THE 2013 MINI CLUBMAN
10/31/2012
Mini
More Room, More Utility, More Fun
Stretching the wheelbase nearly nine and a half inches in comparison to the MINI Hardtop significantly enhances interior room and utility in the MINI Clubman, as well as driver/passenger comfort and convenience for those who want more of the iconic British brand. And - in true MINI fashion - mixing the traditional with the modern results in both the car's unmistakably MINI appearance and unique ways to access this interior: The tailgate offers the twin, outwardly hinged "Split Rear Barn Doors" found on the Clubman's ancestors, while rear-seat passenger ingress and egress is eased through the rear-hinged "Clubdoor" incorporated in the car's right side. To make passenger ingress and egress easier, there is a slot in the Clubdoor that can hold the passenger front seatbelt buckle.
Exclusive to the MINI Clubman is the additional space behind the front seats and the number of doors providing access to the interior. Stretching the Clubman 9.4 inches and the wheelbase 3.2 inches results in a very different environment for passengers and all of life's precious cargo. Almost all of the extra wheelbase is translated into additional leg room for rear passengers, and the unique body work provides a bit more shoulder room for them as well. The most dramatic transformation comes in terms of luggage space: the Clubman offers 61 percent more space (9.18 versus 5.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, or 37 percent more (32.8 versus 24.0 cubic feet) with both seats folded. And the Clubman offers an optional flat-luggage-floor system which also brings a covered storage bin between the Split Rear Barn Doors and the seatbacks. A roller-style cargo shade is included as standard.
In keeping with the marque's heritage, the 2013 MINI Clubman's rear look is modeled along the design of the rear doors found in the Austin Mini Countryman, Morris Minor Traveller and the Mini Clubman Estate from the 1960s. The MINI Clubman eschews the more common hatch for a pair of Split Rear Barn Doors hinged on the outer edge of the C-pillars, thus providing a wide, open access to the luggage area. Opening/closing operation of the doors is very specific: the right, or main, door must be opened prior to the left one (and closed in reverse order) and the doors effortlessly glide open with the aid of a pair of gas struts.
A similar sequential operation allows for the opening/closing of the Clubdoor which provides a more convenient means for rear passengers to enter or leave the MINI Clubman cabin. Hinged at the rear on the right side, the Clubdoor is integrated into the right-side B-pillar. Compared to the MINI hardtop, with the Clubdoor open, passengers have four times more space to enter the rear seats of the Clubman (when the front seat is in the easy-entry position).
Driving Fun Remains Centerpiece of MINI Clubman's Mission
A low center of gravity, wide track and the wheels moved to the extreme corners of the car guarantee agile and nimble driving behavior. The structure of the body shell, beyond providing the basis for superior crash protection in this segment, creates a solid platform for the suspension pieces. The front suspension features MacPherson-type springs over struts, keeping the steering smooth and responsive, and remain unaffected by engine power both in accelerating or braking. The five-link central-arm rear axle offers optimum road contact, regardless of conditions.
Compared with the MINI Cooper Clubman, the MINI Cooper S Clubman has a more sporting suspension and greater performance, and the John Cooper Works engine delivers the ultimate exhilarating experience MINI has been known for. As an option, all three models - Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works - are available with sports suspension for an even higher standard of driving enjoyment.
The chassis, suspension, brakes and electronic-driving programs of the MINI Cooper Clubman are basically the same as those of the MINI Cooper Hardtop, with slight modifications (to compensate for the slight weight increase of the Clubman model) to provide the characteristic go-kart feeling of the MINI. Featuring front-wheel drive, a low center of gravity, relatively wide track and short overhangs, the MINI Cooper Clubman offers sporting, active handling, with the agile experience of all other MINIs. At the same time, the MINI Cooper Clubman offers a high standard of active safety in the chassis design.
The EPS Electric Power-assisted Steering helps make the MINI even more nimble and agile on the road, by delivering speed-related assistance ensuring low steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds. And when the standard Sport button is depressed, EPS offers a sportier mode that specifically increases throttle and steering response for an even more direct driving experience.
MacPherson-style spring struts on the front axle ensure precise wheel guidance, keeping the steering almost entirely free of drive forces in fast bends, when accelerating and when applying the brakes. The multi-link rear axle, a concept unique in the MINI segment, ensures optimum tire contact with the road at all times through its kinematics.
The sporting-minded customer can choose a sport suspension on either model to receive stiffer springs and dampers, and thicker anti-roll bars. With this kind of equipment, the 2013 MINI comes even closer to the extremely direct driving behavior of a genuine go-kart.
