The 2011 JIMS, Southern Africa’s most significant car show, played host to the African premiere of the Mini Coupé

Two years ago a concept car previewing a two-seater Coupé from the MINI brand turned heads aplenty at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That vision has now become a reality and the 2011 JIMS provided the stage for the African premiere of the Mini Coupé.

The MINI Cooper Coupé range carries the same familiar iconic look that we’ve come to know well over the past decade. Setting it apart from its Hatch, Cabrio, Clubman and Countryman stablemates, the Coupe gets a low-slung roof with a “helmet roof” design atop steeply raked A and C pillars.

The Coupe’s roof has a standard contrasting paint finish, accentuating its distinctive design, while the 280-litre luggage compartment behind the high-opening tailgate reveals impressive functionality. Other particularly noteworthy features of the interior include oval recesses in the roof liner, which are specific to the MINI Coupé and emphasise the car’s two-seat design, and the wide through-loading facility linking the cabin and luggage compartment.

The two-seater will be offered from launch with a choice of three engine variants, with outputs ranging from the 90 kW of the Mini Cooper Coupé, 135 kW developed by the Mini Cooper S Coupé and the 155 kW of the sporting flagship, the Mini John Cooper Works Coupé. The Coupé’s boasts a unique suspension set-up, harmonious weight distribution, extremely rigid body and special aerodynamic tweaks – including an extending rear spoiler – help to bring the car’s go-kart like handling even further to the fore.

The Mini Coupé goes on sale in South Africa after JIMS at the following prices:

MINI has peeled the last shreds of its psychedelic camouflage from the 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe. The online unveiling comes after months of spy photos and, in recent weeks, a series of official teaser shots. The MINI Cooper Coupe shares its platform with the iconic Cooper Hatch, but thanks to a re-tuned chassis, MINI promises an even sportier experience than the current Cooper S hatch variant.

From a styling perspective, the MINI Cooper Coupe range carries the same familiar iconic look that we’ve come to know well over the past decade. Setting it apart from its Hatch, Cabrio, Clubman and Countryman stablemates, the Coupe gets a low-slung roof with a “helmet roof” design atop steeply raked A and C pillars. On the inside, the Coupe’s two-seat layout is emphasised clearly, with a two-piece luggage compartment cover in a striking three-dimensional design. Among the Coupe’s features are a fitted-as-standard anthracite roof liner, new upholstery variants and exterior mirror colours, trim strips and Colour Lines. Cabin equipment includes a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio interface. MINI Connected is also on the feature list, including web radio, Google local search and Google Send to Car services, reception of RSS news feeds, plus in-car use of Facebook and Twitter – available in conjunction with the MINI Visual Boost radio or MINI navigation system.

Entering as the company’s first production two-seater, the Cooper Coupe is also quicker than the hatch in all three of its petrol specifications: Cooper Coupe, Cooper S Coupe and John Cooper Works Coupe. Overseas markets will also receive a diesel-powered Cooper SD Coupe as part of the range. All three petrol variants are powered by the familiar 1.6-litre four-cylinder, paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed auto is on the options list for the Coupe and S Coupe, but JCW buyers can’t have it – and likely won’t want it.

In entry-level Coupe form, the four-cylinder engine delivers 90 kW at 6 000 r/min and 160 Nm of torque at 4 250 r/min, giving it a 0 – 100km/h time of 9.0 seconds. Top speed is 204 km/h, fuel consumption a claimed 5.4 l/100km. Stepping up to the S Coupe, buyers get MINI’s turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, producing 135 kW at 5 500 r/min and 240 Nm at 1 600 r/min – with a temporary overboost function offering a further 20 Nm. The S Coupe’s 0 – 100 km/h dash is over in a considerably quicker 6.9 seconds, top speed is 230 km/h and fuel consumption 5.8 l/100km.

The top-shelf JCW Coupe also features a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with power dialled up to 155 kW at 6 000 r/min and 260 Nm at 2000 r/min. The same overboost function gives the JCW Coupe another 20 Nm on top, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint for the JCW variant is covered in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h and fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100km.

