- Newest member of MINI lineup goes on sale in U.S. in March 2016
- First open top MINI powered by BMW Group engine technology and architecture
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 22, 2015 – MINI USA introduced today the newest addition to its iconic product line, the new MINI Convertible. As the first open top MINI powered by BMW Group engines and architecture, the new MINI Convertible is a premium four-seater soft-top convertible that is both practical and customizable for unlimited open-air motoring fun.
Like all other MINI models in the product portfolio, the new MINI Convertible is made for individualization, setting the new standard in the premium convertible market. It offers a choice of 11 exterior color options, including the new Caribbean Aqua, which harkens back to the classic MINI color palette, ideal for the fun-loving enthusiast, and Melting Silver, recently introduced on the new MINI Clubman, a cool and modern finish perfect for the open air thrill seeker.
The customization carries over to the interior with a number of premium seating options available, including a new Malt Brown leather with diamond-stitching reminiscent of classic English Chesterfield sofas. Convertible enthusiasts looking for even more style can opt for the new MINI Yours soft-top featuring an embroidered Union Jack with herringbone patterned detailing.
“The new MINI Convertible has a great balance of playful personalization and sophistication. It’s open-top driving without compromise,” said David Duncan, vice president MINI of the Americas. “The bespoke levels of customization set it apart from other convertibles on the market, while the front wheel drive BMW architecture and engines make it fun-to-drive and practical in any driving conditions.”
Powered by BMW Group-developed three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines, the new MINI Convertible will come standard with an efficient six-speed manual transmission. With the three-cylinder Cooper version and four-cylinder Cooper S, the new MINI Convertible presents customers a choice of two powerful, highly efficient TwinPower Turbo engines developed by the BMW Group and built in Europe. In keeping with MINI tradition for authentic, driver-involving motoring, both the Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, the new MINI Convertible can be equipped with a smooth, quick-shifting 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
This premium four-seater convertible has an emphasis on practicality, with an easy-load and load-through function that makes the cargo space both accessible and functional. The rigid frame and invisible roll bar enhance both the safety of the vehicle and also provide improved acoustics, allowing for more long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. Drivers will also appreciate the unique multi-way top settings, including a sunroof option which enables the soft-top to open midway for just the right amount of sun and air.
The new MINI Convertible is equipped with an “Always Open Timer,” providing convertible enthusiasts with the ability to calculate the number of hours they’ve driven with the top down. It will also come standard with theMINI Connected infotainment system including a 6.5-inch high-resolution screen. In addition, an optional larger 8.8-inch display includes naviation and a clever rain warning app, which notifies drivers of impending storms so they can prepare their vehicle for inclement weather.
The new MINI Convertible, available in both Cooper and Cooper S variants, will go on sale in March 2016 at MINI dealers across the U.S. Pricing will be announced in January.
dimensions and capacities (us)
| Doors | 2 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Veh. length | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 151.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 151.9 |
| Veh. width | inch | 68 |
| Width incl mirrors | inch | 76.1 |
| Veh. height | inch | 55.7 |
| Wheelbase | inch | 98.2 |
| Front track | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 59.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 58.5 |
| Rear track | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 59.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 58.5 |
| Overhang front | inch | 30.1 |
| Rear overhang | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 22.7 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 23.5 |
| Ground clearance | inch | 4.5 |
| Turning circle | ft | 35.4 |
| Legroom front | inch | 41.4 |
| Legroom 2nd row | inch | 30.9 |
| Shoulder room front | inch | 51 |
| Shoulder room rear | inch | 39.7 |
| Headroom front | inch | 39.8 |
| Max. headroom 2nd row | inch | 39 |
| Front Seat Volume | ft³ | 48.6 |
| Rear Seat Volume | ft³ | 27.7 |
| Cargo Volume | ||
| – with top open | ft³ | 5.7 |
| – with top closed | ft³ | 7.6 |
| Gas tank capacity | gal | 11.6 |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (us) |
| Cooper | |||
| Engine Type | Inline 3-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected | ||
| Displacement | 1499 cm³ | ||
| Engine power | 134 bhp @ 4400 rpm | ||
| Engine torque | 162 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm | ||
| Transmissions | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | |
| Gear ratios: | |||
| 1st gear | 4.459 | 3.615 | |
| 2nd | 2.508 | 1.952 | |
| 3rd | 1.556 | 1.241 | |
| 4th | 1.142 | 0.969 | |
| 5th | 0.851 | 0.806 | |
| 6th | 0.672 | 0.683 | |
| 7th | N/A | N/A | |
| 8th | N/A | N/A | |
| Reverse gear | 3.185 | 3.538 | |
| Final drive ratio | 3.683 | 3.421 | |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2905 | 2855 | |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 sec. | 8.3 sec. | |
| Top speed | 128 mph | 128 mph | |
| Suspension type front | 1-link drive strut axle | ||
| Rear suspension | central pivot axle | ||
| Steering type | rack-and-pinion | ||
| Power-steering | EPS | ||
| Steering ratio | 14 : 1 | ||
| Front brake | disc ventilated | ||
| Rear brake | disc | ||
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (us) |
| Cooper S | ||
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected | |
| Displacement | 1998 cm³ | |
| Engine power | 189 bhp @ 5000 rpm | |
| Engine torque | 207 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm | |
| Transmissions | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Gear ratios: | ||
| 1st gear | 4.459 | 3.923 |
| 2nd | 2.508 | 2.136 |
| 3rd | 1.556 | 1.276 |
| 4th | 1.142 | 0.921 |
| 5th | 0.851 | 0.756 |
| 6th | 0.672 | 0.628 |
| 7th | N/A | N/A |
| 8th | N/A | N/A |
| Reverse gear | 3.185 | 3.538 |
| Final drive ratio | 3.502 | 3.588 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3025 | 2985 |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec. | 6.8 sec. |
| Top speed | 142 mph | 143 mph |
| Suspension type front | 1-link drive strut axle | |
| Rear suspension | central pivot axle | |
| Steering type | rack-and-pinion | |
| Power-steering | EPS | |
| Steering ratio | 14 : 1 | |
| Front brake | disc ventilated | |
| Rear brake | disc | |