More fun with less guilt: The MINI Powertrain
The 2013 MINI Clubman will include three versions of a 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engine, placed transversely over the front axle as its predecessor was in the first generation MINI, but far more efficient, clean and powerful.
The MINI Cooper Clubman accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The MINI Cooper S joins the forces of direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with the incredible power-enhancing and fuel-efficient technology known as Valvetronic, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. The MINI Cooper S Clubman accelerates to from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman makes the gain from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
The MINI Cooper produces 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, while the MINI Cooper S boasts 181 hp and 177 lb-ft respectively (192 lb-ft with overboost). The John Cooper Works model produces 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque at 1,850 - 5,600 rpm (207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 - 4,500 rpm).
Despite their much higher level of dynamic performance and sporting character, both MINIs return superior fuel economy, with the manual Cooper S Clubman having a 2013 EPA fuel economy estimate of 35 Highway / 26 City mpg for a combined EPA estimate of 29 mpg. The new 2013 John Cooper Works engine also delivers combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg (35 Highway / 26 City).
The Cooper Clubman 2013 EPA estimates are 35 Highway / 27 City for a combined rating of 30 mpg. All fuel economy numbers are for models equipped with manual transmission.
Composite - instead of conventional cast - camshafts and a weight-optimized crankshaft are part of the lightweight concept of the aluminum alloy power units. Fuel consumption, in turn, is optimized by a volume flow-controlled oil pump and an electronically controlled water pump for the coolant circuit - two technical features previously limited to larger and more expensive model segments.
All three engine options come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. And for the first time ever, all three powertrains, including the John Cooper Works engine option, can be ordered with an optional six-speed automatic transmission that features a sport mode and includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Cooper S and Cooper Works, allowing the driver to keep both hands on the wheel even during gearshifts.
All MINI models come with a self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car's full service life. Plus, the synchronization of the gears is further optimized by a carbon coating for the clutch linings.
Unique, characteristic design with striking MINI features
The exterior styling now has a precision design, the MINI Clubman's sporting potential. The geometry for the front bumper and larger deformation zones, introduced in 2010 reduce the risk of injury in a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. The designers went to great lengths with the three-dimensional sculpting of the body elements to ensure that the customary MINI proportions, including its short overhangs, were kept intact.
Seen from the side, the MINI Cooper Clubman retains the firm, taut and striking look of the MINI Hardtop, despite the added length and revised C-pillar design, resting powerfully on its wheels in a look well-known to friends and aficionados of the brand as the "stance on the wheels." Another characteristic is the seemingly uninterrupted "flow" of windows around the car, adorning the MINI with a look of having a complete, 360-degree band of glass, which is accentuated by a chrome band extends around the entire car at shoulder level, helping to create an impression of a greenhouse "floating" above the lower section of the car. Measuring the same width and virtually the same height as the Hardtop, the MINI Clubman, with its low-slung overall appearance and compact proportions emphasized by the tires-at-the-out-edge design, creates the same nimble and dynamic impression as all other members of the MINI family.
The rear-light clusters are kept as small as possible to maximize the opening of the split-doors as well as complementing the overall style of the car. LEDs optimize both the lighting effect and contemporary appearance of the rear lights on all MINIs. This advanced light technology also provides the MINI with a very distinctive look at night.
MINI Clubman drivers who are looking to transport their sports equipment in style (bicycles, snowboards, surfboards etc.) or simply wish to have an extra sporty look on their car, can include optional factory Clubman Roof Rails or a Rear Roof Spoiler (options cannot be combined together).
All-new to MINI: Adaptive Headlights
All models can be ordered with a selection of innovative equipment features to enhance comfort, safety and the familiar MINI personality. Adaptive Headlights are in conjunction with the optional xenon lights.
This technology allows the headlights to follow the line of upcoming corners to ensure maximum illumination of the road surface. The steering angle, yaw rate and speed of the car are all taken into account in determining the beam angle of the headlights. In addition, customers can now specify an automatic dimming function not only for the rear-view mirror but for the exterior mirrors as well.
The rear end: split-door and rear lights integrated into the body
The rear end of the MINI Clubman is characterized by parallel, horizontal lines appearing clearly and distinctively from the vertical C-pillars. These lines serve to split the body into individual sections, becoming more slender and narrow, step-by-step as they move up. Such an arrangement of contours, referred to by the designer as a "waterfall line," highlight the car's low center of gravity, guiding the eyes of the beholder towards the wheels.