MINI South Africa has confirmed that the Cooper Coupe range will debut locally in the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to launch.

Given that BMW Group officials recently confirmed that MINI’s new coupe model will arrive in the market before the end of the year, it shouldn’t come to much of a surprise that the company is gradually stripping away the camouflage from its test cars. Spotted here by photographers in Germany, is the most potent version of the MINI Coupe lineup, the John Cooper Works model that’s easily distinguished by the aggressive body kit with the flared wheel arches and muscular bumpers.

MINI first showed the Coupe and Roadster models through a pair of concept cars at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009. As predicted, the production version of the Coupe has stayed remarkably faithful to that show car’s design. In fact, with the exception of some very minor details such as the grille and the tail lamp crystals, nothing else has changed, including the shape of the top that’s supposed to resemble a baseball hat worn backwards.

The JCW version seen here, also keeps the concept’s sporty aero kit with the modified front and rear bumpers, beefy side skirts and extended wheel arches that house larger alloy wheels.

The same appears to be true for the interior (at least from what we can see through the window), which ditches the hatchback model’s rear seat bench for a larger boot area that in the concept, was said to be around 250-litres compared the 160-litres of the three-door variant.

Aside from the JCW model that will make use of MINI’s latest 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine with 155 kW, the Coupe will also be offered in Cooper S form with a 135 kW version of the 1.6-litre unit. A base Cooper version equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 90 kW and possibly a diesel-powered model may also be in the cards.

The new MINI Coupe is expected to receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show towards year end.

via CarScoop

The MINI Mk2 was launched in 2007 and received many styling and engineering changes to meet tightening safety regulations and improve efficiency. It’s clear however, that BMW is on to a winning formula, as concepts like the Beachcomber, Coupe, Roadster and Crossover have created much hype and anticipation among fans. Further proof of the brand’s success were the well attended 50th anniversary celebrations held last year, which took place across the globe, including the local town of Clarence in the Free State. We decided to find out what all the fuss is about and, being summer in South Africa, we could think of no better way to soak up the sun than in the Cooper S Convertible.

Interior
Hands down, the MINI has one of the most engaging interiors of any car available today. The retro design provides a feast for the senses and offers solid build quality to match. The exception is the ‘Always-Open Timer’ that pokes out from the rev counter, which feels a bit too plasticy and blocks the flow of air from the centre air vent. Even despite its gimmicky function of recording how much travel time has elapsed with the roof folded away, its foibles are forgiven in the name of funky design. But retro does not necessarily mean old, and the MINI Cooper S Convertible is fitted with an array of modern conveniences such as satnav, climate control, cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary connection for MP3-players and more. Comfort levels in the Cooper S Convertible are high, with supportive leather sports seats holding you in place and all the instruments easily accessible – barring the centrally mounted speedo that was difficult to read at a glance. Rear passengers, well, lets just say that the rear seats are best used only if you really have to – rear legroom is non existent and after a 15 minute blast down the road our passengers were happy to disembark. Behind the rear seats lies a tiny boot with just 170-litres available with the roof closed, and a more useful 660-litres with the rear-seat backrest folded down. Equally as small is the fold-down tailgate through which we contorted our shopping bags in order to fit. But despite the lack of space behind the B-pillar, the car still offers a unique, fun and well appointed interior.

Exterior
The Cooper S Convertible loses none of its MINI pedigree when swapping its hardtop for a canvas roof. In fact, the convertible’s looks remain unchanged to those of the conventional Cooper S, with compact dimensions, 17-inch light alloy wheels at each corner, various chrome accents and centrally-mounted twin tailpipes adding to the S’s sporty appeal. Despite the MINI being a familiar sight on our roads, the Cooper S Convertible still manages to turn heads, especially with the roof folded down and the chrome roll-over bar glistening in the sunshine.

