The MINI Convertible. Description in Brief.
09/16/2009
Mini
The 2010 MINI Convertible embodies the thrill of open-air motoring in unmistakably MINI style. Raising the high standard set by its predecessor, the MINI Convertible features improvements in the areas of design, quality, handling, performance, efficiency, and functionality.
The two-door body style and soft-top roof deliver unique proportions, sleek lines, and truly individual style. Design cues clearly link the convertible to the MINI family of vehicles and show an evolutionary development of the car's design.
Refined overall appearance highlights the stretched silhouette and ensures enhanced presence from both front and rear. Expertly modeled body surfaces, low-roofline for roadster-like flair, concealed rollover protection bar and signature MINI headlamps and taillights complete the look. Four-pivot joints for the luggage compartment lid are mounted inside the car to ensure a harmonious and sleek appearance.
An electrohydraulically-powered soft top with sliding roof function comes standard, and allows the driver to open and close the soft top in 15 seconds, even while the car is in motion, up to 18 mph. The standard Openometer is a special feature that records the time spent travelling with the roof down. A wider range of paint colors, roof colors, wheel choices, upholstery and interior trim choices provide endless opportunities for personalization. Also, model-specific optional extras and special equipment are available.
The electromechanically-operated Active Rollover Protection Bar situated behind the rear seats, is activated by the car's central safety electronics in the event of a rollover. The innovative, single rollover protection bar allows for optimum visibility to the rear and sides of the car. Standard through-loading storage between the luggage and passenger compartments expands the cargo space.
The flexible storage system delivers outstanding functionality. The easy-load system includes: an expanded luggage compartment opening, rear seat backrests that can be folded down and locked into position, and a pivoting, two-position shelf for packages. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 6.0 cu ft with the roof closed and rear seats, up to 23.3 cu ft with the rear-seats folded down.
Two four-cylinder gasoline engines are available. Engine capacity is 1,598 cc, with maximum output of 118 hp on the MINI Cooper Convertible and 172 turbocharged horses on the MINI Cooper S Convertible with a top speed of 124 and 138 mph, respectively. Both engine variants are equipped with a number of technical features that maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic transmission available. Its sophisticated wheel suspension, precise electromechanical power steering, powerful brake system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - all standard features - allow the MINI Convertible to set a new standard for agility and safety.
While offering sporty performance and power, the MINI Convertible is very competitive when it comes to fuel consumption. EPA estimates of fuel consumption for the Cooper S Convertible are (city/highway/combined) 26/34/29 mpg (manual). The MINI Cooper achieves an even more impressive rating, with EPA fuel consumption estimates of 28/36/32 mpg (manual).
MINI's signature front-wheel drive, go-kart-like handling and refined suspension technology are tuned specifically to the MINI Convertible. Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS), a brake system with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assist, as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Hill Assist are all standard features. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronically Differential Lock Control (EDLC) feature is available as an option or as part of the Sport Package.
The MINI Convertible provides significant safety features, including a crash-optimized body structure with reinforced A-pillars and side-sills, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats with belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, frontal airbags, front head/thorax airbags integrated in the side of the seat's backrest and a rollover sensor masterminding the rollover safety system. In addition, runflat tires and a Tire Pressure Monitor system are also standard.
Design: MINI all the way, open-air motoring without compromises, and unique proportions.
The design of the MINI Convertible is the result of an evolutionary development process. The MINI Convertible's chiseled body panels impart a powerful and dynamic look. The stretched side view - with the rollover protection bar almost entirely concealed - gives a heightened sense of the car's sporting performance and reveals a profile clearly inspired by the classic roadster.
A chrome beltline molding encircling the entire car at shoulder-level visually connects the body with the roof and windows. The upright windscreen underscores the character and enhances the open-air experience.
The convertible model is unmistakably a MINI at very first sight. The distinct proportions, short, front- and rear- overhangs, larger wheel wells, high beltline, and other signature design cues clearly mark the car as part of the MINI family.
