In the name of racing: MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.

Newly developed models offer racing feel with 155 kW/211 bhp - world
premiere at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva, market launch
in August 2008. Munich. A big name, a long tradition, outstanding
performance, figures and an incomparable driving experience: the MINI
John Cooper Works arouses motor racing passion which goes beyond the
race track. In August 2008 the new model - produced at the British MINI
plant in Oxford - will be coming to Germany along with the MINI John
Cooper Works Clubman. With their world premiere at the International
Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 6th-16tth 2008), these versions are
the first two models to be launched by MINI under the brand MINI John
Cooper Works. The heart beating under the bonnet of each of the two new
extreme sports cars is that of a racer. The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine
with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection delivers 155
kW/211 bhp and develops its maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres between
1,850 and 5,600 rpm - by means of overboost the torque can actually be
increased to 280 Nm. The power unit is based on the engine of the John
Cooper Works CHALLENGE, which will see its premiere at the MINI
CHALLENGE 2008. It accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works in 6.5
seconds from 0-100 km/h, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman manages the
spurt in just 0.3 seconds more. It is not only the engines of the MINI
John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman that provide
genuine racing feeling. Both models are also fitted with extensive
motor racing technology as standard: exclusive light alloy rims with
especially light and extremely high-performance brakes, a new exhaust
system and the modified 6-speed manual transmission, also created with
close reference to the new racing car for the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE.
Rarely before has motor racing expertise found its way so directly onto
the road. The MINI John Cooper Works will be available in Germany at a
price of 27,700 Euros, the price of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
will be 29,500 Euros. Fascinating power due to motor racing expertise.
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are driven
by a true power package based on the current engine of the MINI Cooper
S, extensively revised for the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing
vehicle and now back on the road with refreshed power. Even the basic
design of the 1,598 cc 4-cylinder engine has details which are drawn
from motor racing. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of
aluminium, the four valves per cylinder are controlled by two upper
camshafts, friction-optimised cam followers and hydraulic valve
clearance compensation elements. The outlet valves are filled with
sodium so as to meet the increased cooling needs of a turbo engine. The
camshafts of the 4-cylinder are composite. Instead of using the
conventional die-cast procedure, the cam rings are made of high-strength
steel and shrink-fitted to the actual shaft. The intake camshaft has a
continuously variable phase adjustment function by means of which the
valve control times can be adapted to the relevant performance
requirements. The engines for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI
John Cooper Works Clubman are made at the BMW Group engine plant Hams
Hall (Great Britain) where the engine units for all MINI model
variations are manufactured. In the case of the top-of-the-range
engine, there are a number of special modifications to the production
process to do justice to the increased output and the resulting higher
temperatures in the combustion chamber, thereby uaranteeing maximum
reliability of the drive system. The engines are fitted with reinforced
and specifically ground pistons as well as a cylinder head with
optimised rigidity and modified gasketing. The intake valves and valve
seat rings are also made of especially resilient material, and as
compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper S there is a slight reduction
of the compression. More air, more power, more torque - the formula
for increased driving pleasure. The power increase as compared to the
engine of the MINI Cooper S is mainly achieved by means of optimised
air intake and outlet due to an adapted turbocharger. The air filter,
air mass sensor, exhaust system and catalytic converter have been
modified so as to achieve a power-enhancing dethrottling on the
induction and exhaust side. This is also reflected in an engine sound
which is peculiar to this model. Due to the adaptation of the exhaust
system, a significant reduction of counterpressure is achieved. The
MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman fulfil the
requirements for adherence to the particularly stringent threshold
levels defined by the exhaust norms EU5 in Europe and ULEV II in the
US. The through-flow capacity of the clean air duct to the
turbocharger has also been increased. The design of the Twin Scroll
turbocharger enables an especially spontaneous power build-up. In the
exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, the channels of two cylinders
are separated in each case. The supercharger blades are set in optimum
motion even at low engine speeds. A turbine was developed in very
high-quality material especially for the MINI John Cooper Works and the
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, and the maximum boost pressure was
increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar overpressure. The maximum torque of 260
Nm is available even at an engine speed of 1,850 rpm and up to a level
of 5,600 rpm. During acceleration, torque is raised to 280 Nm by means
of a brief increase in boost pressure between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm. This
overboost function gives the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John
Cooper Works Clubman an even more powerful response. The engine reaches
its maximum output of 155 kW/211 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The spontaneous
response is also reflected in the car's acceleration figures. The MINI
John Cooper Works takes 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h, the
time required by the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is 6.8 seconds.