This horizontal stratification of elements at the rear is further accentuated by the large third brake light integrated in the roof strip, the two wipers on each of the rear door windows, the chrome-plated door handles, the separate reflectors and the trim on the bumper finished in a contrasting color.
The horizontal lines at the rear are barely interrupted, at least visibly, by the center joint of the split-door. The frame formed by the C-pillars together with the upper edge of the bumper generates a clear visual signal design statement. Complementing the body color, this rear frame or surround is finished in black or silver metallic; the C-pillar frame and the split-door giving the MINI Clubman an absolutely unmistakable look from behind.
The MINI Cooper S Clubman has three distinct rear features differentiating it from the Cooper Clubman. The hood scoop, appliques flanking each side of the license-plate holder are in a grid pattern (mimicking the radiator grill) and the dual tailpipes are split, with one on either side of the body.
The front end: distinguishing the individual model variants
Seen from the front, the 2013 MINI Clubman is virtually identical to the MINI Hardtop, the lone difference being the contour of the roofline. This means the MINI Clubman, complete with the homogeneous hexagon radiator grill and large round headlights, has the distinctive "face" of the brand. Other common features are the direction indicators integrated in the headlights as well as the parking- light units beneath the headlight units, which also accommodate the optional fog lamps.
The front end of the car serves to distinguish the individual Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. The MINI Cooper S Clubman stands out through two design features visualizing the power and performance of its turbocharged engine. First, the powerdome - the curved section of the engine compartment lid - is 20 millimeters or 0.79-inches higher. Second, the size of the bottom air intake is highlighted by a hexagon grid net paralleling the look of the radiator grill with its chrome surround. A further differentiator is the air-intake in the hood of the MINI Cooper S Clubman. For the John Cooper Works model, a further change is the aerodynamic kit (standard), which gives the front of the vehicle an aggressive, sporty look.
On the MINI Cooper Clubman, the radiator grill boasts a chrome frame and three horizontal chrome-plated crossbars. The edges of the lower air intake are slightly curved upward slight, almost giving the MINI Cooper Clubman a smile on its face and creating an elegant, likeable touch at the front.
Chrome features emphasizing the premium character of the car are common to all variants of the 2013 MINI Clubman. These design elements include the headlights, the radiator-grill surround, the strip extending around the entire car at the shoulder line and the door handles.
The Interior - Sporting Cockpit, Lounge Ambience at the Rear
The MINI Clubman, like the MINI Hardtop, boasts the same avant-garde, sporting cockpit including the circular instrument in the middle so typical of the brand.
The high shoulder line of the body creates a sporting cockpit ambience within the interior, concentrating the overall look and impression of the car on just a handful of distinctive highlights which again serve to emphasize the and even more striking character of the interior.
Interior design reflects both MINI standards and an owner's tastes
The interior of the 2013 MINI Clubman combines traditional MINI elements - like the large, central speedometer, clear, round dials and toggle switches - with a palette of colors, trims and upholsteries to allow complete personalization within the familiar cabin.
The central element is the MINI-signature center speedometer, which features a maximum speed of 160 mph. The displays for the entertainment system as well as the display for the optional navigation system are integrated in the speedometer, while the tachometer remains a separate unit positioned, as befits a sporting car, behind the steering wheel in the driver's line of sight.
Inside the cars, the controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimized functionality and ergonomics.
Combined with the horizontal geometry of the interior and, in particular, the instrument panel, the displays in their purist, round design characterize the overall design theme of the cockpit. The central element is the MINI-signature center speedometer. The displays and controls for the entertainment system as well as the display for the optional MINI Connected and Navigation systems are integrated in the speedometer, while the tachometer remains a separate unit positioned, as befits a sporting car, behind the steering wheel in the driver's line of sight.
A round transmitter finished in typical MINI style replaces the conventional door and ignition key, with the driver controlling engine operation with a start/stop button. All instruments and controls are very smooth and easy to operate, positioned at the right point for optimum ergonomics.
Background illumination in five colors
The interior lighting reflects typical MINI style and class, with the addition of ambient lighting which can be varied in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue. Serving as discreet "waterfall illumination" from above and as indirect illumination of the roof lining, the door storage bins and the door handle recesses, this illumination scheme creates a unique atmosphere inside the 2013 MINI.
The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by harmonious colors and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and color lines have also been extensively updated.
