| Mini
Cooper Vehicle Questions
MINI Cooper:
Unladen Weight: 2,524 lbs. (2,557 w/CVT)
Length: 142.8"
Track front/back: 57.4" / 57.7"
Mirror-mirror width: 75.8"
Height: 55.9"
MINI Cooper S
Unladen Weight: 2,679 lbs.
Length: 144"
Track front/back: 57.2" / 57.5"
Mirror-mirror width: 75.8"
Height: 56.2"
HOW MUCH BIGGER IS THE MINI THAN
THE CLASSIC MINI?
The MINI Cooper is about two feet longer, and one foot wider than the
Austin and Morris Mini.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
So many amazing features come standard on both the MINI Cooper and MINI
Cooper S, that we sometimes forget about the great options: a Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission (CVT) for the MINI Cooper, Dynamic Stability
Control, Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, computer navigation system with
GPS, heated seats, Xenon headlamps with built-in powerwash, a multi-functional
leather sport steering wheel, amazing 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
and lots more. For full details, visit the "Features and Specs"
section under "Our Cars" at MINIUSA.COM. The "O" icons
will tell you all about our options in detail.
WHERE IS THE ENGINE FROM?
The engine is produced in Brazil as part of a joint venture with Daimler-Chrysler,
which was initiated in 1996. A joint venture means that neither party
"owns" the factory. It is a shared entity producing engines
for both parties. This engine was designed by both parties with power
output and global emissions requirements in mind. It is not used in any
other vehicle in the US Market.
HAVE ANY PERFORMANCE NUMBERS?
The MINI was tested in the July 2002 issue of Car and Driver.
MINI Cooper:
0-60 in 8.5 seconds
1/4 mile MINI Cooper: 16.6 @ 83.5 MPH
200ft. skid pad MINI Cooper 0.79g
SLALOM: 8 cones at 100 ft. intervals MINI Cooper 67.6 MPH
Braking from 60 mph MINI Cooper: 143 feet
MINI Cooper S:
0-60 in 6.9 seconds
1/4 mile in 15.5 @ 90 MPH
200 ft. skid pad MINI Cooper S 0.87g
SLALOM: 8 cones at 100 ft. intervals MINI Cooper S 69.5 MPH
Braking from 60 mph MINI Cooper S: 121 feet
Source: Independent Tests
WHAT'S THE TOP SPEED OF THE MINI
Cooper AND MINI Cooper S?
We explored the top speed of the MINI Cooper under closed circuit conditions,
and discovered that they go pretty darn fast.
MINI Cooper Manual - 124 MPH (electronically
limited)
MINI Cooper Automatic - 115 MPH (electronically limited)
MINI Cooper S Manual - 136 MPH (electronically limited)
Please remember... we are trained professionals
operating in a closed environment. Please do not try to attempt to recreate
these results at home.
WHY DO YOU HAVE THE MINI ONE IN EUROPE AND NOT AMERICA?
We talked to many people and it just seemed that there was very little
US demand for the 90 HP MINI ONE. The US is a very horsepower conscious
country, and few people voiced interest in a 90 HP car. In the US, even
inexpensive small cars, such as the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Echo, Daewoo
Lanos, and Kia Rio have more than 90 HP. The MINI One simply would not
offer competitive performance. The price difference between the MINI Cooper
and MINI One is only about US$1800, and the MINI One has much fewer standard
features and horsepower. The MINI One is popular in Europe, where fuel
prices are three to four times higher, and commuting speeds are slower.
Even minor fuel mileage savings makes the difference in that setting.
WHAT KIND OF SAFETY FEATURES DO THE
MINI COOPER AND MINI COOPER S HAVE?
We feature an extensive list of both active and passive safety features
in both of our models: Incredibly nimble handling, an Anti-lock brake
system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake
Control (CBC), a highly sophisticated and comprehensive 6-airbag system,
an extremely rigid body, a breakaway battery cable, crash sensors, a flat
tire monitor, and the list goes on. Please visit the "Features and
Specs" section of MINIUSA.COM for a full list and more details.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY CRASH TESTS DONE
ON A MINI?
The MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S were awarded four-star safety ratings
from the National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration and
a 'Best Pick Overall' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. MINIs
have an exceptionally stiff body structure, six airbags, and many more
advanced safety features. You can check out our full safety story by visiting:
http://www.miniusa.com/link/ourcars/safety
HAS THE MINI BEEN TESTED IN EXTREME
WEATHER CONDITIONS?
The MINI has been tested in the harshest conditions. We picked the MOST
extreme places to do our testing. For cold weather testing we went to
the Arctic Circle in Finland, during the winter. For hot testing we drove
the car aggressively and repeatedly through Death Valley (USA).
IS THERE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AVAILABLE IN THE MINI COOPER?
The option of a CVT (Continuously Variable automatic Transmission) is
available for the MINI Cooper. For true enthusiasts who prefer a manual
transmission, the MINI Cooper S will only be available with its 6-speed
Getrag manual gearbox. Please visit the "Features and Specs"
section of MINIUSA.COM for more details.
WILL YOU OFFER A TURBO?
Turbo, shmurbo. The MINI Cooper S is supercharged. In large part, because
the lag often experienced with turbochargers was not acceptable to us.
ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR A CONVERTIBLE?
Maybe. We're very enthusiastic about a number of different directions
we could take the MINI platform. We're open to anything and everything.
DO THE REAR SEATS FOLD DOWN?
They sure do. And they are a 50/50 split, so you can put one or both down
at a time. For more information, please check out our Features and Specs
sections.
CAN I GET A MINI WITH A SKI OR BIKE
RACK?
You sure can. In fact you can configure a MINI with either a ski or bike
rack within the "Build Your Own" section of MINIUSA.COM. Contact
your preferred dealer to inquire about ordering a rack to outfit your
car.
HOW BIG IS THE FUEL TANK?
Topping off the petrol tanks would require 50 liters. Which is about 13.2
US gallons.
WHAT ABOUT GAS MILEAGE?
City (mpg*) Highway (mpg*)
MINI Cooper Manual: 28 37
MINI Cooper CVT: 25 32
MINI Cooper S: 24 33
* EPA - figures use premium unleaded fuel and are for comparison purposes
only. Your actual mileage may vary, depending on speed, weather and trip
length; actual highway mileage will most likely be lower.
DO YOU OFFER ALL-WHEEL DRIVE?
Not currently. MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S are both Front Wheel Drive
(FWD). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available on both models as
an option.
I'M A PRETTY BIG GUY. WILL I FIT
IN A MINI COOPER OR MINI COOPER S?
With its wheels spread out to the corners as far as possible and our plant
on roof, MINIs have a surprising amount of cabin space and headroom. In
general, a MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S can comfortably accommodate people
as tall as 6' 7".
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