Both have a maximum speed of 238 km/h. Petrol direct injection: fuel
is precisely measured and efficiently used. With a specific output of
132 bhp per litre of capacity, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John
Cooper Works Clubman advance into the realm of the purebred sports car.
What is more, both new models have the characteristic MINI quality of
offering unique driving fun in combination with exemplary efficiency.
The key function here is the fuel supply system. The turbo 4-cylinder
is fitted with petrol direction injection according to the common rail
principle. Injection valves positioned laterally in the cylinder head
feed the fuel in precise doses under a pressure of 120 bar from the
tank directly into the combustion chamber. This means that in every
situation on the road, precise fuel supply is guaranteed which is
adapted to the given load requirements. The average fuel consumption in
the EU test cycle is at an unusually low level for vehicles of this
output category. The MINI John Cooper Works makes do with 6.9 litres
per 100 kilometres, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman requires 7.0
litres. The respective CO2 figures are 165 and 167 grams per kilometre.
Conceived for maximum driving fun: chassis, brakes, assistance systems.
The standard range of features of the MINI John Cooper Works and the
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman not only includes a particularly
high-performance engine but also a wide range of other components which
ensure that this irrepressible power is put safely onto the road. As is
characteristic of MINI, the engine powers the front wheels. The MINI
John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with a
6-speed manual transmission whose components have been adapted to the
very high level of torque of this new top-level engine. In addition to
the sophisticated chassis technology with McPherson struts at the front
axle and the central control arm rear axle, which is itself unique in
the small car segment, the electromechanical EPAS (Electrical Power
Assisted Steering) is a further guarantee of reliable and precise
handling. The electrical servomotor also contributes to efficiency in
that it is only activated when steering support is required or desired
by the driver. The steering system EPAS allows various settings to be
programmed. The basic set-up guarantees balanced steering support
depending on road speed. With the sports button, which is positioned as
standard next to the gearshift lever in the centre console in the MINI
John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, it is possible to
activate a perceptibly more dynamic characteristic curve with higher
steering torque and increased steering precision. In keeping with this,
pressing the sports button also changes the accelerator pedal to a much
sportier characteristic setting. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI
John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with sporty suspension settings as
standard. As an alternative, a sports chassis with harder damper
characteristics and stronger stabilisers is available for the front and
rear axle. For a more extreme racing orientation, there is also a John
Cooper Works chassis available in the accessory range for the MINI John
Cooper Works. It includes a lowering of the suspension by 10
millimetres, even harder damper characteristics and stabilisers with a
diameter which is larger than those of the sports chassis. The
standard sports brake system guarantees short braking distances and is
characterised by precise response and fine controllability. The fixed
calliper disc brakes with aluminium callipers finished in red - inner
vented on the front wheels and bearing the John Cooper Works emblem on
the callipers - are large in their dimensions. The type and function of
the brake system is based on those in the MINI CHALLENGE racing
vehicle. The same applies to the exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels
in John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE design. Weighing less than
10 kilos, they are the lightest standard wheels within the competitive
environment of the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works
Clubman. The high-speed tyres in 205/45 W 17 format have runflat
properties, and both models are equipped with a tyre damage display
function. As standard and unique in front-wheel-drive vehicles: DSC
with DTC. In addition to sporty suspension settings and powerful brakes,
the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman also have
sophisticated driving stability systems. Their standard equipment
includes ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering
Brake Control) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including hill-start
assistance and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). By applying the brakes
to individual wheels and reducing engine power, DSC applies a
stabilising effect when required, intervening early on to prevent the
vehicle from swerving at the front or rear wheels in especially dynamic
driving situations or on slippery surfaces. The brake assistance
function, likewise an element of DSC, detects emergency braking
situations and ensures instant build-up of maximum brake pressure
should the need arise. DTC is a sub-function of DSC which is available
here for the first time in a vehicle with front wheel drive. It enables
the response threshold levels of driving stability regulation to be
increased so as to allow controllable slip on the drive wheels. In this
way, the models MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works
Clubman can be controlled on snow-covered surfaces or loose sand with
slightly spinning front wheels, or taken more intensively to the
physical limits in highly dynamic driving situations. When the threshold
range is reached, the stabilising intervention of DSC is also
guaranteed in DTC mode. If necessary, DSC can be entirely deactivated.
