PressClub Canada · Article.
Always Open: Unmistakable driving fun in the new MINI Cooper Convertible.
09.10.2024 Press Release
The new generation of the MINI Cooper Convertible rounds off the current MINI family with a model that is full of unique features. MINI presents the new convertible model that perfectly embodies the brand's openness. "Always Open" - this traditional claim of the MINI Convertible aptly describes the model’s philosophy.
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Marc Belcourt
BMW Group
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Author.
Julian Kisch
BMW Group
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This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW Group headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made for the Canadian market.
Munich. The new generation of the MINI Cooper
Convertible rounds off the current MINI family with a model that is
full of unique features. MINI presents the new convertible model that
perfectly embodies the brand's openness. "Always Open" -
this traditional claim of the MINI Convertible aptly describes the
model’s philosophy. The folding roof opens fully automatically in just
18 seconds, allowing the driver to enjoy the breeze and sunshine at
all times. Whether in the city, on country roads or on the highway,
the MINI Convertible offers pure freedom and unmistakable driving pleasure.
The open-top four-seater combines space-saving proportions with
fascinating open-air driving fun. With the MINI Cooper Convertible,
one of the most emotional models in the new MINI family returns to the
MINI plant in Oxford - the home of the British premium brand.
"We are very proud to offer our customers a true
convertible in the current MINI family. Our new MINI Cooper
Convertible offers unmistakable, hallmark driving fun, coupled with
boundless freedom and great emotions: Always Open. Iconic design
combined with modern technology and connectivity make this vehicle an
unrivalled experience for our customers," says Stefan Richmann,
Head of the MINI brand.
For an extra dose of sunshine, the fully automatic soft top can
be opened in two ways: either like a sunroof or fully retracted. This
is still unique in the premium small car segment. The soft top
disappears behind the rear seats to save space and can also be
conveniently stowed in the luggage compartment when folded down.
In the new MINI Cooper Convertible, open-air fans can enjoy
every moment, even with the soft top folded back. MINI is using the
Always Open Timer again for exactly this purpose. On the OLED display
of the central instrument, this shows the open travel time traveled by
the minute and thus offers fresh air fans a dose of playful ease.
Three efficient four-cylinder petrol engines deliver the brand's
signature go-kart feel with an impressive engine sound. Like the new
MINI Cooper, the convertible is available in C and S versions as well
as in performance-oriented version.
The design emphasises the character of the new MINI Cooper
Convertible with clean surfaces and accentuated details. Round LED
headlights and a redesigned front grille emphasise the model's
charismatic appearance with classic design features in a modern
interpretation. A variety of exterior and interior paint finishes and
fresh accents lend the new Convertible the brand's signature design
highlights. Three vehicle trims offer additional options for
customising the MINI Cooper Convertible.
The fully automatic soft top can be activated at the touch of a
button and can also be fully retracted at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
When the roof is closed, the sunroof function can be used at any time
with an opening length of up to 40 centimetres. A wind deflector
between the cockpit and the rear optimises airflow for a carefree
open-air feeling at all four seats. Innovative driver assistance
systems make driving the MINI Cooper Convertible even safer and more
comfortable. A significant increase in digital technologies creates
new possibilities for personalising the interior and simplifies the
use of smartphones and apps.
The exterior. Charismatic convertible with purist design.
Compact proportions, short overhangs and now bigger 620 mm
diameter wheels give the MINI Cooper Convertible plenty of agility and
manoeuvrability for maximum driving fun. With its focused expression,
the front end signals openness and shapes the charismatic character of
the new MINI Cooper Convertible with high recognition value. Newly
designed exterior details enhance the striking appearance of the
model, which is unique in the premium small car segment.
The shoulder line continues into the lower part of the black
soft top. This separates the surrounding window area from the cleanly
designed body. This three-part exterior is typical of the brand. It
makes the MINI Cooper Convertible an unmistakable original. The woven
fabric soft top is available in black and optional with a grey Union
Jack, a nod to the brand's British origins.
Hallmark design with expressive highlights.
The
front end of the MINI Cooper Convertible shows the typical face of the
brand with its iconic round headlights and the newly designed front
grille. The octagonal-shaped surround encompasses the wide air inlets
in either Vibrant Silver or high-gloss Jet Black.
