SPONTANEOUS, OPEN, IRRESISTIBLE: THE MINI ROADSTER
10/31/2012
Mini
The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI can now be enjoyed with the roof up or down in the first convertible model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the British premium carmaker's current line-up, gives the small car segment another innovative shot in the arm. The typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster embodies unadulterated sportiness and spontaneous urban driving fun under the open sky. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap. And the MINI Roadster's classical soft-top roof, which can be electrically opened and closed, ensures open-top driving pleasure can be lapped up at every opportunity.
At A Glance
MINI pushes ahead with the rigorous expansion of its model family. The latest addition to the range is the MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the brand's current lineup and the first open-top two-seater in its history. MINI Roadster is a cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept with partially-electric-opening soft-top roof; unique package appealing to demanding target groups with a penchant for elegant sportiness, spontaneous open-top driving fun and irresistible design; inspiring handling fuelled by powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology; unrivalled scope for individualization.
Faithful incorporation of the MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster; clear focus on two-seat design and open-air driving experience; sporting charisma, with short overhangs, powerful over-the-wheel stance and high waistline; unmistakable design features and hallmark details underline the car's brand identity.
A three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end; an elegantly sweeping roadster look thanks to heavily raked A-pillars and a waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body towards the flat rear end; stands more than ¾ of an inch lower than the MINI Convertible
Full-blooded go-kart feeling and outstanding safety levels thanks to bespoke chassis set-up, low center of gravity, an increased rigidity of the body and optimized aerodynamic properties; Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster); roll-over bars in polished stainless steel; active rear spoiler extends automatically at 50 mph; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with standard John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit.
Focused two-seater concept with stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, through-loading system and 8.5 ft3 luggage area; wide-opening tailgate for comfortable loading; optional: wind protection insert between the roll-over bars.
Latest-generation four-cylinder engines; MINI TwinPower Turbo technology; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 208 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster 181hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 121 hp.
Bespoke color and materials concept for upholstery, exterior mirrors, trim elements and Color Lines; exclusive MINI Yours options and sport stripes in contrasting colors provide further individualization.
Options for the infotainment system include a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system, and MINI Connected, which has features that include the Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.
Inspiringly elegant: The design
The MINI Roadster is not only the sole premium model of its kind in the small car segment, it also ranks as the only open-top two-seater in the brand's history. The faithful reproduction of the hallmark MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster gives the first open-top two-seater in the history of MINI an unmistakable and irresistible charisma. Even with the roof closed the MINI Roadster displays an elegant, sweeping silhouette, with the transition from soft-top to rear end highlighting its characteristic three-box design particularly clearly. Unlike the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, the MINI Roadster is divided into three distinct segments: engine compartment, passenger compartment and boot.
With an exterior length of 146.8 inches (MINI Cooper S Roadster: 147 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 148 inches), wheelbase of 97.1 inches and width of 66.3 inches, the dimensions of the MINI Roadster largely mirror those of the MINI Convertible. Standing just 54.5 inches (MINI Cooper S Coupe: 54.7 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe: 54.8 inches), i.e. more than ¾ of an inch lower than its four-seater soft-top stablemate, the new two-seater cuts a distinctive, low-slung and elegantly stretched figure from the side. A windscreen frame that is more heavily raked and tapers upwards more sharply than that of the MINI Convertible also gives it a clearly distinguishable appearance when viewed head-on.
Roadster's individual and unmistakable style follows in the MINI tradition
The principles of the MINI design language are faithfully reflected in the body design of the new concept. For example, the athletically taut surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines typical of MINI cars are complemented by a sloping windscreen frame raked by an extra 13 degrees over the MINI Convertible, a short passenger compartment distilled around two seats, and a flat boot lid.
The Roadster's waistline rises up slightly along the length of the body to its tail end, producing an elegant silhouette which gives the MINI Roadster an unmistakable allure - with the roof open or closed. This visual appeal is further emphasized by a wraparound chrome trim strip at the base of the windows and roof. A windscreen frame that is more heavily raked and tapers upwards more sharply than that of the MINI Convertible also gives it a clearly distinguishable and undeniably sporting impression when viewed head-on.
In customary MINI fashion, the powerful over-the-wheel stance of the new Roadster also plays a defining role in its appearance. The car's brand identity is further emphasized by distinctive design features such as the hexagonal contours of the radiator grille, the black border around the lower part of the body, an array of chrome strips and edging, large circular headlights with integrated direction indicators, vertically stacked rear lights positioned on the outer extremes of the rear end, and the eye-catching side indicator surrounds on the front side panels.