What is more, in DSC-Off mode an electronically controlled lock function
for the differential of the drive axle is activated. This system is
also a standard feature and known as Electronic Differential Lock
Control: it supports an ambitious, sporty driving style when
accelerating out of bends and hairpins, for example. The electronically
controlled lock function has the effect of applying specific,
appropriate brake force to a spinning drive wheel on tight bends. This
enhances the forward propulsion of the vehicle without having a
negative impact on self-steering response. The bend can thus be taken
more smoothly but also more swiftly. Interior: sports car ambience
and a wide range of individualisation options. In the interior, the
standard fittings of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John
Cooper Works Clubman boast a strikingly impressive elegance which is
both simple and sporty in style. A three-spoke steering wheel in leather
is the point of connection between the driver and his sports machine,
while the anthracite roof liner and the interior surfaces in a glossy
Piano Black finish create a calm atmosphere which promotes
concentration on the road. Another feature of the two top-of-the-range
sports cars is a speedometer scale which goes up to 260 km/h. In
addition, MINI also offers a wide range of individualisation options for
configuring the two new extreme sports cars. In terms of exterior paint
finishes, interior design, seat upholstery types, interior colours and
decor options as well as the comfort features, the full breadth of
variety is available as for the other model variations. Additional
comfort, versatility and sporty flair can be achieved with items from
the extensive accessory range of MINI and of John Cooper Works. Ten
exterior paint finishes are available to choose from for the MINI John
Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Contrasting roof
finishes and roof decor options provide a wide range of possible
combinations. The basic fittings of the interior include seat covers in
the fabric Chequered. Optional extras include leather upholsteries,
sports seats with fabric/leather covers, sports leather seats and
Recaro sports seats from the John Cooper Works accessory program. The
decor strips of the interior can be selected in Fluid Silver as an
alternative to Piano Black. The accessory program also includes an
interior strip in Carbon. The high-quality entertainment and
navigation systems of the MINI equipment range are also available for
the two top-of-the-range sports cars. The controls of the audio system
- with CD player as standard - and the 6 ½ inch TFT colour
display of the optional navigation system are situated in the central
circular instrument. The standard AUX socket enables music saved on an
MP3 player to be played through the audio system, for example. A
special interface for full integration of an Apple iPod is also
available as an accessory. For optimum and safe communication on the
road there is an optional mobile phone preparation or integrated
hands-free facility with Bluetooth interface and USB connection. An
interface for integrated operation of the audio and telephone functions
is also specially available for the Apple iPhone. Performance at
premium level: John Cooper Works accessories. The highlights of the John
Cooper Works accessory program include the aerodynamics package and
sports chassis with springs finished in red for the MINI John Cooper
Works, as well as perforated brake discs and rear spoilers for both
model versions. Other items include a suspension cross-brace for the
engine compartment, mirror caps in carbon finish and so-called side
scuttles - direction indicator surrounds with a sporty grid structure.
To match this there are also decor strips, handbrake handles and sports
gearshift levers in carbon decor which provide an even sportier
ambience. The gear shift indicator in the John Cooper Works accessory
program also contributes to an intensive driving experience. With
the John Cooper Works Performance components, the character of the two
new models is given even greater emphasis and visually highlighted,
too. Premium-quality sporty flair characterises them as it does the two
new models themselves, both of which bear the John Cooper Works logo.
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman have to be
able to meet both the extreme challenges of the race track as well as
the extensive requirements of everyday traffic in terms of
functionality, design, reliability and durability. Together, the brands
MINI and John Cooper Works stand for a promise of quality which is
uniquely powerful within the competitive environment of MINI. MINI
and John Cooper Works: shared roots in motor racing. The two top sports
cars are sold through the MINI dealer network. Like all variations of
the MINI and MINI Clubman, both models are manufactured at the MINI
plant in Oxford according to customer wishes. In this way, the
integration of the John Cooper Works label under the umbrella MINI is
now also reflected in the range of vehicles available ex works. The
close connection between MINI and John Cooper Works, based on a motor
racing tradition stretching back decades, has a defining influence on
the development of new vehicles and components. The MINI John Cooper
Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman represent the shared values of
driving fun, premium quality and individuality in an especially
concentrated form. In terms of reliability, quality of workmanship and
authenticity of design, they fulfil the high standards of the BMW Group,
as do the John Cooper Works Performance components with their perfect
adaptation to MINI. The new models are thus also subject to the
warranty conditions applicable to MINI.