The Object of Stormy Enthusiasm: the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.

A unique racing experience with 155 kW/211 hp now also in the new generation of
the open four-seater MINI - World debut at the International Geneva Motor Show
- Extension of the wide range of John Cooper Works accessories for the MINI
and the MINI Clubman.

The new MINI Convertible simply begs the enthusiast to drive with the roof down
- and now comes with particularly sporting and dynamic features all round. Just
a few weeks after the world debut of the open four-seater, the MINI John Cooper
Works Convertible is being presented to the public for the first time at the
International Motor Show in Geneva (5-15 March 2009).

This open-air version of MINI's top performer combines the drive technology of
a racing car with the beautiful aesthetic looks of the MINI Convertible,
providing a unique driving experience characterised, first, by genuine passion
for motorsport and, second, by the undiluted pleasure of enjoying the wonderful
sun shining in and the pure wind rushing by.

Stormy enthusiasm is evoked in the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible by a
1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit complete with a twin-scroll turbocharger and
direct fuel injection. Maximum output is 155 kW/211 hp all the way from
1,850-5,600 rpm, with peak torque of 260 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft increasing
briefly in the Overboost mode to 280 Newton-metres/206 lb-ft.
The power unit is based on the engine featured in the MINI John Cooper Works
CHALLENGE and raced for the first time in the 2008 MINI

CHALLENGE. It accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, this outstanding performance and the sporting
character of the car making the new model an exceptional contender in the MINI
Convertible segment.
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is the third model introduced by John
Cooper Works integrated under the overall roof of the MINI brand. Like the MINI
John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman launched at the Geneva
Motor Show in March 2008, this open-air top-flight performer represents the
close connection between the two brands based on a decade-old tradition in
motorsport and exerting a significant influence on the development of new
models and components.

The John Cooper Works models built together with all other MINIs to the
customer's specific order at the MINI Plant in Oxford and sold worldwide
through the MINI dealer network stand for the common values of driving
pleasure, premium quality and individual style of the highest calibre borne out
so convincingly by MINI.

The three outstanding performers proudly bearing the label of the John Cooper
Works offer all the high standards of the BMW Group in terms of reliability,
quality of finish, and authenticity in design. And obviously these quality
features also apply to the John Cooper Works performance components geared
perfectly to the MINI. Parallel to the launch of the MINI John Cooper Works
Convertible new accessories are now being presented by John Cooper Works,
available for both the MINI and the MINI Clubman. The wide range of
retrofittable options inspired directly from motorsport is therefore being
extended by exclusive additional instruments offering the driver even more
detailed information on the condition of the car and/or current driving
conditions. So depending on his preferences, the driver may focus in particular
on coolant temperature, the relative torque developed by the engine, and/or the
car's lateral acceleration in a bend or on a winding road.

Market introduction of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is starting in
March 2009 at a retail price in Germany of Euro 31, 350.-. At the same time the
MINI model range is being enlarged by two attractive entry-level versions, the
MINI One 55 kW and the MINI One Clubman also being presented to the public for
the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show combining the driving pleasure so
typical of MINI with impressive all-round economy. And starting in March 2009,
the new Earl Grey Equipment Package will also be available for a number of MINI
and MINI Clubman variants.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: more sport,
more fresh air.
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible owes its outstandingly sporting
character in particular to the power machine within the engine compartment.
Like the engine, numerous other components on the MINI John Cooper Works
Convertible are derived directly from motorsport - for example the extra-light,
exclusive light-alloy wheels, the extremely powerful brakes, a new exhaust
system, and the modified six-speed manual gearbox all developed in close
connection with the new racing car entered in the MINI CHALLENGE. So it is
fair to say that driving pleasure in the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is
influenced directly by significant contributions from motorsport.

Even in its basic design and configuration, the 1,598-cc four-cylinder based on
the power unit featured in the MINI Cooper S Convertible boasts significant
technical features carried over from racing. The cylinder block and bearing
case, for example, are made of aluminium, the four valves per cylinder are
driven by two overhead camshafts, roller-type drag arms optimised for minimum
friction, and hydraulic valve play compensation elements. The exhaust valves,
in turn, are filled with sodium to meet the greater cooling requirements of a
turbocharged power unit.

The increase in power over the engine featured in the MINI Cooper S Convertible
results in particular from the optimised supply and extraction of air as well
as the modified turbocharger. At the same time all intake and exhaust
components have been streamlined for optimum flow conditions likewise
contributing to the special sound of the engine.
Know-how gained from motorsport and detailed modifications for more power and
performance.
The flow of air through the pure air line leading to the turbocharger has also
been increased and streamlined, the twin-scroll turbocharger ensuring a
particularly spontaneous build-up of power at all times.

