MINI at Auto Shanghai 2009.

1. MINI at Auto Shanghai 2009. (Short Version) 2 2. At a Glance. 7 3.
Consistently Open: The New MINI Convertible. 9 4. Breakthrough into the
Fourth Dimension: The MINI Crossover Concept. 22 5. Driving Excitement
without Emissions: The MINI E. 34 6. 1959 - 2009: Fifty Years of MINI.
39 1. MINI at Auto Shanghai 2009. (Short Version) Offering the most
advanced and attractive model range ever presented by the brand, MINI
is writing a new chapter of success in the Chinese automobile market in
2009. Following the MINI and the MINI Clubman, the new MINI Convertible
is now set to make its market debut in China. Indeed, this open
four-seater is being shown to the Chinese public for the first time at
the 13th International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology
Exhibition, Auto Shanghai 2009. With the new MINI Convertible
entering the Chinese market, all MINI models now available in China
come with the latest generation of MINI's four-cylinder power units.
These ultra-modern engines developed with all the competence in engine
technology of the BMW Group combine sporting performance with thrilling
agility. And at the same time they offer outstandingly low fuel
consumption together with the very latest emission management.
Driving excitement, premium quality and the unmistakable style of the
brand set the foundation for MINI's ongoing success also in the Chinese
market. Accounting for 3,134 units sold, an increase in sales by more
than 40 per cent over the previous year, the China Mainland Region
remained a particularly dynamic and fast-growing market for MINI cars
also in 2008. And now the new MINI Convertible offers substantial input
for continuing this story of success in 2009. The MINI presentation
at Auto Shanghai 2009 also shows the brand's future options for further
expansion of the model range. Together with the MINI, the MINI Clubman
and the MINI Convertible already available or entering the market in
the near future, visitors to China's most significant and oldest motor
show being held this year from 22 - 28 April 2009 will also be able to
admire the MINI Crossover Concept and the MINI E. Measuring more
than four metres in length, with four drive wheels, four doors and four
single seats, the MINI Crossover Concept offers a wide range of
innovations, but is nevertheless clearly distinguishable from the start
as a genuine MINI in every respect. This fascinating concept study
being presented in Asia for the first time therefore offers a clear
outlook at a very new kind of MINI feeling. The MINI E which is
already beginning to be tested in private everyday traffic in the
context of pilot projects in the USA and soon in Germany marks MINI's
entry into the world of electric drive cars and offers important
insights and know-how for the production of electric vehicles in
future. It is driven by a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor and offers
driving excitement typical of MINI without the slightest emissions.
Even more fun in everyday traffic: the new MINI Convertible. The new
MINI Convertible is based on the qualities of its predecessor and
brings out the characteristic strengths of the open-air MINI even more
clearly and convincingly than before. As the only premium convertible
in its segment, the new MINI Convertible offers the thrill of new
engines and an updated suspension for that unique driving excitement so
typical of MINI. It also comes with a new rollover safety system moving
up whenever required and a wide range of individual solutions giving
the car its unique functions and practical benefits. The new MINI
Convertible is perfectly prepared for all the challenges of everyday
traffic and literally begs the genuine enthusiast to enjoy the most
thrilling moments in motoring as often as possible. To open the soft
roof all the driver has to do is press a button, the roof folding back
fully automatically within just 15 seconds and closing again whenever
required at the same speed. The new MINI Convertible is entering the
Chinese automobile market in two model variants: The new MINI Cooper
Convertible powered by a 1.6-litre 88 kW/120 hp four-cylinder is a
truly sporting character in every respect. This engine comes with fully
variable valve management based on the BMW Group's unique VALVETRONIC
technology for an optimum torque curve, superior power and outstanding
efficiency. The new MINI Cooper Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in
11.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191 km/h or 118 mph. Fuel
consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.9 litres/100 kilometres and the
CO2 emission rating is 165 per kilometre. The new MINI Cooper S
Convertible is even more dynamic with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder
developing maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp thanks to the Twin-Scroll
Turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This outstanding model
accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reaches a
top speed of 217 km/h or 135 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU
test cycle is 7.9 litres/100 km, the CO2 rating is 189 grams per
kilometre. This kind of power gives both the new MINI Cooper
Convertible and the new MINI Cooper S Convertible significantly better
performance than their respective predecessors, in each case on much
less fuel and with significantly lower emissions. Over and above the
fast-revving and powerful engines, the cars' modern suspension
technology gives both models a new dimension of agile handling. The
MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible both come as
standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control. An even higher standard
of safety is ensured, among other things, by the new rollover safety
system moving up whenever required with the help of an
electromechanical actuator. Normally remaining almost completely out of
sight behind the rear seats, the single-piece rollbar moves up
instantaneously within fractions of a second as soon as the car's
safety electronics register the risk of a rollover. Through its
construction principle, the single-piece rollbar provides the option to
integrate an unusually large through-loading between the luggage
compartment and the passenger compartment. As a result, maximum loading
capacity of the MINI Convertible is up by 55 to 660 litres (23.1 cubic
feet). The customer's options to personalise the new MINI Convertible
have likewise been enhanced once again, new paintwork options, three
different roof colours and materials, as well as a wide range of
upholstery, interior surfaces and trim bars setting the foundation for
the customer to personalise his or her very own, personal MINI.
