Nothing really new here however MINIUSA has “officially” announced all the final specifications for the 2005 model year. Of course MotoringFile broke most this back in mid-May (and we've talked endlessly about them since) but it's nice to see a spec recap from MINIUSA themselves. This release does clear up at least one issue though – why the HP rating has gone down 2 with the US Spec. The 170 number is for brake horsepower (BHP) and the 168 is referring to SAE. And if you really want to puruse options and package pricing (even though it's been posted here before in other documents) you can also download the entire pricing list below.

[2005 MINI Pricing PDF]

MINI proudly announces upgrades for the 2005 Model Year cars which officially go on sale September 1, 2004. In additional to the already-announced convertible models, there are new design enhancements for existing models, along with a power increase in the supercharged models and a host of exciting new colors and options across the board.

MINI Goes Topless:
All-new for 2005, the MINI Convertibles join the line-up adding two models to the brand with the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible. The MINI Convertibles are attractively priced with only a $4,501 premium over the respective hardtops. The base MSRP for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $20,950 while the MINI Cooper S Convertible comes in at a MSRP of $24,400. With the same under-hood power shared with their respective 2005 hardtop siblings, the MINI Convertibles bring the fun of open-top motoring to MINI and mark the continued expansion of MINI's product strategy.

The MINI Convertibles come standard with a fully automatic convertible top that incorporates a heated glass rear window. However a truly innovative feature of the convertible top is an integrated power sliding sunroof feature. The sunroof allows for open air motoring and can be opened or closed while traveling at speeds of up to 75 miles-per-hour. From completely closed to opened the top operation takes only fifteen seconds. When down, much of the top recesses below the rear deck, resulting in a very clean look and eliminating the need for a tonneau cover.

The MINI's convertible top is also designed to maximize available storage. With the top up, the rear edge of the convertible top can be unlatched and folded forward to expand the opening to the rear cargo area. The rear compartment also incorporates 50/50 flip fold-down rear seats, which allows customers to fit larger items through the boot and into the rear of the car. Like MINI's first generation predecessor, the rear trunk lid is bottom-hinged to open downwards and is suspended with high strength supports that can hold up to 175 pounds, – perfect for tailgate parties or when the need arises to haul long and bulky items.

A high level of standard safety is built into all MINI Convertibles. In addition to the front impact airbags, the MINI Convertibles offer side impact airbags that protect the body and head of both front seat passengers in the event of a side impact. Additionally, the open-air MINIs are quite rigid. Structural reinforcements have been made to the A-pillars and side doorsills, and a high strength, lightweight aluminum roll bar is integrated into the rear headrests which add safety in the event of a roll-over.

Model Range Updated for 2005:
The visual and performance enhancements that will debut on the MINI Convertibles will also appear in the updated 2005 MINI hardtop models. Performance is improved for the MINI model range. The MINI Cooper S and Cooper S Convertible models benefit from an increase in horsepower to 168 hp SAE, as well improved acceleration with a revised ratio six-speed gearbox. The MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible receive an entirely new Getrag five-speed unit that also incorporates revised ratios for improved acceleration.

All models get a handsome facelift, incorporating new headlights and taillights and a new 3-slat radiator grill, In addition the front and rear bumper fascias on the Cooper models are revised with a fresh clean look. On the inside there are enhancements including new interior lighting, storage space and new trim options.

New appearance options for 2005 include Interior Surface Body Color, Chrome Line Interior, Chrome Line Exterior and Mirror Caps, and the Cockpit Chrono Gauge Pack. New colors for 2005 include Purple Haze, Hyper Blue and Astro Black, as well as Hot Orange and Cool Blue, the last two-of which will be unique to the Convertible line.

Base MSRP for the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtops remain unchanged at $16,449 and $19,899, respectively. Destination and handling charges remain unchanged at $550 for all models.

Summary of 2005 MINI Model Year Changes
Both the Cooper and Cooper S have been refreshed, receiving:

  • New headlights, which have a nice clean look.
  • New taillights, which carry the clean look from the front to the rear.
  • The reverse lights are now incorporated into the main taillights and the fog light socket moves to the bottom position formerly occupied by the reverse light.
  • New radiator grill with 3 slats.
  • On the Cooper, new bumpers front and rear.
  • Bumper inserts are replaced by a piece of chrome trim that crosses the lower radiator opening.
  • New interior lights: Map lights and cascade LEDs located on the center of the top windshield frame, LEDs in the door handles.
  • More Storage: The door handle out has been moved out, allowing you to put more in the pocket. Also, the rear cup holder has been enlarged, a tray has been added under
  • the center column, partially enclosing the area and another tray has been added under the brake handle.
  • There also is a revised front passenger accessory cup holder that comes standard.
  • Both cars get revised gearing for better acceleration. The Cooper now has a Getrag gearbox for the 5 speed manual transmission.
  • The Cooper S gets more horsepower now with 170 BHP (168 hp SAE).

MINI offers several new exterior trim and color choices

  • Exclusive Convertible colors include Hot Orange and Cool Blue
  • Astro Black is new for the Cooper models while Purple Haze and Hyper Blue join the color palette for all models
  • Chrome Line Exterior: On the Cooper this includes 1 chrome strip integrated into the front bumper, 2 chrome strips for the rear bumper, and fog light surrounds. On the Cooper S the chrome pack consists of chromed radiator grill slats and a chromed tailgate handle. Chromed mirror caps are included in both kits.
  • Chrome Mirror Caps are available individually

There is a variety of new interior appearance features and options.

  • Interior Surface Body Color. Now the dash and door panels are available for the Cooper S in Hot Orange, Cool Blue, Hyper Blue, Chili Red and Liquid Yellow. (Cooper S Only)
  • Chrome Line Interior: This includes chromed rings around all gauges, bezels around the hazard light button and the dash light dimmer, inserts on the handbrake and a rings around the gearshift and front and rear cup holders.
  • A Chrono gauge pack is now available, providing analog read-outs for oil temperature and pressure along with fuel and coolant temperature in the center mounted gauge. The speedometer joins the tachometer on the steering column when this option is selected.
  • Tartan Red/Octagon Black Cloth/Leather Combo is available on Sport Seats.
  • Gray Leatherette is now available.
  • Space Gray/Panther Black Cloth is now available on the Cooper with Sport Seats.