'Design worlds' help achieve detailed customization
The distinctive design of the cockpit, all the controls and the door and side trim exudes cutting-edge exclusivity, a virtue accentuated further by an extremely harmonious color scheme and high-quality materials.
All of the buttons and switches (and their surrounds) on the center console below the center speedo are now black, as introduced in the 2011 model year, as are the controls and framing of the audio system display. The air conditioning controls are bordered by a chrome ring, and another chrome highlight can be found in the steering wheel. The keypads of the optional multifunction steering wheel are also in black.
Beyond the front seats: a space for passengers and life's cargo
The interior of the 2013 MINI Clubman takes on a unique personality behind the front seats. The three-plus inches of increased wheelbase benefits rear passengers by adding to rear-seat leg room for nearly 42-inches, virtually the same as in the front. And the subtle change in the body's roofline brings nearly an additional inch in shoulder space.
Utility is vastly improved with the design of the Clubman. The modular configuration of the rear compartment is enhanced by a split folding rear seat, and to add even more room, the flat loading floor can be lifted to reveal a small bin below it (behind the bottom of the rear seats). Overall, luggage space can go from 9.18 cubic feet with both rear seats up to 32.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Complete range of safety equipment
The MINI Clubman reflects the high safety and quality standards of the BMW Group in every respect In its safety and quality, The 2013 Clubman offers a high level of passive safety. MINI meets or exceeds legal safety requirements in all countries in which it is on sale, and has all the features and technologies required for scoring best results in all crash tests.
Attention to detail in design of the body, especially on the right side - where the Clubdoor is featured - results in symmetrical crash worthiness on both sides. A further safety feature of the MINI Clubman is the rear-hinged Clubdoor, which cannot be opened if the right-front door is closed, thus preventing any inadvertent opening of the door from inside.
The modified structure of the body shell as well as a wide range of safety features help to ensure the 2013 MINI meets or exceeds all accident-protection requirements. In a recent NHTSA test, MINI excelled in all aspects with four- and five-star ratings.
Reflecting the premium standard of the brand, MINI models come with a wide range of safety equipment, including six standard airbags to enhance occupant safety. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all models and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is optional. DTC also includes an EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock) function that controls wheel spin on the drive wheels during acceleration by using front brake force to manage the speed and torque differential between the wheels.
Active safety is enhanced in critical driving situations by the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes and builds up maximum brake pressure very quickly. Hill Assist start-off assistance, in conjunction with DSC, maintains brake pressure for up to three seconds after the brake pedal has been released and before the clutch has been engaged, to prevent the car from rolling back when setting off on an uphill gradient.
Brake and electronic-driving systems
The braking systems are designed to work in concert with the chassis and engine. Vented front disc brakes, 11.57 inches on the Cooper S Clubman and 11.02 inches on the Cooper Clubman, are complemented by 10.2-inch discs at the rear. The fade-free brakes of both models are enhanced and supported by an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic Brakeforce Distribution (BFD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). The brake assistant in the MINI recognizes emergency braking maneuvers reliably and in good time, immediately building up maximum brake pressure whenever required to keep stopping distances as short as possible.
Performance tires standard on all MINIs
The MINI Cooper comes standard with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65 R 15 performance tires. The MINI Cooper S, in turn, is equipped with 16-inch light-alloy rims and 195/65 R 16 runflat tires. Even larger 17-inch rims running on 205/45 R 17 tires are available as an option for the Cooper S and are standard on the John Cooper Works vehicles.
The MINI Cooper S models boast run flat tires as yet another standard feature, modified in this case to reflect the suspension set-up of the MINI. Thanks to their failsafe running characteristics, these tires allow the driver to go on motoring even when a tire is completely flat, covering a distance of up to 90 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph.
And every 2013 MINI is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) that permanently monitors air pressure and informs the driver in the event of an emergency.
Entertainment and Navigation system
The audio and navigation systems and optional integration platforms for external music players and mobile phones all offer top-class entertainment and communications capability. All the radio systems include an MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection to hook up external music players with the on-board audio system. Even the standard-fitted MINI CD radio comes with six loudspeakers.
The MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation systems come with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display in the Center Speedo and a Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface. The maps for the navigation systems are stored on an on-board flash memory device and can be updated via a USB interface. The map display can be viewed in a day and night mode.
In conjunction with the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with USB audio interface, which also includes a snap-in adapter in the center console with charging function and a roof aerial, both the MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation system allow the use of add-on functions supported by a connected mobile device.