Clean, classic and black: the partial-electrically operated soft-top roof
Another example of the faithful transposition of MINI design into the compact roadster template comes in the form of the robust, all-season durability of the soft-top roof. When closed, the roof - which shares the simple style of classic British roadsters - "cascades" downwards, broadening as it heads towards the body and underlining to the typically MINI, powerful over-the-wheel stance. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car's elegantly sweeping lines intact. And since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.
In keeping with British roadster tradition, the roof is black. A range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades are available for the exterior of the MINI Roadster. Sport Stripes - available in Black, Silver and (exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) Red for the bonnet and boot lid - allow owners to add an extra personal touch. The optional Chrome Line Exterior trim adds chrome surrounds for the lower air intake and rear foglamp.
The light-alloy wheels fitted as standard on the MINI Roadster come in 15, 16 or 17-inch formats, depending on the model variant. A selection of other light-alloy wheels are available as an option in the same sizes.
Interior design: bespoke range of options offers the key to individuality
The interior of the MINI Roadster features - in typical brand style - a large Center Speedo and a tachometer positioned directly behind the steering wheel. The sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster offer outstanding lateral support through quickly-taken corners. The colors of the interior, meanwhile, also help enhance concentration on the road ahead. Regardless of the combination of upholstery variant, trim elements and Color Lines chosen by the MINI Roadster owner, the interior color remains Carbon Black.
The customary MINI variety of seat and upholstery variants includes ultra-exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy. Added to which, black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige-colored perforations are also available.
Trim strips can be ordered in any of six variants, while an extra Chili Red option is also offered for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. A choice of five Color Lines is available; the Polar Beige variant, for example, can also be combined with beige-colored exterior mirrors. The Chrome Line Interior package can be specified as an option, and includes chrome rings and trim elements for the Center Speedo, rev counter, air vents, gearshift lever gaiter, the cupholders on the center console, the door openers, the stereo speakers in the doors, the seat belt outlet and the handbrake lever.
The MINI Yours range, meanwhile, offers an additional selection of extremely exclusive exterior and interior design options, including Soda bonnet stripes in White, MINI Yours Tattoo Funky adornments and a leather-covered instrument panel.
Unadulterated power delivering pure driving fun: The engines and gearboxes
The launch of the MINI Roadster builds on the tradition of British-bred compact open-top sports cars. This fresh take on the concept captures the imagination with a premium character unmatched in the segment and advanced drive technology providing brisk performance and a suitably modern commitment to low fuel consumption and emissions.
The MINI Roadster is available with the three most powerful petrol engines and the highest-output diesel unit in the brand's line-up. The state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines all boast sporty power delivery combined with exemplary efficiency, and stand out with their extremely low weight and a host of technological details not found elsewhere in the class. All variants of the MINI Roadster carry the Cooper name in their model titles. This reference to legendary ex-Formula One racing car designer John Cooper, who also used to race the classic Mini, marks out a car with particular sporting capability.
Engine variants:
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsports.
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Output: 208 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 192 lb-ft at 1,850 - 5,600 rpm (207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 - 4,500 rpm)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 147 mph
US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 35 Highway / 26 City / 29 Combined mpg (manual)
MINI Cooper S Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Output: 181 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 177 lb-ft at 1,600 - 5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 - 4,500 rpm)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
Top speed: 141 mph
US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 35 Highway / 26 City / 29 mpg combined
MINI Cooper Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Output: 121 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 8.7 seconds
Top speed: 124 mph
US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 5.7 liters/100 kilometers (49.6 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km
MINI Cooper Roadster: a lively start to proceedings
The MINI Cooper Roadster represents an extremely lively entry point into the Roadster line-up. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine boasts a fully variable valve control system - based on the VALVETRONIC technology used in BMW engines - which sharpens the engine's responses yet also lowers fuel consumption and emissions. With output rising to 121 and maximum torque of 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, the powerplant accelerates the MINI Cooper Roadster from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph. Its preliminary EPA estimated fuel consumption is 35 mpg highway, 27 mpg city and 30 mpg combined.
MINI Cooper S Roadster: imposing power, impressive efficiency
In addition to fully variable valve control, MINI TwinPower Turbo technology also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection - a technology package that makes the 1.6-liter engine in the MINI Cooper S Roadster the world's most efficient in its displacement class.
The powerplant develops its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Peak torque is 177 lb-ft at 1,600 - 5,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft in a short burst courtesy of the Overboost function. All of which means the MINI Cooper S Roadster powers from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 141 mph. Its preliminary EPA estimated fuel consumption is 35 mpg highway, 26 mpg city and 29 mpg combined… offering more power without seriously sacrificing fuel efficiency.