The ducts of two cylinders at a time are separated from one another in the
exhaust gas manifold and the turbocharger, ensuring that the turbine blades
start to move in exactly the right way from low engine speeds. A turbine made
of a particularly sophisticated material was developed especially for the
engine of the John Cooper Works models, with maximum charge pressure increased
from 0.9 to 1.3 bar.

This serves to provide maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres or 192 lb-ft all the
way from 1,850 to 5,600 rpm. And when accelerating torque is briefly raised to
an even higher level of 280 Newton-metres/206 lb-ft by increasing charge
pressure between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm, this Overboost function giving the MINI
John Cooper Works Convertible even more muscle and faster acceleration.

Maximum output of 155 kW/211 hp comes at 6,000 rpm, the spontaneous and direct
response of the engine again providing even faster acceleration: The MINI John
Cooper Works Convertible accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.9
seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h or 146 mph.

The turbocharged four-cylinder comes with direct gasoline injection based on
the common-rail principle, injection valves positioned on the side of the
cylinder head delivering fuel into the combustion chambers in an exact dose and
under 120 bar pressure directly from the fuel reservoir. This ensures precisely
the right supply of fuel geared to driving and load requirements under all
conditions.

Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is unusually low for a car with
this kind of power and performance, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
making do with just 7.1 litres/100 kilometres or 39.8 mpg imp, and restricting
CO2 emissions to 169 grams per kilometre.

Transmission, suspension, and brakes: developed for the race track, optimised
for everyday traffic.
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible comes with front-wheel drive in typical
MINI style. Power is transmitted by a six-speed manual gearbox specially
engineered to take up the particularly high torque of the new top-of-the-range
engine.

In addition to the sophisticated suspension with McPherson spring struts at the
front and the centrally guided rear axle quite unique in the small car segment,
EPS Electrical Power Steering is a further guarantee for safe and extremely
precise handling. The electrical servo motor likewise contributes to the car's
efficiency by intervening actively only when power assistance is actually
required or is desired by the driver.

EPS Electrical Power Steering enables the driver to program various set-ups,
the basic set-up ensuring a good balance of steering assistance as a function
of road speed. Then, pressing the Sports Button on the centre console next to
the gearshift lever in the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, the driver is
able to activate a significantly more dynamic set-up with higher steering
forces and enhanced steering precision. At the same time the Sports Button also
changes over the gas pedal control map to a more sporting and dynamic
configuration.
Featured as standard, the sports braking system guarantees short stopping
distances and excels through its precise response and fine dosage. The
fixed-calliper disc brakes with their aluminium callipers finished in red -
with inner-venting at the front and proudly bearing the John Cooper Works logo
on the callipers themselves - are extra-large for superior power.

The 17-inch light-alloy wheels in John Cooper Works Cross Spoke
CHALLENGE design exclusive to the John Cooper Works models were inspired by
motorsport with the particularly great demands made on the race track. Weighing
less than 10 kg or 22 lb, these wheels are exceptionally light and come on
high-speed 205/45 W 17 runflat tyres.

Featured as standard and unique on a front-wheel-drive car:
DSC including DTC.
Over and above its sport-tuned suspension and powerful brakes, the MINI John
Cooper Works Convertible also comes with demanding driving stability systems.
Standard features include ABS anti-lock-brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, and DSC Dynamic Stability Control
including Hill Start-Off Assistance, DTC Dynamic Traction Control and a Brake
Assistant.

Acting as a sub-function of DSC, DTC enables the driver at the touch of a
button to raise the driving stability responds thresholds, intentionally
allowing controlled slip on the drive wheels. This enables the driver in the
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible to set off in a controlled process on, say,
snowbound surfaces or loose sand with the front wheels slightly spinning, or to
drive more closely to the limits of physics in particularly dynamic situations.
Then, when reaching the absolute limit, DSC will cut in again also in the DTC
mode. If he wishes, however, the driver is able to completely deactivate the
DSC function.

The DSC-off mode also activates the Electronic Differential Lock Control on the
drive axle. Again featured as standard, this sophisticated system supports a
sporting and ambitious style of motoring, for example when accelerating out of
bends and hairpins. The electronically controlled locking function prevents a
drive wheel from spinning in tight bends by applying the brakes appropriately,
enhancing the car's traction without exerting a negative influence on steering
behaviour. Accordingly, the entire process of taking a bend is smoother, more
harmonious and faster all in one.

Design: uncompromisingly open, unmistakably athletic.
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible combines the outstanding potential of
its drivetrain and suspension technology with all the unmistakable features of
the new MINI Convertible, the design of the car clearly highlighting the
exceptionally sporting character of the new model.
With the rollbar being almost completely out of sight, the stretched side view
of the car with its silhouette inspired by the classic roadster comes out very
clearly with the roof down. The steep windscreen, in turn, not only underlines
the character of an uncompromisingly open car in its looks, but also offers the
driver and front passenger the enjoyment of almost sitting in the open air
whenever the roof is down.

