2007 Mini Cooper S

BMW officially unveiled the Mini Cooper S on August 14th, 2006 at the Paris Motor Show. BMW’s Mini has been a sales success between 2002 and 2006 with more than 150,000 sales. That maybe the reason that BMW decided to make little or no changes to the new Mini’s exterior hence it visually looks very similar to the last model. The car is expected to walk on the line of it predecessors launched in 2001 and perform well in the sales department.
Video after the jump

2007 Mini Cooper S

Under The Hood
The new Mini Cooper S is equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, displacing 1.6L four-cylinder power unit that produces 175hp. Maximum engine power comes at 5,500 rpm with peak torque of 240 Nm being maintained consistently between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. It comes with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The response time when accelerating is virtually instantaneous on this one. It has a front-wheel drive, low center of gravity, long wheel base, wide track, short body overhangs and stiff bodyshell with firm suspension. That coupled with the new EPAS (Electronic Power-Assisted Steering) gives the Mini pin-point accuracy when steering. It comes with standard 16-inch light alloy rims and 195/65 R 16 run flat tires. In the event of a puncture, Run-flat tires allow drivers to continue their journey for 90 miles at speeds of up to 50mph. Run-flats also provide stability in the event of a blow-out or sudden deflation. Seventeen-inch rims running on 205/45 R Run-flat 17 tires are available as an option.

Front Corner

Rear Corner

Exterior
It has instantly recognizable features of MINI design. Even though every body panel has been re-designed, Mini’s successful form has been retained. The second generation new MINI remains immediately recognizable visually and dynamically. The new Mini Cooper S is 61mm longer than its predecessors. The bonnet curves up 20mm higher to make room for the turbocharged engine. The rear is 18mm higher than the former model. The changes are very subtle and not noticeable most of the times. The Cooper S will be available in 12 body colour 7 of which are brand new.

Interior

Interior
On the contrary the changes in the interior are immediately visible. The most prominent of them is the center speedometer which is analog with entertainment and as an option navigational function. And did I mention it is HUGE! The centre console below the Speedo is slimmer to create more space in the foot wells for driver and front passenger. The colour line for the interior is available in glossy black piano paint, dark brown grained oak, brushed aluminum, and an extra-fine gloss surface. A set of 16 chrome-plated trim rings for the air vents, cup holders and instruments gives the interior an even more sophisticated look. In the rear, passengers are offered more comfort with recessed knee cut-outs in the front seats lined with material rather than the traditional plastics.

Safety
Safety feature include six airbags consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front passenger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) offer optimum protection from head injuries for the rear passengers. It also includes ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD electronic Brake Force Distribution and CBC Cornering Brake Control as standard. ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction is standard on the MINI Cooper S with on-off control by the driver, and as an option DSC Dynamic Stability Control.

The new Mini has all the positive aspects of the old models and many refinements have been introduced in the new one. It is sure to be a definite hit among customers when brought into sale. Also the many varied colour options with both the exterior and the interior cockpit should please the buyers to customize the car to their liking and taste.

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December 7, 2006 - 11:15 AM | Posted in - BMW

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