The Drive
It’s common knowledge that when a manufacturer removes the roof on one of their models, the car is going to lose rigidity in its chassis and will be more flexible. As a result, the MINI’s body has been crash-optimised and further reinforced to provide extra rigidity. But despite losing 10 kg’s over the previous generation convertible, the already stiff ride has become particularly choppy on all but the smoothest of roads. The MINI creeks and rattles along on run flat tyres and taught sports suspension. Drop the roof however and the car seemingly transforms into a smooth operator with any obvious signs of scuttle shake dissolved. Open top cruising is a pleasure and the wind-deflector fits quickly and easily in place to prevent buffeting. We weren’t quite sure why the MINI is fitted with park distance sensors at the rear, until we noticed that because the canvas top stacks itself behind the rear headrests, it wipes out the view from your rearview mirror. With such short overhangs we still don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s a nice touch. The canvas roof also features a separate sliding roof function that allows it to open just above the driver and passenger area, acting as a sunroof. Steering response is lightening quick and combined with the sports suspension, makes for a nervous ride on most roads. Head for a freshly tarred strech of tarmac however and the Cooper S Convertible delivers accurate steering, surefooted grip and a truly sporty drive synonymous with the ‘S’ badge. But this is a convertible we’re talking about after all and although it is fun to drive, if not a little skittish on bumpy roads, it does do cruising best and we’d recommend the more focused, and cheaper, JCW model for more spirited driving.

Performance
Beneath the bonnet of the Cooper S Convertible lies a 1,6-litre 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection that delivers 128 kW at 5 500 rpm and maximum torque of 240 N.m. Combined with a rorty exhaust note, low seat height and direct steering, the engine seems to fire the little car toward the horizon at what feels like a wicked pace. This MINI seems far quicker than the 7.4 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint would suggest and the same goes for in-gear acceleration. A smaller capacity turbocharged engine means fuel consumption is an economical 7.2 l/100km, but when that’s not your primary concern, the MINI Cooper S Convertible offers a “Sport” mode with the push of a button. When engaged, this mode tightens the steering and quickens the response of the drive-by-wire throttle, to give the MINI real go-kart like characteristics. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers short throws and is fun to use, although the torquey engine often makes changing down unnecessary.

What we like…

• Great performance from the turbocharged engine.
• Engaging interior design and functionality.
• Funky convertible with near limitless personalisation.
• Nothing else like it, but the Fiat 500C will arrive this year to offer a cheaper retro-chic alternative.

What we would like…

• Better sound insulation with the roof on.
• More compliant suspension to take the harsh edge off the ride.
• A cheaper price tag – unless of course you like flicking your hair back and thinking “I’m worth it”.

Fans of the Mini brand will soon get two more vehicles to love. Back in September MINI’s UK arm confirmed that both will soon be headed to production. Today, we’ve got the leaked word on a timeline for their production.

The latest line is that they’re being fast-tracked to pre-production status by January of 2010, with full production models rolling out as early as October of 2010, pending a smooth and successful testing and ramp-up process.

With its sleek looks and even smaller size – there is no back seat in the Coupe concept – the new car certainly fits with the ‘MINI’ moniker. MINI had previously said it would ultimately be the public and press reaction to the concept that would guide Mini’s plans on the matter, with its unveiling in Frankfurt and a U.S. showing at the Los Angeles Auto Show being the touchstones for that reaction. Instead the early reaction was so strongly favorable that MINI went ahead and made the decision to build it even before revealing it live.

Adding another pair of models to the Cooper/Convertible/Clubman range would move Mini closer to offering a full range of vehicles, though there are obviously no plans for true trucks/SUVs. Recent reports say the crossover won’t be coming until 2010 at the earliest, meaning both the Coupe and whichever model that comes with it are still likely at least a year, and possibly as many as three years distant.

News of the production in MINI’s Oxford facility came along with plans to hire an additional 1 000 workers to help build the new models.