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: a top-class sportsman with racing in its blood
The latest model variant from MINI's John Cooper Works sub-brand showcases its sporting potential with even greater intent. The MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is powered by a 181 hp four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The 1.6-liter unit generates its maximum output at 6,000 rpm, with peak torque of 260 Newton meters (192 lb-ft) on stream at 1,850 rpm. The Overboost function briefly pushes this figure up to 280 Newton meters (207 lb-ft).
6.3 seconds is all it takes the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster to blast from 0 to 60 mph. Top speed is 147 mph. Added to which, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers (38.7 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometer, the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster boasts extraordinary efficiency for an open-top car in this output class, with preliminary EPA fuel consumption estimates of 35 mpg highway, 26 mpg city and 29 mpg combined.
All models in the Roadster range can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function, with optional steering wheel paddles as an alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the MINI Roadster range.
A perfect combination of agility and stability: The chassis and body
Like the engine line-up, the chassis technology of the MINI Roadster and the properties of its body have been developed squarely to deliver maximum driving fun within an open-top two-seater format. A quality of chassis technology unparalleled in the small car segment, including Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), combines with the torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and the car's lower center of gravity to deliver addictive agility and unbeatable active and passive safety.
Meanwhile, front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars fixed to the body join forces in the interests of occupant protection. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimized by an active rear spoiler.
Agile, precise, stable: go-kart feeling in a roadster wrapping
Teaming up with the powerful engines and customary MINI front-wheel drive, chassis technology of a quality unparalleled in the small car segment imbues the MINI Roadster with the brand's hallmark driving fun. MacPherson struts at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle, Electric Power Steering with speed sensitive assistance, powerful brakes offering excellent feel, and bespoke tuning for all chassis components come together to produce a new interpretation of the time-honored MINI go-kart feeling. Sports suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics, sturdier anti-roll bars and upgraded springs, is available as an option.
A Sport Button on the center console, standard on all US spec MINI John Cooper Works Roadster variants, allows the driver to adjust the car's steering characteristics and accelerator responses. If the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is specified, pressing this button also shortens shift times. The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide. The system includes ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assistant. DSC also adds DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster and as an option on all other model variants.
Partial electric soft-top roof the key to spontaneous open-air motoring
An elegantly cut soft-top roof provides the necessary shelter for the Roadster's two passengers, and is opened and closed with the assistance of an electric motor. The sophisticated structure boasts outstanding soundproofing and heat insulation, which helps to give the MINI Roadster unrestricted all-season usability.
The partial-electric opening and closing mechanism of the soft-top roof allows the driver to usher in his next dose of open-top driving pleasure without a second's thought. And the roof can be closed again equally quickly to protect the driver and passenger from less welcome weather. The roof is opened by turning the release lever on the windscreen frame though 130 degrees and depressing a toggle-switch at the top of the windscreen frame, allowing the roof to swivel behind the seats, where it locks into place. The process for closing the roof again is triggered by pressing a button positioned between the roll-over bars, which allow the roof to extend out of its anchorage points. It can then electronically raised by reversing the opening procedure and fixed in place again against the windscreen frame. The side windows are automatically lowered during the opening and closing processes.
The MINI Roadster from 2013 model year onwards comes as standard with a wind protection insert, which is secured between the roll-over bars to cut down on swirling air inside the passenger compartment. The wind protection element can be folded up and stowed away in a specially designed pocket in the load compartment.
A well-rounded concept delivering driving fun without compromises
The absence of a rear seat bench allows the MINI Roadster to offer 8.5 ft3 of luggage space. And, with the roof folding down flat behind the seats, the full load space remains available when driving with the roof down. The high-opening tailgate and low boot sill make it that much easier to load items of luggage, while a 14" x 8" (approx.) through-loading door can also be opened from the driver's or passenger's seat, providing added versatility. The MINI Roadster also comes with larger door bins, three cupholders, and a cross-rack behind the seats.
Another stand-out feature of the MINI Roadster is the stainless steel rollover bars, the fronts of which are padded. Together with the reinforced windscreen frame, they provide optimized occupant protection in the event of the car rolling over. Dynamically formed contours ensure that the roll-over bars and windscreen frame combine to impressive effect in terms of design, too. The safety equipment on board the new MINI Roadster also includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags integrated into the outer sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tire Pressure Monitor System.
