The new MINI: Asian premiere at Auto China 2006. A change of generation and a vision for the future: the new version of the premium small car is to be presented in Peking along with the study MINI Concept.

Munich/Peking. The first appearance of the new MINI in the Middle Kingdom: at the international automobile trade fair Auto China 2006 in Peking, the new version of the sporty two-door car will celebrate its Asian premiere. Trade fair visitors in the Chinese capital will see the new generation of the successful premium small car in its sporty form - the MINI Cooper. The second eye-catcher at the MINI stand will be the spectacular study MINI Concept. The Auto China 2006 trade fair will take place from November 18th - 27th at the 120,000 square metre exhibition area in Peking. It is regarded as the leading trade fair of the Chinese automobile industry and the most important presentation stage for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world. With the Peking premiere, the new MINI builds on the success story of its predecessor. With over 850,000 sold, MINI is the best-selling small car in the premium segment: the new version retains the car's fascinating and characteristic design though with added refinements, as well as offering new engines and even more agile handling. "From original to original" - this is the motto for the body design of the new MINI. For example, an unmistakable new design style has been applied to the hexagon radiator grille - which highlights the friendly expression of the two-door car - the large circular headlamps now with integrated direction indicators, and the upright rear light clusters. Inside the vehicle, the cockpit has been newly structured and the instruments set inside circular shapes. The central element is the Center Speedo which now comprises a significantly expanded range of functions. The fascinating equipment details include the optionally available ambient illumination which can be freely adjusted at continuously variable levels between warm orange and sporty blue. Unique dynamic performance and lots of driving - these are the trademarks of the new MINI. Thanks to a completely newly developed 4-cylinder engine with 88 kW/120 bhp, the MINI Cooper manages to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, achieving a maximum speed of 203 km/h. On the Chinese market, the MINI Cooper is provided as standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission, also enabling manual gearshifts by means of paddles at the steering wheel column - as in Formula 1 racing. In automatic mode, the shift between drive positions is swift and sporty. For even greater dynamic performance, the driver simply presses the sports button. This further shortens the electronically controlled shift times when changing gear. Another highlight at Auto Peking 2006 is the presentation of the study MINI Concept. This concept vehicle is reminiscent of the legendary MINI models of the sixties with extended wheelbase and split tailgate, at the same time providing a vision of a modern car for adventurous and extrovert motorists. The study MINI Concept offers unusual design details and combines the uniquely sporty MINI look with the functionality of maximum space contained within a compact area.

Munich/Peking. The first appearance of the new MINI in the Middle Kingdom: at
the international automobile trade fair Auto China 2006 in Peking, the new
version of the sporty two-door car will celebrate its Asian premiere. Trade
fair visitors in the Chinese capital will see the new generation of the
successful premium small car in its sporty form - the MINI Cooper. The second
eye-catcher at the MINI stand will be the spectacular study MINI Concept. The
Auto China 2006 trade fair will take place from November 18th - 27th at the
120,000 square metre exhibition area in Peking. It is regarded as the leading
trade fair of the Chinese automobile industry and the most important
presentation stage for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers from all over the
world.