Adapted from MotorAuthority

Joining the Coupe Concept at Mini’s Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the Roadster Concept, a two-seater speedster with a steeply raked windscreen and a more aggressive stance than your ‘everyday’ four-seater MINI Convertible. Admittedly though, an untrained eye may have to look twice to make sure that it’s a ‘different’ model. Compared to the coupe, the loss of the controversially styled aluminum top adds some styling points to the Roadster but other than a few other minor cosmetic details, the two models are identical.

The Roadster model gets a lightweight canvas top that opens and closes manually along with the necessary roll bars that are located behind the two seats.

Like the Coupe Concept, the Roadster is based on a faintly modified version of the MINI hatch platform. The two-seater topless Mini measures 3 714 mm in length, 1 683 mm in width and 1 356 mm in height, while boot capacity remains the same as that of the coupe at 250 litres.

Under the bonnet, whereas the Coupe is matched to the same turbocharged 1,6-litre, 155 kW, 279 N.m four-cylinder engine used in the Cooper S John Cooper Works model, the Roadster settles with the less potent 128 kW 1,6-litre turbo found in the Cooper S.

Both the Coupe and Roadster models have already been confirmed for series production by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of the BMW Group, and are expected to go on sale sometime in 2011. Together with the forthcoming Crossman SUV, the trio of new models will double the firm’s portfolio in the next three years.

Adapted from CarScoop

Fans of the Mini brand will soon get another vehicle to love, as Mini’s UK arm has confirmed that two new models, one of which is the Mini Coupe, will soon be headed to production. Both the Coupe and a yet-to-be-named model, both to be exhibited for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, will be built in the next few years.

“I think bringing these two new models to Oxford is a great sign to the Oxford area, to all the workers here at the plant, that the future for Mini and for this operation is very bright indeed,” Graham Biggs, corporate communications manager for BMW UK, told the BBC.

The news came along with plans to hire an additional 1 000 workers to help build the new models. Whether the second model will be the still-secretive Mini Roadster we got a peek at last week, or the nearly-finished Mini Crossover (or Crossman), is still not clear.

With its sleek looks and even smaller size, there’s no back seat in the Coupe concept, the new car certainly fits with the ‘Mini’ moniker.

Mini had previously said it would ultimately be the public and press reaction to the concept that would guide Mini’s plans on the matter, with its unveiling in Frankfurt and a possible U.S. showing at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December being the touchstones for that reaction. It seems the early reaction was so strong that Mini went ahead and made the decision to build it even before revealing it live.

Adding another pair of models to the Cooper/Convertible/Clubman range would move Mini closer to offering a full range of vehicles. Recent reports say the crossover won’t be coming until 2010 at the earliest, meaning both the Coupe and whichever model that comes with it, are still likely at least a year, and possibly as many as three years distant.

Adapted from MotorAuthority

It may be working on a crossover and toying with eco-friendly electric vehicles, but Mini hasn’t forgotten about its die-hard, speed-crazed enthusiasts. The Mini Coupe Concept, which debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, is aimed squarely at this demographic.

Mini refers to the Coupe Concept as an “uncompromisingly sporting two-seater,” but we’d describe it as a John Cooper Works model wrapped in a stylish track suit. The Coupe Concept keeps most of the Mini’s styling and mechanicals intact, but tops it all off with a rakish fastback roof.

From some angles, the new roof resembles that of the original Audi TT, but designers have cleverly incorporated Mini’s trademark white roof and chunky pillars into the mix. Like the TT, the Coupe Concept is actually a hatchback, which opens to reveal a scant but usable 249-litres of storage.

No changes have been made to the powertrain, but the Mini, especially in John Cooper Works form, is already a hot hatch. The Coupe Concept uses the same turbocharged 1,6-litre inline 4-cyclinder found in the JCW models, which produces 155 kW and 260 N.m of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

For the time being, Mini’s tight-lipped on the subject of production, but given the stock powertrain and the sheer quantity of parts carried over from existing models, we’d say it’s quite likely to see the Coupe, or possibly a roadster variant, join the Mini portfolio in the near future.

Adapted from Automobile