2007 MINI To Make North American Debut at the Detroit Autoshow
The all-new second generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops will make their North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. MINI will also present the MINI Convertible Sidewalk for its World debut. It will be offered in the U.S. as an option package and as a separate model for international markets.
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops build upon the design success of the first generation MINI models which offer go-kart like reflexes and the ability for customers to individualize their car. The most successful premium small car in the world has been updated in a way that is evolutionary in design and revolutionary in substance. And a wide range of engine, transmission, chassis and steering innovations give the all-new MINI an impressive level of sportiness and agility.
MINI’s signature design and enhanced performance: the all-new MINI.
Boasting brand-new, aluminum-alloy four-cylinder engines with increased power and performance, the new MINI hardtops make a strong statement as they enter the North American market. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper develops a maximum of 118 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. This propels the car to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 126 mph.
The new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides 172 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque in a range from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. The Cooper S reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph.
Despite their greater power and performance, the engines are even more fuel-efficient than before: Most notably the MINI Cooper with a manual transmission achieves an impressive 40 Miles per Gallon in highway driving according to the latest EPA testing.
The second generation MINI has been completely redesigned from the ground up. Yet the new hardtops carry on MINI’s distinctive design elements, such as its instantly recognizable profile and contrast roof, its large round headlights and its wheels out at each corner — all elements that are the hallmark of MINI’s design,
The overall length of the MINI Cooper has been extended by a mere 2.36 inches over the length of its predecessor; while the new MINI Cooper S is 2.4 inches longer. Although remaining one of the smallest cars on the road in the US, this modest increase in size is due to the MINI’s new, larger engines and MINI’s vision to anticipate and meet compliance for future impact and pedestrian safety standards.
The interior of the new MINI has been thoroughly redesigned, offering a premium look with more choice and convenience. Reflecting the purist concept of the car, the highlight of the dashboard is the larger center speedometer, which features integrated audio controls as well as enhanced readouts and functions over the previous model.
Offering more ways to customize a MINI Cooper and Cooper S, the new hardtops are available with a wide range of new features and equipment. One such new feature is the optionally available ambient interior illumination which may be varied between warm orange and a cool blue, according to the individual preferences of the driver and passengers. MINI features a bank of its signature, rally-inspired toggle switches not only in the center console but in the overhead control panel as well. And there is an auxiliary input in the center console to accommodate portable audio devices such as an MP3 player.
Drop-top Driving in an exclusive package: the MINI Convertible Sidewalk.
Making its World Debut will be the MINI Convertible Sidewalk. It is a car for the true enthusiast who appreciates the fun and exhilaration of open-air driving. In the US, the Sidewalk will be available in the spring as an exclusive package on both the MINI Cooper Convertible as well as the MINI Cooper S Convertible at a cost of $4,000. For other international markets, the MINI Sidewalk Convertible will be sold as an individual model.
The Sidewalk package offers an exclusive, look, featuring special light-alloy wheels, an attractive interior surface trim and leather upholstery developed specifically for the package. In addition the package comes with a host of options and equipment bundled together to offer more exclusivity, substance and value.
The Cooper Sidewalk includes 16 inch bridge spoke wheels and sport seats. The Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk includes 17 inch Night Spoke wheels and Xenon headlamps. The package for both models comes with English leather sport seats in an exclusive malt brown color and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics. The steering wheel comes wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather and is integrated with multi-function controls including cruise control. Dynamic Stability Control, Chrome Line interior trim, a center arm rest and a Harmon/Kardon sound system round out the package options.
Source: MINI USA Press
Any idea if the ’07 MINI will be at the Chicago Auto Show in February as well?
Yes – the Chicago Auto show will be the second major US autoshow to feature the US spec version of the new MINI.
So will the crack MF reporting team be making a pilgrimage to Detroit for this? 😉
>So will the crack MF reporting team be making a pilgrimage to Detroit for this? 😉
I’m sure we’ll have plenty of reader reports as always. However neither I nor any of the MF staff will be making the trip.
It should be noted that the ’07 MINI’s wheelbase is still 97.1 inches, so the added length is mostly at the bonnet and boot. Hence, the nearly identical handling between the new MINI and the new new MINI. 😉
Too bad they didn’t have the new models in ” LA Auto Show” this past month…But, who buys cars in Cal e fornia…….
SEEMS WE’VE LOST A FEW HP ON EACH CAR ON THE WAY OVER…172 VS. 175 ON THE S AND 118 VS. 120 ON THE MC…WHAT GIVES, MINI?
<blockquote>SEEMS WE’VE LOST A FEW HP ON EACH CAR ON THE WAY OVER…172 VS. 175 ON THE S AND 118 VS. 120 ON THE MC…WHAT GIVES, MINI?</blockquote>
My guess is one of two things:
1) The new ansi standard of computing HP
2) The US model is recommended to use 91 oct fuel which is lower than the highest octane available in Europe.
I’m not sure though. Those are just my best guesses.
Oh yeah one other thing.. are the US models still going to get the 192ft-lb ‘overboost’ feature?
>SEEMS WE’VE LOST A FEW HP ON EACH CAR ON THE WAY OVER…172 VS. 175 ON THE S AND 118 VS. 120 ON THE MC…WHAT GIVES, MINI?
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower#Brake_horsepower_.28bhp.29" rel="nofollow">It’s just a difference in the way we measure it</a> (HP vs BHP).
We posted an article awhile back on this when people asked about the different between the 170bhp of the 2005 vs the 168hp of the US model.
I could have sworn I saw an ’07 MCS at Prestige MINI in NJ a couple of weeks ago. I was just driving by, though, and it was in their ‘display’ car position up on a pedestal.
It’s nowhere near where I live or I’d go back and check.
Washington DC Auto Show is after Detroit January 24-28, 2007 – I work in the center – MINI has signed up to have their cars there – I would imagine they’ll have one or two of the 07s there since it’s so close to the official unveiling of the 07s.
I’m debating going to Detroit – just to see a REAL auto show.
The 91 octane thing is weird. From NY to VA, the region I drive mostly, it’s all 87, 89, 93. No 91 to be found. So either I’m over-doing it or under-doing it. Why don’t they offer electronic adjustments to let us use the octane we have regionally. Either let me get more HP out of 93 octane, or let me run the cheaper 89 with less.
Gabe,
The sidewalk pics show rather nice 17″ night spoke wheels – the spec says the non-S will have bridge spoke – do you know if they’ll be the standard R94, or if they’ll be color coded like the propellers in the pic?