2007 Detroit Auto Show - MINI Intros Three New Models - VIDEO ENHANCED

DETROIT AUTO SHOW - January 8, 2007: MINI presented its new range with the new MINI Cooper, Cooper S but also a new variant of the MINI Convertible with the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk.

Since the launch of the MINI Convertible, 26,000 units have been sold in the US, making it the largest market for MINI, apart from Great Britain.

The MINI Convertible Sidewalk will be available from mid-April. During the sixth year of the model cycle of the MINI Cooper, demand for the MINI remained as strong as in the years before with a total of 39,000 MINI vehicles delivered to American customers, 52 per cent of which were MINI Cooper S models.

This gives The US the potential to become MINI’s strongest global retail market. The new vehicle will arrive at MINI showrooms, February 17th in the United States.

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.