Fascinating outlook: the MINI Crossover Concept. MINI is the world's
only manufacturer of small cars in the premium segment to offer the
customer the opportunity to enjoy a unique and unmistakable combination
of driving excitement and modern lifestyle. The complete range of
safety features and excellent quality of finish are further features
characteristic of the brand, helping to make every MINI a most appealing
car. Proceeding from these joint qualities, both the MINI and the MINI
Clubman as well as the new MINI Convertible offer their own, unique
character. And now the MINI Crossover Concept opens up new potentials
for a further interpretation of that typical MINI style. Presented at
Auto Shanghai 2009, this concept study of a four-door MINI with a
brand-new interpretation of design, all-wheel-drive and an innovative
interior concept, clearly bears out not only the potential to expand
the MINI model family, but also the innovative power of MINI's
designers. The innovations presented by the MINI Crossover Concept
serve to add another new dimension to that characteristic MINI feeling.
For the first time the body length of a MINI exceeds the conventional
limit of four metres. And with four drive wheels, the MINI Crossover
Concept is perfectly suited for giving the MINI an even broader range
of applications, reaching new targets and target groups.Inside, this
four-door, four-seater concept study combines enhanced versatility and
innovative function in a symbiosis never seen before. Between the seats
a universal, multi-functional connecting bar, the MINI Center Rail,
extending down the centre console all the way from the dashboard to the
rear end of the interior, provides not only unconventional storage
space, but also a direct link between the front seats and the rear half
of the passenger compartment. Yet another highlight within the
interior is the innovative central instrument in its three-dimensional
design, the MINI Center Globe. This combined control and display unit
featured worldwide for the first time in a car in its globe-like shape
sets new standards for the integrated management of entertainment,
communication, navigation and vehicle functions. Striking out for
zero-emission mobility: the MINI E. Yet another revolutionary highlight
at Auto Shanghai 2009 ensures the driving excitement so typical of MINI
also in everyday motoring: Immediately after the launch of a very
special pilot project in the USA and soon in Germany, the trendsetting
MINI E is now being presented to the Chinese public. Within the engine
compartment the electric drive motor develops maximum output of 150
kW/204 hp, drawing its energy from a lithium-ion battery fitted at the
rear of this two-seater and allowing a range of more than 240
kilometres or 150 miles. The energy storage battery may be re-charged
on every power socket, with users in the USA also having a special
wallbox to quickly refresh the battery's power reserves. In the German
capital of Berlin suitable infrastructure for the car with publicly
accessible charge columns is currently being established. The MINI E
combines emission-free motoring with agility typical of the brand.
Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 8.5 seconds, top speed is limited
electronically to 152 km/h or 95 mph. Use of the MINI E in everyday
traffic under realistic conditions provides practical experience over a
representative cross-section of all types of drivers. This clearly
gives the BMW Group valuable knowledge for the process of developing
production cars running entirely on electric power. Fifty years of
MINI, fifty years of driving excitement and individual style. The year
2009 offers MINI not only magnificent perspectives for the ongoing
growth of the brand, but also ample reason to look back at the Company's
own fascinating history: The classic Mini was "born" fifty
years ago - a car which, through its innovative qualities, was destined
to hit the headlines and lead the development of the automobile for
decades all over the world, both on the road and in motorsport. The
idea of the Mini's creator, automotive engineer Alec Issigonis, to build
an economical and comfortable small car making optimum use of the space
available and boasting clear, unmistakable body design, quickly became
a unique concept for success as popular and appealing today as ever
before. To this date the MINI remains a class-less automobile as
conceived by its creator. And ever since the brand was re-launched in
2001, MINI has again offered the most up-to-date qualities and unique
flair appealing to all kinds of target groups and enthusiasts. The MINI
thrills connoisseurs everywhere through its agile handling and sporting
performance combined with premium quality, safety, function, and
outstanding economy. MINI fans from all over the world will be
celebrating this anniversary in the home country of the brand, the
international MINI Community meeting in Great Britain from 22 - 24 May
2009. The legendary Formula 1 Race Track in Silverstone will be the
venue of the MINI United Festival 2009, the unprecedented MINI fan
event marking the 50th birthday of the brand. 2. At a Glance. •
Chinese motor show debut: the new MINI Convertible. The characteristic
qualities of a MINI and the unique excitement of driving an open car -
the new MINI Convertible offers the best of both worlds. More than ever
before, this supreme four-seater literally begs the enthusiast to open
up the soft roof and enjoy the sun shining and the wind rushing by
while driving. The new MINI Convertible combines superior handling so
typical of the brand, powerful and efficient engines with numerous
features and highlights in equipment giving the car remarkable function
in everyday traffic. Marking the launch of the Convertible in China,
the two models now entering the market are the MINI Cooper S
Convertible (128 kW/175 hp) and the MINI Cooper Convertible (88 kW/120
hp). • Looking into the future: the MINI Crossover Concept. The
future of the MINI brand offers new potentials and an even wider range
of versatility: The MINI Crossover Concept to be admired at Auto
Shanghai 2009 for the first time in Asia demonstrates the potentials of
the brand in terms of ongoing development and at the same time confirms
the many ideas of MINI's designers and engineers. This is the first
MINI measuring more than four metres in length, the first MINI with
four drive wheels, four doors and four single seats. And the innovative
interior philosophy of the MINI Crossover Concept also includes, to
mention just one highlight, a multi-functional bar and transport rail,
the MINI Center Rail extending all the way from the instrument panel to
the rear half of the passenger compartment. • Milestone: the MINI
E. Supreme driving excitement, zero emissions: Introducing the MINI E,
the BMW Group is setting a further milestone on the way to free
mobility independent of fossil fuels. The new chapter in this story of
development is beginning in the USA and Germany, where more than 500
units of the all-electric MINI will be handed over to selected
customers in California, New York, and New Jersey as well as in Berlin
and Munich. Immediately after the start of this pilot project, the MINI
E is now being presented to the public at Auto Shanghai 2009, the
zero-emission version of this small premium car being powered by a 150
kW/204 hp electric motor. Energy is supplied by a newly developed
lithium-ion battery, a combination giving the MINI E a range of more
than 240 kilometres or 150 miles. • Anniversary: fifty years of
MINI. Introducing an economical but comfortable, spacious and
unique-looking small car in Great Britain in 1959, Mini set the
foundation for a story of success remaining unique in the world of
motoring to this day. Indeed, the classic Mini from the start offered
qualities still equally significant in our modern world. And ever since
the brand was re-launched in 2001, it has been re-interpreted,
carefully enhanced and upgraded by modern values in the most appropriate
manner. Today MINI is a global phenomenon, with the birthday of the
brand being celebrated by a special meeting of the worldwide community
at the MINI United Festival 2009 on the legendary Silverstone race
track in England. 3. Consistently Open: The New MINI Convertible.