Bodyshell stiffening at the rear increases the torsional rigidity of the body and combines with extra-sturdy side sills to enhance the strength of the passenger cell. In addition, the MINI Roadster also features built-in innovative pedestrian protection measures and special stiffening elements in the front section. These result in a slightly higher front axle load rating compared with the MINI Hardtop, which gives the front wheels extra traction. In addition, the use of a comparatively lightweight, manually operated soft-top roof lowers the car's center of gravity. The impressive body rigidity of the MINI Roadster and its dynamically favorable weight distribution provide the ideal platform for agile and precise handling.
Active rear spoiler optimizes aerodynamic balance
Optimized aerodynamic properties also play their role in a vehicle concept geared to enjoying driving fun to the fullest extent. The heavily raked A-pillars and windscreen reduce the frontal area of the body, and therefore reduce levels of drag. Added to which, the MINI Roadster is fitted with an active rear spoiler. Integrated into the tailgate, the spoiler extends automatically as soon as the MINI Roadster reaches 50 mph. When the car's speed drops back below 37 mph, a four-part control mechanism returns the spoiler to its rest position. The active rear spoiler, which can also be operated manually using a button in the control panel on the windscreen frame, provides up to 88 lb of extra downforce when travelling at maximum speed.
Airflow has been optimized to an even greater degree on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. The most powerful member of the Roadster line-up is fitted with a John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit as standard in a nod to its exceptionally dynamic performance capability. This kit comprises bespoke front and rear aprons and side skirts, and is also available as an option for the other variants of the MINI Roadster as part of the John Cooper Works Pack.
Creating that unique MINI feeling: The equipment
The MINI Roadster is the first premium car of its kind in the small car segment, a status it underlines with its advanced drive and chassis technology, well-rounded overall concept, high level of quality and extensive standard equipment. In true MINI style, each Roadster leaving MINI Plant Oxford will sport a configuration tailored to the customer's requirements. The extraordinary variety of options and accessories available for the new model gives customers the freedom to create a car adapted precisely to their personal tastes. Attractive options - some of them unique in the small car segment - allow owners to turn their MINI Roadster into a one-off car reflecting their individual style in terms of design, comfort and driving fun.
As an open-top two-seater with a partial electric operated soft-top roof, the MINI Roadster embodies a zestful and pure-bred brand of driving fun. To this end, the classical compact drop-top sports car concept is laced with an array of innovative equipment features. For example, the MINI Connected range of pioneering in-car infotainment functions presents owners with some particularly intriguing avenues to explore.
MINI Roadster: premium two-seater with high-quality standard equipment and exclusive options
The interior of the MINI Roadster features - in typical brand style - a large Center Speedo and a rev counter positioned directly behind the steering wheel. The sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster offer outstanding lateral support through quickly-taken corners. Standard specification also includes air conditioning, height-adjustable seats, an on-board computer, the Openometer, the storage package and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.
The comfort and individuality of the MINI Roadster can be further enhanced with items from the range of high-quality options, some unique in the small car segment. For example, Adaptive Headlights and black headlight housings are available in conjunction with the optional Xenon headlights. Among the other options customers can choose from are Park Distance Control with rear sensors, Comfort Access, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, heated seats, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, an armrest. Customers can also dip into the selection of exclusive options available from the MINI Yours range and ultra-sporty John Cooper Works options and accessories.
Only from MINI Connected: innovative entertainment and communications functions
The MINI Roadster comes as standard with the Radio MINI CD audio system with HD technology, while an extra dose of entertainment pleasure can be specified in the form of the Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system and USB audio interface. The radio MINI Visual Boost and MINI navigation system link up with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution color display in the Center Speedo. If these options are specified, MINI Connected allows Apple iPhone owners access to internet-based services inside the car. The MINI Connected App opens the door to a web radio function, use of Google services, Facebook and Twitter, reception of RSS news feeds, full integration of Pandora Radio, MOG Internet Radio, the MINIMALISM Analyzer, Mission Control and Dynamic Music functions, as well as the latest Driving Excitement functions, such as Condition Check, Force Meter and digital sports instruments.
High-quality standard equipment, broad scope for individualization
The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning, speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, the Openometer and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying options such as Xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housings, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access and the innovative MINI Connected infotainment system.
Made in England: MINI Roadster built at MINI Plant Oxford
The character of the MINI Roadster also owes much to its British roots; it will be produced alongside the MINI Hardtop, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Coupe in Great Britain. The arrival of the new model sees the assembly plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory gain even further in importance. MINI already ranks as the country's third-largest carmaker, and the BMW Group is investing around £500 million in the ongoing expansion and modernization of its manufacturing facilities in Britain up to 2014.
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