The rear view of the MINI Convertible also offers an enhancement of the car's visual presence. The entire rear section is characterized by parallel horizontal elements that create the "steps" that emphasize the width of the car, a distinctive design cue it shares with the MINI Cooper Hardtop. The innovative, rear deck lid of the MINI Convertible opens from the top and is hinged at bottom, creating a generous loading area.
Optimized all-round visibility ensured by even larger side windows and the retractable rollover protection bar.
The soft roof of the MINI Convertible stands out in particular through its unique design and practical functionality. With the top up, the MINI Convertible's low roofline highlights its sporty appearance.
The high-quality, wind-tight and durable soft-top material stretches tautly across the aluminum and steel roof bars, and resists significant changes in shape or bulging, even at high speeds.
The single-piece rollover protection barruns across the entire width of the car just below the rear headrests, therefore offering the driver unrestricted visibility.
The rear window is connected to the soft top by interior seals, allowing it to close flush with the surface of the roof. Made of glass, the rear window may be heated electrically whenever required to avoid any misting or icing effect.
Guarantee for unique driving pleasure: the latest generation of four-cylinder power units.
Muscular, fast-revving and extremely efficient - these are the fortes of the two four-cylinder gasoline engines available in the MINI Convertible. Both power units are made of light alloy and come with a displacement of 1,598 cc and benefit from the latest in innovation and technology.
The four-cylinder light-alloy power units are built at the BMW Group's Hams Hall Engine Plant in Great Britain.
MINI Cooper S Convertible: superior power and performance thanks to the Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible offers a more intense and thrilling experience of performance than ever before. As the more powerful of the two models, the MINI Cooper S Convertible comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 172 hp at 5,500 rpm with the help of a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection. In the range between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, this unique power plant develops maximum torque of 177 lb ft that may be further increased briefly by the Overboost function to 192 lb ft.
The Twin-Scroll turbocharger effectively delivers a boost to the power and performance on the MINI Cooper S Convertible. The ducts of two cylinders at a time are separated from one another in the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, serving to reduce exhaust gas counterpressure at low engine speeds in order to capitalize on the pulsating gas columns in the manifold. This enhances the turbocharger's response and delivers a particularly spontaneous build-up of engine power.
As a result, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is virtually free of the "turbo lag" that used to be typical of a conventionally-designed turbocharged engine. Acceleration to 60 mph comes in just 7.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 7.2 seconds with the automatic. Engine flexibility and response is truly impressive at high speeds, and the top speed of the car is an equally impressive 138 mph with the manual six-speed transmission.
The turbocharged engine featured in the MINI Cooper S Convertible benefits from the extra power of direct fuel injection using the common-rail principle. The stainless-steel common rail linking all cylinders is filled with fuel by a high-pressure pump driven by the intake camshaft. Injection valves positioned at the side of the cylinder head then deliver fuel within fractions of a second and in an exact dose from the common rail directly to the combustion chamber.
MINI Cooper Convertible: fully variable valve management for fresh performance.
The normally-aspirated power unit in the MINI Cooper Convertible combines fresh and sporting performance with truly outstanding economy. In this case maximum output of 118 hp comes at 6,000 rpm, with torque peaking at 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
The innovative technical features of this engine include fully variable valve management using VALVETRONIC technology.
Light, innovative, efficient: most advanced drive technology for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
Both engines featured in the MINI Convertible are fitted crosswise at the front and convey their superior power to the front wheels. Composite (instead of cast) camshafts and the crankshaft are optimized for weight and part of the lightweight concept boasted by these all-aluminum power units.
Fuel consumption is further optimized by an oil pump with volume flow control and an electronically activated water pump for the coolant circuit, and both the Cooper and Cooper S are equipped standard with the latest innovations for reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.
Suspension technology on the MINI Convertible: go-kart feeling of the highest standard.