Standard LED headlights with light signatures are
available in three versions to emphasise the car's character. A
specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation with MINI logo
projections on the floor of the driver's and passenger's side enhances
the emotional connection to the MINI Cooper Convertible even before
you get in.
From the side, the clean lines of the sporty body are
characterised by the striking contrast between the short overhangs and
the long wheelbase. The reduced design of the body emphasises the
elegant impression of the vehicle's silhouette and gives the MINI
Cooper Convertible a generous appearance despite its small exterior
dimensions of 3,879 mm in length, 1,431 mm in height and 1,744 mm in
width. To match the unmistakable driving fun, the new MINI Convertible
is available with aerodynamically optimised wheel designs in sizes
ranging from 16 to 18 inches, depending on the model variant.
The rear view is characterised by the flush design of the
vertically aligned LED rear lights. The rear section is divided by a
black handle strip with striking model badge, whose horizontal
alignment emphasises the MINI Cooper Convertible's wide stance.
Fully automatic fabric soft top for safe driving fun.
The high-quality soft top protects the occupants in all
weathers. Thanks to its electric and extremely quiet drive, the
folding roof can be fully opened in 18 seconds, even at speeds of up
to 30 km/h. At the same time, the window bars and side windows are
lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings.
The soft top closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button. For fresh
air at all times, the sunroof can be opened to a length of 40
centimetres, regardless of speed.
Concealed behind the headrests at the rear of the MINI Cooper
Convertible, the integrated rollover protection system is activated
automatically as soon as the central safety electronics detect a risk
of rollover.
When the soft top is open, the MINI Cooper Convertible has a
luggage compartment volume of 160 litres thanks to a particularly
space-saving folding system for the soft top, when the soft top is
closed, this expands to 215 liters. To maximise the loading height of
the luggage compartment, the storage area behind the rear seats can be
raised using two locking handles. The tailgate opens downwards to
facilitate loading, demonstrating once again the versatility of the
MINI Cooper Convertible. The wind deflector behind the driver and
passenger seats can be easily locked in place. It reduces wind noise
and unwanted air turbulence when driving with the roof open.
A dozen body finishes and three individual trims.
Twelve paint finishes are available for the new MINI Cooper
Convertible, including the exclusive and elegant Copper Grey. Optional
mirror caps in Jet Black and Glazed White make a strong statement.
Three different trims further enhance the Convertible's sporty-elegant
individuality. The Classic Trim features a black-trimmed front grille
for maximum clarity. The Favoured Trim front grille version is in
Vibrant Silver grille with a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.
The JCW Trim gives the MINI Cooper Convertible an extremely
sporty appearance. This equipment variant inspired by motorsports has
its very own distinctive front and rear design. The front grille
surround and JCW logo are finished in high-gloss black. The rear
section is muscular in shape and the all-round trim is finished in
high-gloss black.
The interior. Minimalist, open feel that makes you feel at
home.
The interior design of the new MINI Cooper
Convertible focuses on minimalist details and textile surfaces. This
is part of the new "Charismatic Simplicity" design language
of the entire MINI family with fewer components, clever design and
high-quality workmanship. Three key elements structure the cockpit: A
sporty steering wheel, the central OLED display and the classic, newly
designed toggle switch bar.
Directly behind the steering wheel, the Head-up Display projects
all relevant information into the driver's field of vision. This means
that the dashboard on the driver's side does not require an additional
instrument panel and, in keeping with the open-top driving fun, allows
a clear view to the front. The textile surfaces in the cockpit are
based on a newly developed knitted material and create a pleasant
atmosphere. The two-tone fabric is made from recycled polyester and
has an easy-care texture.
Comfortable seats for the driver and front passenger add to the
modern, airy feel of the well-designed cockpit. There is a choice of
grey or black seats in a combination of artificial leather and textile
silhouette in blue. The JCW sport seats are available in beige and
Nightshade Blue synthetic leather with contrasting stitching. In the
JCW Trim, the sport seats are upholstered in black leather with
multicoloured knitted fabric on the shoulders and red stitching.
High-resolution OLED display with touch function.
The new central instrument in the cockpit of the MINI Cooper
Convertible combines innovative technologies in an extremely flat
design. The high-quality 240 mm diameter glass surface allows the
driver and front passenger to operate all vehicle functions
conveniently by touch or voice. The innovative MINI Operating System 9
simplifies connectivity and brings apps and digital content from the
smartphone to the display. This turns the MINI Interaction Unit into
both a comfort and experience centre.
