THE 2009 MINI HARDTOPS - STILL A CLASS OF ONE
Source: MINI
Sep 30, 2008 - 3:43:50 PM
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The MINI Experience Continues:
Go-kart-driving fun, an interior that
provides the maximum amount of car in the minimum amount of space and a myriad
of personalization possibilities keep the 2009 MINI Cooper and Cooper S on top
of the small-car premium segment as sales continue to grow, bettering the
previous year’s.
The body of the latest generation MINI – introduced in
2007 – boasts evolutionary development from the iconic 1959 Classic Mini, while
the interior, including styling cues are evocative of the original and contain
the latest technological advances found today. And powering either the 2009 MINI
Cooper or MINI Cooper S are a pair of four-cylinder engines resembling the
original MINI’s in cylinder number and placement, transversely over the front
axle, but far more efficient, cleaner and powerful.
Performance plays a
major role in providing driving fun and the four-cylinder engines of the MINI
hardtops deliver. The turbocharged 1.6-liter version in the Cooper S produces
172 horsepower, eclipsing the magical “100-hp-per-liter” measure revered by
enthusiasts. This translates into 0-to-60 mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds and a
top speed of 139 mph. The naturally-aspirated engine in the Cooper, also 1.6
liters, features variable valve control and accelerates this agile two-door
athlete to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, with top speed of 126 mph.
Despite
their much higher level of dynamic performance and sporting character, both
MINIs return superior fuel economy, with the MINI Cooper S having a preliminary
2009 EPA fuel economy estimate of 26 City/34 Highway mpg for a combined
preliminary EPA estimate of 29 mpg. The MINI Cooper is even more efficient with
preliminary EPA 2009 estimates of 28/37 City/Highway for a combined rating of 32
mpg.
Both engine variants are fitted transversely under the bonnet and
power the front wheels. Composite – instead of conventional cast – camshafts and
weight-optimized crankshafts are part of the lightweight concept of the aluminum
power units. Fuel consumption, in turn, is optimized by a volume flow-controlled
oil pump and an electronically-controlled water pump for the coolant circuit –
two technical features previously limited to larger and more expensive model
segments.
The MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S both come standard with a
six-speed manual transmission. Both models can be ordered with an optional
six-speed automatic transmission that features a sport mode and includes
steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
With its low center of gravity
and wide stance that moves the wheels to the extreme corners of the car, agile
and nimble driving behavior is guaranteed as is that go-kart feeling. The
modified structure of the body shell as well as a wide range of safety features,
in turn, help to ensure the 2009 MINI meets or exceeds all accident-protection
requirements. In a recent NHTSA test, MINI excelled in all aspects with four-
and five-star ratings.
Compared with the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper S
has a more sporting suspension set-up, and as an option both models are
available with sports suspension for an even higher standard of driving
pleasure.
The EPAS Electrical Power-Assisted Steering helps make the MINI
even more nimble and agile on the road, as speed-related assistance ensuring low
steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds. And when the
standard Sport button is depressed, EPAS offers a sportier mode that
specifically increases steering forces for an even more direct driving
experience.
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