To a large extent, the unique position of the MINI Convertible in its segment is the result of the car's exceptional driving characteristics. The open-air MINI offers the go-kart feeling so typical of the brand, now raised to an even higher standard of excellence.
The car's suspension technology safely and smoothly converts the raw power of the engines into enhanced agility and precise handling-offering even greater driving pleasure in dynamic bends, on winding country roads and in city traffic. Apart from front-wheel drive and the low center of gravity, a relatively long wheelbase of 97.1" and wide track measuring 57.4" up front and 57.8" at the rear also contribute to the agile and safe driving behavior of the MINI Convertible.
On the front axle, MacPherson struts ensure excellent wheel guidance at all times. The multi-link axle at the rear consistently guarantees optimum tire contact with the road through its elaborate kinematics, with aluminum longitudinal arms helping to keep weight to a minimum. Likewise, anti-rollbars reduce body sway to a very low level, again contributing to the agile and safe behavior of the car.
Electrical Power Steering (EPS) makes a significant contribution to the agility of the MINI Convertible, enhancing it to an even higher standard. Power assistance geared to road speed guarantees low steering forces when parking as well as a precise response at high speeds on the freeway. At the same time, EPS also enhances the efficiency of the car by consuming energy only when power assistance is really required or desired by the driver.
Exclusive to MINI: DSC and DTC with electronic locking function on the differential in conjunction with front-wheel drive.
Apart from the sports-tuned suspension and powerful brakes, the MINI Convertible also comes with the most sophisticated driving stability systems. Technologies featured as standard are ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Hill Assist.
Optimized occupant safety ensured by the rollover safety system, four airbags and central safety electronics.
Sophisticated suspension technology and the most advanced driving stability systems in the MINI Convertible significantly reduce the risk of an accident. Suitable precautions are also taken for situations the driver is not able to influence. Passive safety measures include an increase in passenger cell stiffness by 10 percent over the former model, high load-resistant carrier structures and precisely defined deformation zones, which ensure appropriate diversion and absorption of impact energy in the event of a head-on, side or rear-end collision.
To meet the specific needs of an open-air car, the newly constructed floorpan, as well as A-pillars and rocker sills, are reinforced to an even higher standard than on the hardtop MINI-providing additional strength and stability.
The MINI Convertible comes as standard with frontal airbags and side head/torso airbags integrated in the outer flanks of the front seat backrest and protecting the head, the upper body and the hips of the occupants from injury in the event of a side-on collision. All four seats feature three-point inertia-reel seat belts with additional belt force limiters and optimized belt tensioners on the front seats.
All restraint systems are controlled by the car's central safety electronics and are activated as a function of the type and severity of a collision. The safety system in the MINI Convertible also comprises a rollover sensor activating the newly-developed rollover protection bar as well as the belt latch tensioners and the head/torso airbags in the event of a rollover.
The interior: spacious, variable, sophisticated.
Depending on requirements, the rear seat backrests-50/50 split down the middle-can be folded completely. With the roof closed, this increases luggage compartment capacity to 23.3 cubic, feet. The maximum load, in turn, is 948 lb.
Like its predecessor, the MINI Convertible again comes with an Easy-Load system. With the rear lid swiveling down conveniently, the entire lid also serves as a storage tray able to carry a load of up to 176 lb.
A further important point is that the rear roof frame swivels up by approximately 35°, creating a generous luggage compartment opening for much easier loading of bulky objects.
Even in standard trim, the MINI Convertible clearly expresses its exceptional position as the world's only premium convertible in its segment. The wide range of paintwork and roof colors, interior variants and special equipment simply begs the enthusiast to take a closer look at the car - especially because the MINI Convertible comes with a complete choice of customization options so typical of the brand, making each and every car a personally configured one-off showpiece.
Optional automatic air conditioning with a Convertible mode.