Thanks to advanced OLED technology, the contents of the display
are high-contrast and easy to see, even with the soft top open and in
bright sunlight. Speed is displayed at the top of the screen, and
tapping on the speed display opens a large full-screen speedometer
that focuses on the driving experience. The other widgets are shown in
thumbnail view in the Home menu, to the left and right of the current
menu function. These can be moved to the centre and selected by means
of a horizontal swiping movement. In the lower area of the OLED
display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Telephone and Climate can
be selected directly at any time.
MINI Experience Modes create immersive driving
experiences.
Seven MINI Experience Modes can be selected
to change the interior ambience and highlight different aspects of the
MINI Cooper Convertible - even with the top down. The design of the
OLED display changes depending on the selected setting and focusses on
specially designed driving experiences. In Go-Kart Mode there is a
highly dynamic focus on MINI’s racing DNA, for example. The display as
well as the dashboard and the interior door panels are then dominated
by the colours anthracite and red, while specific analogue displays
for driving dynamics complement this John Cooper Works-inspired MINI
Experience Mode.
To achieve this, two projector units behind the round instrument
panel beam special illuminated graphics with different patterns and
colours onto the dashboard when the top is closed. Changes are made to
the colour scheme of the light patterns and to the ambient lighting in
the entire interior depending on the Experience Mode selected.
Personal Mode offers innovative options for a particularly
personalised cockpit design. In this mode, a personal photo can be
uploaded via the MINI app and chosen as the display background. A
digital colour picker then identifies the dominant colours of the
photo for projection onto the textile dashboard surfaces. The ambient
lighting under the dashboard and in the door mirror is also
colour-coded to match these projections.
Modern classic: Newly designed toggle switch
bar.
The toggle switch bar in the centre of the cockpit
is a classic and typical MINI feature. It emphasises the emotional
bond between driver and car through its characteristic feel. In the
modern cockpit of the MINI Cooper Convertible, this authentic feature
brings the brand's history into the present with a new design. Five
individually designed toggle switches provide direct access to the
MINI Cooper Convertible's most important driving functions (parking
brake, gear selector, start/stop button, Experience Mode toggle,
volume control). This eliminates the need for an additional gear
selector and provides additional stowage space in the centre console.
In addition to the cup holders, smartphones can be easily stored on a
separate shelf while being charged via wireless charging.
Individual trims for the interior.
Three
interior trim options are available for the MINI Cooper Convertible.
Each conveys the contemporary feel-good concept of the interior of the
vehicle in a different way.
In the Classic Trim, the three-spoke steering wheel has a
leather-look textile band with coloured accent stitching. In addition,
a black and blue knitted surface on the instrument panel and doors
provides a rich contrast to the seats, which are available in premium
fabric or Vescin synthetic leather.
In the Favoured Trim, the interior has a strikingly expressive
design. The instrument panel is upholstered in grey-beige houndstooth
fabric. The knitted surface in the door panels continues the friendly
interior design. JCW sport seats with additional side noticeably
enhance comfort. These are made of perforated synthetic leather with
classic accent stitching and an embroidered MINI logo in two colours.
The MINI Cooper Convertible's interior is showcased in maximum
sporting style with the JCW Trim. Combined with multi-coloured knitted
fabric and black synthetic leather with red stitching, the colour
scheme echoes that of the dashboard and door trims. The JCW sport
steering wheel replaces the six o'clock spoke with a black leather
band with red stitching to match the trim-specific colour scheme.
The drive.
Three efficient four-cylinder petrol
engines.
There is a choice of three advanced two-litre
petrol engines for the new MINI Cooper Convertible. All have four
cylinders and accelerate the fun of open-air excursions. The
entry-level model is the MINI Cooper C Convertible (combined fuel
consumption: The performance-enhanced fuel consumption combined: 6.6 -
6.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 149 - 147 g/km according to
WLTP; CO2 class: E) with a power output of 120 kW/163 hp and a maximum
torque of 250 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The top speed is 220 km/h.
The performance-enhanced MINI Cooper S Convertible (fuel
consumption combined: 6.6 - 6.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 150
- 148 g/km according to WLTP; CO2 class: E) has a power output of 150
kW/204 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds with a
maximum torque of 300 Nm. It has a top speed of 237 km/h.