The driving excitement and individual style so typical of the MINI are
now being combined once again with all the flair and refreshment of
driving in the open air, the new MINI Convertible offering this unique
rendition of motoring freedom in particularly intense style. With its
design improved in an evolutionary process and an even wider range of
practical functions, with the most advanced and sophisticated suspension
technology, even more powerful and, at the same time, economic engines,
and with optimised safety technology, the new version of the open-air
four-seater MINI consistently raises its strengths and qualities to an
even higher level. At the same time new and highly attractive colour
variants as well as equipment features add an additional touch of style
and class. And last but certainly not least, supreme quality of
materials and finish enhances the unique position of the MINI
Convertible as the only open premium car in its segment. The occupants
are safely protected from wind and weather also in the new MINI
Convertible by the high-quality soft top with its integrated sliding
roof function. Even while driving at a speed of up to 30 km/h or 20
mph, the soft top folds back fully automatically in a smooth,
uninterrupted process within just 15 seconds, giving the new MINI
Convertible its true purpose and quality: This is a car simply begging
for driving in the open air at any time of the year, symbolising this
challenge to the driver through the optionally available, absolutely
unique Always-Open Timer next to the rev counter. This unprecedented
instrument shows the driver and passengers the time they have spent
driving with the roof down - motivating the driver to really enjoy the
thrill of open-air motoring as frequently as possible. The new MINI
Convertible offers outstanding everyday driving qualities through the
Easy-Load Function, the rear-seat backrest folding down individually on
either side, the split rear-seat backrest, as well as the unusually
large through-loading between the luggage and passenger compartment,
increasing luggage capacity to an astounding 660 litres or 23.10 cu ft.
This variability quite unique in the convertible segment is made
possible by the innovative design and construction of the rollbar: The
new MINI Convertible comes with a single-piece rollbar behind the rear
seats extending across the complete interior width of the car, not
obstructing the driver's line of visibility in any way when looking to
the rear, and moving up automatically only in the event of an imminent
rollover. The new MINI Convertible is entering the market in two
engine variants. The MINI Cooper Convertible offers sporting qualities
right from the start with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit
featuring fully variable valve management for maximum output of 88
kW/120 hp at 6,000 rpm. The MINI Cooper S Convertible is even more
dynamic and performance-oriented, its 1.6-litre four-cylinder with a
twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection delivering 128
kW/175 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm and thus providing a
particularly refreshing feeling of the wind rushing by. At the same
time both engine variants come as standard with the latest technologies
significantly reducing both fuel consumption and emissions versus the
former models. The new MINI Convertible owes its fascinating handling
to suspension technology significantly enhanced and upgraded over the
former model. Indeed, thanks to sophisticated wheel suspension,
extremely precise electromechanical power steering, the powerful brake
system and DSC Dynamic Stability Control featured as standard, the
open-air MINI combines supreme agility with equally exemplary safety
all round. Design: MINI all the way, open-air motoring without
compromises, and unique proportions. The design of the MINI
Convertible is the result of an evolutionary development process.
Compared with the former model, the new MINI Convertible is clearly
more muscular and more mature at very first sight, the beautifully
chiselled body surfaces giving the new MINI Convertible an even more
powerful and dynamic look. The stretched side view exudes an even
greater sense of sporting performance, the rollbar almost entirely
concealed from sight boasting a silhouette clearly inspired by the
classic roadster with the roof down. A chrome bar extending round the
entire body horizontally at shoulder level connects the body of the car
as such with the roof and windows. The windscreen standing upright
underlines the character of this uncompromising open-air performer not
only through its looks, with the driver and front passenger quite
literally sitting in the open air whenever the roof is down. The
open-air version of the brand is unmistakably a MINI at very first
sight. The proportions of the car with short overhangs front and rear,
larger wheel cut-outs, the height of the waistline and numerous design
features again characteristic of the brand clearly reveal that this is
a genuine MINI in every respect. The entire front view is likewise
MINI all the way, including the specific features distinguishing the