The MINI Convertible comes with either manual air conditioning (standard) or automatic climate control (optional). The automatic unit even comprises a special Convertible mode activated automatically as soon as the roof is opened. In this mode, the temperature set by the driver and passengers is consistently maintained even under the influence of the wind rushing by.
Whenever the a/c compressor is not used it is automatically switched off in the interest of enhanced efficiency. And in low outside temperatures the heating in the footwells is automatically intensified to provide a pleasant climate inside the car as quickly as possible. The Convertible mode is deactivated as soon as the driver closes the roof and the interior temperature required is set automatically through the usual process.
Top-end audio and navigation systems, integration of the Apple iPod and Apple iPhone.
Like the MINI Hardtop and the MINI Clubman, the MINI Convertible may also be upgraded with particularly sophisticated entertainment and navigation systems. The controls for the audio system and the 6.5-inch TFT colored display for the optional navigation unit are housed in the central circular instrument.
The audio system featured as standard comes with a CD player and six loudspeakers. When equipped with a navigation system, the display is positioned within the centrally-located speedometer. To choose the functions presented in the display the driver uses a special joystick on the center console.
External music players may be integrated without problems in the audio systems of the MINI Convertible. Using the standard AUX IN port featured, the driver or passengers are able, for example, to play music saved on an MP3 player via the audio system. A special interface for full integration of an Apple iPod is likewise available as an option, allowing the user to select music files via the audio controls.
Every minute counts: the Openometer.
The MINI Convertible is also available with an optional, very special feature highlighting the thrill of driving in the open air. Positioned to the left of the tachometer, the Openometer specifies precisely, down to the last minute, how long the driver and passengers have enjoyed their car with the roof down.
The Openometer is a truly unique instrument clearly expressing-in straightforward facts and figures-the exceptional pleasure of driving the MINI Convertible with the roof down. Indeed, it prompts the driver and passengers to enjoy the thrilling features of everyday traffic as often as they can. And at the same time it symbolizes the invitation by the MINI Convertible to enjoy a particularly appealing driving experience.
The MINI Convertible is the ideal companion for the motorist who seeks thrilling, open-air motoring at all times and wishes to enjoy these special moments in a style that only MINI can offer.
Wide range of accessories: more flair, more sport, more functionality.
The wide range of MINI accessories enabling the owner to customize his - or her - MINI Convertible, over and above the special equipment available from the factory, comprises more than 200 different items, plus roughly 60 more from the John Cooper Works range of accessories.
The choice includes classics already very popular among MINI or MINI Clubman drivers, as well as others developed specifically for the MINI Convertible. All components are perfectly tailored to the MINI Convertible and fulfill the BMW Group's high standards of quality and safety.
Flexible, Efficient and Quality-Minded.
Production.
Accounting for sales of approximately 164,000 units within just five years, the first generation of the MINI Convertible has made a significant contribution to the MINI's worldwide story of success.
The MINI Convertible is fully integrated in technical and logistic terms in the ongoing production of the MINI and MINI Clubman in Oxford (Bodyshop, Paintshop and Assembly), Swindon (Press Shop) and Hams Hall (Engine Production). The three existing body variants as well as the MINI John Cooper Works, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible also are built at these plants.
Like the other variants of the MINI, the MINI Convertible offers virtually all options for individual, customized production, enabling each and every customer to create his - or her - own MINI exactly according to his personal wishes. All production and logistic processes are fully flexible in offering such a wide range of variants.
Considering the numerous options and the virtually infinite number of variations available, it is extremely unlikely that two absolutely identical MINIs will leave the Oxford Plant within a whole year of production.
5,700 associates can build up to 800 MINIs a day.
When introducing the MINI in September 2006, the Hams Hall and Swindon plants were fully integrated into the MINI Production Triangle. Today these plants build the engines for the MINI and body pressings for final assembly at Plant Oxford. In all, this means that some 5,700 associates work on building the MINI within the MINI Production Triangle in Great Britain.