In addition to these two variants, the performance-oriented JCW model
focuses on sportiness and maximum driving pleasure.
Open-air rides with outstanding driving
dynamics.
The MINI Cooper Convertible is equipped with a
suspension and damping system tuned for agile handling. The MINI
typical precise steering also makes the open-top model an attractive
cornering artist. It also ensures a high level of safety and comfort.
Highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts on the axles support the
steering precision. This gives the convertible a well-balanced ride
when cornering. Selective tuning of the steering and all stability
control systems also ensure a safe and exceptional driving experience
in all driving situations.
Digital services. The new MINI Intelligent Personal
Assistant.
A spoken "Hey MINI!" activates the
first fully-fledged voice assistant of the brand in the MINI Cooper
Convertible. Alternatively, the push-to-talk steering wheel button is
also available for this purpose. Communication with the virtual travel
partner – either a stylised MINI or the character “Spike” – is
particularly fluent and intuitive thanks to improved speech
recognition. Voice-controlled interaction is supported by animated
graphic elements, typography and the avatar on the OLED display.
Navigation, telephony, entertainment and numerous vehicle functions
can be controlled simply and conveniently by speaking the relevant command.
The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant learns continuously
through dialogue and is able to take on day-to-day tasks on repeated
routes. For example, the system uses geospatial data to identify the
entrance to the car park and can automatically open the window at the
right time. This means that individual routines can be handled more conveniently.
Progressive assistance systems increase
safety.
The optional Driving Assistant Plus Package
provides the MINI Cooper Convertible with an additional Steering and
Lane Assistant for lateral guidance. Adaptable and cooperative
steering helps the driver stay on track. The increased comfort
provided by the system relieves the driver of monotonous and less
demanding aspects of driving. The clear, uncluttered design of the
displays and controls and the easy to understand functions contribute
to high system reliability.
Thanks to twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View
cameras, the Parking Assistant Professional in the MINI Cooper
Convertible can detect free parking spaces and initiate parking
manoeuvres automatically where space is limited. The Panorama View
allows for better visibility of the surrounding area when the view is
obscured by other vehicles. For additional control over the MINI, the
Remote 3D View allows images to be transferred to a mobile device.
Easy-to-use connectivity and intuitive interaction.
The newly designed user interface in the OLED display
of the MINI Cooper Convertible combines functional and emotional
elements. Its minimalist design adapts the new graphics to the
circular shape of the MINI Interaction Unit, simplifying operation by
means of a clear structure. Static and dynamic elements combined with
micro-animations ensure that the interaction between the driver and
the central instrument is as harmonious and intuitive as possible. In
this way, the MINI Operating System 9 gives the MINI Cooper
Convertible a distinctly digital character.
In the centre of the screen is the start menu, where a
horizontal swiping motion is used to select and start personalised
content. At the bottom of the screen is the fixed status bar with the
menu items “Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephony”, “All Apps” and,
depending on the situation, “Home”, all of which can be selected
directly. A so-called toolbelt can be called up by swiping upwards
from the bottom edge of the screen. Favourite functions, e.g.
navigation destinations and radio stations, can be saved here and
accessed quickly at any time, just like on the smartphone. The
toolbelt can also be activated via the star button on the
multifunction steering wheel. The upper screen area is reserved for
driving-related content such as speed and important vehicle status
information. The optional Head-up Display presents the most important
information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Depending on the Experience Mode, a single tap on the speed
display transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a typical
MINI speedometer. The temperature is shown permanently for the driver
and front passenger at the left and right-hand edge of the screen. The
climate settings are always integrated at the top level of the MINI
Interaction Unit and are operated by either touch or voice.
MINI Connected upgrades allow additional driving functions to be
activated flexibly at any time, including an optional augmented
reality function that is able to visualise complicated turning
situations realistically and in three-dimensional display, for
example. In conjunction with the optionally available MINI Connected
Package, the digital MINI Connected Store provides access to a
constantly evolving variety of practical and entertaining apps,
including in the areas of gaming, music and video streaming.
In case of queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson, Product Communications
MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com
Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone:
+49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de
This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW Group headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made for the Canadian market.
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Always Open: Unmistakable driving fun in the new MINI Cooper Convertible. PDF, EN, 158.52 KB
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Always Open: Unverwechselbarer Fahrspaß im neuen MINI Cooper Cabrio. PDF, DE, 204.33 KB