MINI Cooper S Convertible from the MINI Cooper Convertible. Both models
come with the hexagon radiator grille and large round headlights with
integrated direction indicators in typical MINI style, forming one
complete, self-contained element. The MINI Cooper S Convertible is
nevertheless clearly recognisable by its Powerdome rising up 20
millimetres or almost 0.8", the stylised opening on the engine
compartment lid, and the hexagonal grid pattern on the radiator grille
as well as the extra-large lower air intake scoop. On the MINI Cooper
Convertible the radiator grille boasts a chrome frame and three
horizontal, chrome-plated bars. The edges on the lower air intake scoop
flow slightly upwards in particular attractive style. Like the
front-end design, the rear view of the new MINI Convertible offers a
clear enhancement of the car's visual presence. The entire rear section
is characterised by horizontal lines running parallel to one another,
creating the softly flowing "steps" also to be admired on the
MINI Hatch in emphasising the width of the car. The rear lid of the
new MINI Convertible opening up to the bottom comes with hinges mounted
on the inside, giving the entire rear section a smooth and homogeneous
surface again emphasising the powerful look of the rear end. Standing
upright in position, the rear lights are somewhat larger than on the
former model. Again as on the MINI Hatch, they are surrounded by chrome
frames separated from the lights themselves and therefore emanating a
particular touch of class and style. Optimised all-round visibility
ensured by even larger side windows and the retractable rollbar. The
soft roof of the new MINI Convertible stands out in particular through
its unique design and very practical functionality. With the roof
closed the MINI Convertible comes with the proportions typical of the
car, the sporting look being additionally emphasised by the low
roofline. The high-quality, absolutely wind-tight and very
hard-wearing textile material rests firmly on the roof bars made of
steel and aluminium, thus avoiding virtually any change in shape or
bulging effect even at high speeds. All-round visibility with the roof
closed further improved over the former model results, first, from the
slightly larger side windows and, second, from the newly conceived,
retractable rollbar. This single-piece rollbar moving up and down as
required runs across the entire width of the car just below the rear
headrests, thus offering the driver unrestricted visibility without any
obstruction to the rear. Soft roof with sliding roof function - also
for convenient use while driving. The soft roof opens and closes
completely within just 15 seconds, naturally with fully automatic,
electrohydraulic control. After the roof has opened, it folds down
snugly into the rear end of the car. And since the outer skin of the
open roof faces upwards, there is no need for a tonneau cover providing
particular protection. The opening and closing mechanism is activated
by a toggle switch on the front roof frame in typical MINI design. In
order to ensure the spontaneous pleasure of open-air motoring or
respond quickly to a sudden downpour, the opening and closing process
may be initiated at road speeds of up to 30 km/h or 20 mph. A further
point is that the driver is able to open the soft top before setting
out by means of the remote control integrated in the ignition key. The
window bars and side windows on the MINI Convertible are retracted
electrically as soon as the soft roof starts to move back, again in a
fully automated process. The closing process then takes place in
exactly the opposite order. Both processes - opening and closing - are
performed in a continuous flow, as long as the driver keeps the switch
on the roof frame pressed down. The unique folding roof function on
the new MINI Convertible is activated completely by electric power. In
this case the front section of the soft top moves back by up to 40
centimetres or approximately 16 inches, again by pressing the switch on
the front roof frame. A further benefit is that the driver and
occupants are able to enjoy this particular excitement of driving with
a sliding roof at speeds of up to 120 km/h or 75 mph. Guarantee for
unique driving excitement: the latest generation of four-cylinder power
units. Muscular, fast-revving and extremely efficient - these are the
fortes of the two four-cylinder petrol engines available in the new MINI
Convertible upon its entry into the market. Indeed, thanks to these
engines the generation change on the open-air MINI comes with an
enormous increase in driving excitement and, at the same time,
significant progress in all-round economy. Both power units are made
of light alloy and come with a displacement of 1,598 cc, featuring
exactly the same distance between cylinders, as well as the same bore
and stroke. At the same time they naturally benefit from all the
know-how of the BMW Group in engine development and high-tech carried
over from motorsport. The four-cylinder light-alloy power units are
built at the BMW Group's Hams Hall Engine Plant in Great Britain.