These include audio streaming via Bluetooth, album cover artwork display on the on-board monitor, Web Radio, and innovative office functions. For example, caller lists stored on a mobile phone and business cards from contacts can be viewed on the on-board monitor. In addition, the optional voice output function allows calendar entries recorded in a smartphone to be read out.
Base Retail Price - USA
MINI Clubman
2013 Cooper $22,100 (2012) $21,900
2013 Cooper $25,800 (2012) $25,600
2013 John Cooper Works $33,000 (2012) $32,800
Unique Features to Further Personalize the MINI Clubman
Supplementing the car's standard equipment as well as the options offered by the factory, every MINI may be further personalized through a wide range of Genuine MINI Accessories. All of these items provide a perfect match for the 2013 MINI and meet the quality and safety standards of the BMW Group.
By tradition, special roof graphics and mirror caps play an important role in customizing the MINI. The 2013 MINI offers more than 100 options for roof graphics, including the Union Jack, Checkered Flag and the letters "MINI." Mirror caps and door handle trim with the Union Jack and Checkered Flag motifs highlight the British heritage and sporting DNA of the MINI.
And to take customization to the next level, MINI will offers their customers the option to create their own graphics for their vehicle's "A" panel, roof, side panel, interior and stripes.
Sporting highlights from John Cooper Works Tuning
The 2013 MINI is also available with exterior components from the John Cooper Works Tuning Range made by hand from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. These include panels for the front air scoop, the exterior mirrors, and interior accessories.
Components from John Cooper Works provide the latest road-going MINI with classic motorsport technology. The wide range of Works Accessories named after the legendary Formula 1 car maker and MINI tuner includes enhancements like the 12.4-inch, cross-drilled front-brake discs for the MINI Cooper S. To match these larger brakes, John Cooper Works offers 18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, the largest wheels approved for MINI (7J x 18), mounting 205/40X18 low-profile, tires (and featuring runflat technology). The Dealer installed John Cooper Works Tuning Kit raises the output of the MINI Cooper S to 195 hp and the maximum torque to 184 lb-ft (with the over boost function temporary to 200 lb-ft). This kit is available for the manual transmission models and automatic transmission models.
Another highlight of the John Cooper Works accessory line is the Aerodynamic Kit with the front and rear air dam, an all-black hood grille and new side skirts, providing a sporty and aggressive look to the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. This aero kit can also be supplemented by two roof spoilers: The John Cooper Works roof spoiler with a carbon surface approved for both the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper; and the single-piece roof spoiler finished on request in body color. The youthful appearance of the package is enhanced by multi-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels carrying 205/45X17 tires.
Production - Tradition and Quality, Made in England
The modern MINI's sales success is mirrored by its production triumph. The original plan launched in 2000 called for an annual output of 100,000 units, but demand by 2005 had already doubled that number.
Growth of this magnitude demanded the utmost performance and great flexibility on the part of the production plants as well as the suppliers. To facilitate this, the new generation of MINI Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman are built by three British plants of the BMW Group production network in Oxford, Swindon, and Hams Hall. These three plants form a closely-knit production system, with a highly integrated structure. Together, all three plants currently employ some 5,700 associates, with a maximum production capacity of up to 240,000 MINIs a year.
The three plants comply with the production and quality standards of the BMW Group and are certified for environmental management to ISO 14001. Together with the BMW Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich, Germany, the Quality and Engineering Center (QEC) in Oxford played a decisive role in the ongoing technical development of the MINI. And now the QEC consistently monitors production quality by means of advanced and sophisticated inspection methods.
Flexible, customer-oriented production
The Mobile Standard Production Cells (Mobi-Cells) developed by the BMW Group, a significant innovation employed in the 15,000-square-meter body shop, increase production flexibly and quickly whenever required. This makes production of the new MINI highly flexible, reflecting the standards of the BMW Group's Customer-Oriented Sales and Production Process (KOVP). This flexibility allows the customer to change the configuration of his or her car up to six days prior to the start of assembly, despite a choice of more than 370 features and options in the interior, more than 300 variants on the exterior, and the approximately 2,000 components which go into every MINI.
Strict quality standards also applied to suppliers
A number of suppliers have located in the vicinity of the BMW Group Plants in Oxford, Swindon, and Hams Hall, creating hundreds of jobs in the region. Such close contact with manufacturers of components including seats and cockpit modules guarantees optimum, on-time management of production processes.
MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 115 MINI passenger car dealers in 38 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of six unique vehicles.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com