).
Torque on the MINI Cooper has been increased from 149 Nm at 4,500 rpm to 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm. This minor improvement helps the MINI Cooper knock 0.1 of a second off its 0-62 mph acceleration sprint to record a time of 9.1 seconds (previously 9.2 seconds). Acceleration in fifth gear from 50-75 mph takes 13.5 seconds, an improvement of one second.
MINI One and MINI Cooper engine power remain the same at 90 bhp and 115 bhp respectively but the Cooper S posts a 7 bhp increase in performance taking its maximum output to 170 bhp at 6,000 rpm. Top speed is increased by 3 mph to 138 mph and the all-important 0-62 mph is achieved in just 7.2 seconds, a reduction of 0.2 seconds. Also, torque has been increased by 10 Nm, peaking at 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The exterior
All MINI models receive new clear glass headlights that provide brighter illumination. The optional xenon headlights have also been modified to include an additional ring of light spots for increased visibility.
The MINI One and MINI Cooper also get a re-designed front and rear bumper. At the front, the bumper has been lowered, while at the rear, the rubbing strip has been split with the fog light re-positioned neatly between the two halves (previously the rubbing strip was a single unit with the fog light above). Reversing lights are now integrated into the newly designed rear light clusters.
Two new metallic exterior paint colours will be introduced from July – Astro Black (replaces Cosmos Black) and Black-Eyed Purple (replaces Indi Blue). Another new metallic colour, Hyper Blue, will be reserved for Cooper S models. Electric Blue will be extended as a colour option on all models with the exception of the MINI Convertible range. This means that there is a choice of 10 exterior colours for every MINI in the range.
The interior
All MINIs will receive the following ergonomic improvements:
- New storage area
- New ‘coin tray’ area under the handbrake
- Larger rear cup holder
- Door armrest with improved ergonomic grip
- More spacious door bin for improved storage
- Additional side mounted sun visor for driver
- Improved side support from seat bench side bolsters
- Addition of passenger grab handle above window
- Larger rear view mirror
- Clock repositioned from headlining to central instrument panel
- Improved interior ambient lighting
- ISOFIX and CD preparation as standard
- Rev counter (previously not standard on MINI One)
- Upholstery choices have been expanded to offer 14 different cloth, cloth/ leather and full leather designs. Cloth Dragon replaces Cloth AQUA as the standard upholstery for MINI One and MINI One D, and Cloth Octagon replaces Cloth KALEIDO as standard on MINI Cooper models.
A new ‘body coloured’ trim has increased MINI Cooper S interior trim choices to five. Colours available are Chili Red, Liquid Yellow, Electric Blue and Hyper Blue. Alternatively customers can choose from silver, anthracite, alloy patina, and wood.
All very interesting. While most of it is old news there certainly is some new info there to digest.
<p>Does this mean that the 6-speed Getrag is going away??</p>
<p>“A new five-speed ‘Getrag’ gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models.”</p>
<p>EVen if it is better performance, i like the idea of six forward gears. 🙁 </p>
<p>Sounds great though, all of the fantastic changes. This is likely the car I will be buying, if not soon, than within the year (thast still soon i guess.)</p>
<p>Is the performance upgrade a ECU thing, or did they do some tweaking under the bonnet? Also, I think my wife would like the 'oh my god' handle for the passenger seat… :)</p>
<p>I spoke at length with some people at the plant about upcoming 2005 changes and after talking about everything we did I'm sure they would have mentioned something as big as the MCS going to a 5-speed. That being said I really don't have any confirmation.</p>
<p>As rumored, the MINI Cooper is getting the 3-slat grill, (although still in chrome)based on that photo.</p>
<p>So, can we expect a $400-$500 increase for the 2005's in August?</p>
<p>I wonder what the weight difference is between the 6 and 5 speed units? Also would the trans ratios for the MCS and MC be the same?</p>
<p>What, no limited slip differential!?!?</p>
<p>C'mon, that's all I'm waiting for to trade my 2002 MCS in for a new one.</p>
<p>no mention of pepper white being dropped, although it's strange that you can't get it as a convertible color!</p>
<p>I'm really hoping that they don't get rid of the Pepper White. I'm waiting for them to add the automatic transmission to the Cooper S to purchase one in Pepper White.</p>
<p>FYI the automatic won't happen next year.</p>
<p>What is octagon cloth? Does it look similar to Kaleido or completely different?</p>
<p>So, how does the JCW work with the added 7hp and 10Nm of torque – do you still end up with 200hp or do you get to something like 207.</p>
<p>Also, if the Cooper and Cooper S have the same trans, then presumably you could substantially modify a Cooper and the trans could handle it – hmmmm let's see…….save several grand on a Cooper vs. the S and send the extra cash to MiniMania, Madness, etc. – could be the ticket! Or, 30 grand for a JCW MCS – hmm lots to think about………</p>
<p>You COULD send $3000 to MINImania or madness and they might tell you you're adding 50HP to your Cooper but I doubt you'd be able to add more than 10-15HP…even with $3k. If you want HP/torque, the S is still the way to go.</p>
<p>wow, if the 05 MCS truly will drop to a 5-speed tranny, I'm sure a lot of folks will switch to another car. The 6-sp was one of the major inceptives for me to go with an MCS. I hope this is not true, and the MCS will stick to the 6-speed!</p>
<p>on second thought, if the MCS will only be available with a 5-speed (and this may be a mis-print or rumour), then I think the value of my 03 MCS has just gone up a notch, or two, or even three….
:)</p>
<p>I agree- a 5-speed on the MCS would be a step back.</p>
<p>GABE- is that a typo above? Or did Mini2 make the mistake…the Mini2 article doesn't mention the Cooper S when referring to the new transmission…take a look at this link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mini2.com/news/news229.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/news/news229.html</a></p>
<p>It's a PR release. It looks like MINI2 may have changed the obviously wrong sentence to avoid confusion. I suppose I should do the same since it looks as if the MCS will indeed keep it's 6-speed.</p>
<p>I see- I forgot to blame the source! Thanks for your reply.</p>
<p>FYI – I've changed part of the press release from this: </p>
<p>“A new five-speed ‘Getrag’ gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models. The modification results in improved acceleration for both models. The MINI One now accelerates in fourth gear from 50-75 mph in 11.9 seconds (previously 12.8 seconds).”</p>
<p>to this:</p>
<p>“A new five-speed ‘Getrag’ gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper and models. The modification results in improved acceleration for both models. The MINI One now accelerates in fourth gear from 50-75 mph in 11.9 seconds (previously 12.8 seconds).”</p>
<p>Due to what looks to be an obvious error in insinuating that the 2005 MCS will only have a 5-speed transmission.</p>
<p>No one has commented on one of my main issues with my S. The small sun visors. I'd love to have the “Additional side mounted sun visor for driver” mentioned in the story.</p>
<p>the MCS will have a 6 speed tranny. check out inovations under <a href="http://www.mini.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini.com</a>.</p>
<p>sorry for double post… meant to provide the link. just select all innovations on the left hand side. then select the Mini S and you will see that.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp</a></p>
<p>DEVO – actually the contents of that site is the subject of our latest article – check it out: <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/1_july_2004"><a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/1" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/1</a><em>july</em>2004</a>.</p>
<p>Hi…. My name is Every Etienne I'm an advisor at Braman Motor cars in West Palm Beach Florida……..My question is When is the Convertible should hit the U.S.A market and how more will it be …………..Can somebody answer these two question for me………….THANK YOU VERY MUCH</p>
<p>Can anyone confirm that the 3 spoke steering wheel will be standard on all the 05 models?</p>