Compared with the former model, both engines are fitted in the engine
bay of the MINI Convertible at an angle of 180°, with the exhaust
side now facing to the front. MINI Cooper S Convertible: superior
power and performance thanks to twin-scroll turbocharger and direct
gasoline injection. The new MINI Cooper S Convertible offers a more
intense and thrilling experience of performance than ever before. As
the more powerful of the two new models, the MINI Cooper S Convertible
comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder delivering no less than 128 kW/175
hp at 5,500 rpm with the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct
gasoline injection. In the range between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, this
unique power unit develops maximum torque of no less than 240
Newton-metres or 177 lb-ft, further increased briefly by the Overboost
function to 260 Newton-metres or 192 lb-ft whenever necessary. The
twin-scroll turbocharger is particularly effective in boosting power
and performance on the MINI Cooper S Convertible. The ducts of two
cylinders at a time are separated from one another in the exhaust
manifold and turbocharger, serving to reduce exhaust gas
counterpressure at low engine speeds in order to capitalise on the
dynamic effect of the pulsating gas columns in the manifold. This effect
enhances turbocharger response and ensures a particularly spontaneous
build-up of engine power. As a result, the MINI Cooper S Convertible
is virtually free of the "turbo gap" when accelerating so
typical of a conventional turbocharged engine. Acceleration to 100 km/h
comes in just 7.7, engine flexibility and response is truly impressive
also at high speeds, and the top speed of the car is an equally
outstanding 217 km/h or 135 mph. The turbocharged four-cylinder
featured in the MINI Cooper S Convertible benefits from the extra power
of direct fuel injection applying the common-rail principle. The
stainless-steel common rail linking all cylinders is filled with fuel
by a high-pressure pump at the rear end of the intake camshaft.
Injection valves positioned at the side of the cylinder head then
deliver fuel within fractions of a second and in exact dosage from the
common rail directly to the combustion chamber. With this combination
of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, the new MINI
Cooper S Convertible offers remarkable performance in several respects:
Specific output of the engine is approximately 110 hp per litre and
fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.9 litres/100 kilometres, with
a CO2 rating of 189 grams per kilometre. MINI Cooper Convertible:
fully variable valve management for fresh performance. Likewise
displacing 1.6 litres, the normal-aspiration power unit in the new MINI
Cooper Convertible combines fresh and sporting performance with truly
outstanding economy all in one. In this case maximum output of 88 kW/120
hp comes at 6,000 rpm, torque peaking at 160 Newton-metres or 118 lb-ft
at 4,250 rpm. The innovative technical features of this four-cylinder
include fully variable valve management developed on the basis of the
BMW Group's unique VALVETRONIC technology. The particular forte of this
valve control concept is that intake valve lift and the valve opening
period are adjusted to the driver's respective power and performance
requirements within fractions of a second. A further point is that
valve timing is varied on both the intake and exhaust side as a
function of engine speed. Interacting with one another, variable valve
management and engine speed-related camshaft control serve to optimise
both the torque curve and power output. Hence, the engine of the MINI
Cooper Convertible delivers superior torque right from the start at low
speeds, then developing significantly more power than a conventional
engine at high revs. A further advantage offered by both technologies
is the significant reduction of fuel consumption: While the new MINI
Cooper Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds and reaches
a top speed of 191 km/h or 118 , fuel consumption in the EU test cycle
is a mere 6.9 litres/100 kilometres and the engine's CO2 rating is just
165 grams per kilometre. Both engines featured in the new MINI
Convertible are fitted crosswise at the front and convey their superior
power to the front wheels. Composite - instead of cast - camshafts and
the crankshaft optimised for weight are part of the lightweight concept
boasted by these all-aluminium power units, significant innovations
optimising the efficiency of the car and increasing driving excitement
at the same time. Six-speed automatic gearbox featured as standard.
Both the MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible come
as standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The use of six gears in
this case naturally enhances the agile and sporting character of the
new MINI Convertible. The automatic transmission featuring electronic
management to shift gears with minimum interruption of power likewise
allows sporting and dynamic driving manoeuvres, combining spontaneous
and precise reactions in the automatic mode with supreme gearshift
comfort. The driver is able to shift gears individually in the manual
mode by means of paddles on the steering wheel, as in a Formula 1
racing car. The new MINI Convertible offers even more dynamic
performance with the help of the optionally available Sports Button.
Positioned in front of the gearshift or, respectively, gear selector
lever on the centre console, the Sports Button serves to mastermind
engine management, the steering and, where appropriate, the automatic
transmission. Activating the sports mode at the touch of a button, the
driver adjusts the gas pedal control map for a far higher standard of
agility and even more direct steering response. And on cars featuring
automatic transmission, finally, electronic management again helps to
make the gearshift even faster. Suspension technology on the new MINI
Convertible: go-kart feeling of the highest standard. The unique
position of the new MINI Convertible in its segment results to a large
extent from the car's exceptional driving characterist