Through its proportions, short overhangs front and rear, large wheel cutouts,
the height of the waistline and numerous design features typical of the brand,
the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible clearly boasts its outstanding role as a
fully-fledged member of the family.
The entire front end is the same as on the MINI John Cooper Works, the rear is
subdivided by horizontal lines running parallel to one another. This creates
the softly flowing stage contours so typical of the brand, emphasising the
sheer width of the car.

Opening downward, the tailgate of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
rests on hinges fitted inside the car. The result is a smooth and homogeneous
surface again enhancing the powerful and muscular look of the rear section.

Soft roof with a sliding roof function also operating while driving.
The soft roof of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible combines an
unmistakable look with unique functionality. With the roof closed the car
boasts those special proportions so typical of the MINI, the low roofline
additionally accentuating the sporting flair of the Convertible. The
high-quality, particularly wind-proof and extremely hard-wearing textile
material rests firmly on the roof bars made of steel and aluminium, keeping any
change in shape caused by the wind at high speeds to an absolute minimum.

The soft roof opens and closes completely by electrohydraulic power within 15
seconds in each case. The opening and closing mechanism is activated by a
toggle switch on the front roof frame in typical MINI design. And to enable the
driver and passengers to enjoy the thrill of driving in the open air
spontaneously whenever they wish or to respond quickly to sudden rainfall, the
roof may be opened and closed at speeds of up to 30 km/h while driving. Last
but not least, there is also the option to open the soft top by means of remote
control integrated in the ignition key before even setting out.

The unique sliding roof function of the soft top is activated in an
all-electric process, the front section of the soft top moving back by up to 40
centimetres or 16", again by means of the switch on the front roof frame. This
appropriately dosed fresh air experience is available at all times while
driving at a speed of up to 120 km/h or 75 mph.

Larger side windows and retractable rollbar for optimum
all-round visibility.
Excellent all-round visibility with the roof closed is ensured, first, by the
large rear side windows and, second, by the newly engineered retractable
rollbar. Moving up whenever required, this single-piece rollbar extends along
the rear seats slightly below the headrests and therefore does not in any way
obscure the vision of the driver looking back.
Over and above the extremely stiff passenger cell, high-load bearing structures
and precisely defined deformation zones, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
comes as standard with frontal airbags and head/thorax airbags at the side
integrated in the outer flanks of the front-seat backrests and protecting the
occupant's head, upper body and hips from injury in a side-on collision.

All four seats come with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, with belt force
limiters and optimised belt latch tensioners at the front.
All restraint systems are masterminded by the car's central safety electronics
including individual sensors and are activated as a function of the type and
intensity of a collision.
The safety system in the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible also comprises a
rollover sensor activating the newly developed rollbar as well as the belt
latch tensioners on the front seats and the head/thorax airbags in good time in
the event of a rollover. Together with the windscreen frame specifically
reinforced for the needs of open-air motoring, the new one-piece rollbar moving
up whenever required electromechanically within 150 milli-seconds ensures
maximum occupant safety as part of the car's passenger cell.

The interior: variable in use, sporting and elegant in design.
The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible combines the sporting
and straightforward elegance typical of the car's ambience with a standard of
functionality quite unique in this segment. A three-spoke sports steering wheel
in leather forms the interface between the driver and his sports machine, the
anthracite-coloured roof lining and the interior surfaces in glossy Piano Black
enable the driver to focus calmly and consistently on driving conditions in
exactly the right atmosphere. Yet a further feature in the cockpit of the MINI
John Cooper Works Convertible, finally, is the speedometer extending all the
way to 260 km/h or 160 mph.

At the rear the new rollbar, through its particular configuration, also helps
to improve the everyday driving qualities of the MINI John Cooper Works
Convertible. The one-piece aluminium rollbar extends behind the rear seats
across the entire width of the interior, its configuration as one single
element providing space for a large through-loading between the luggage area
and the passenger compartment.

Clearly, this gives the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible even greater
variability, with the rear-seat backrest split down in the middle folding
forward as required either in a 50:50 split or completely from one side to
another, offering no less than 660 litres or 23.1 cubic feet of storage space
with the roof closed.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible comes furthermore with an Easy-Load
system. In this case the tailgate swivels down and may be used as a shelf
carrying a weight of up to 80 kg or 176 lb. As an additional feature the rear
roof frame swivels up by approximately 35°, creating a truly generous opening
leading into the luggage compartment.
With the roof open the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible offers 125 litres or
almost 4.4 cubic feet luggage capacity, with the roof closed the luggage
compartment cover running in two rails and holding the roof when open may be
swivelled up, increasing the storage capacity available to 170 litres or nearly
6.0".

The influence of the wind rushing by with the roof open may also be adjusted
individually to the driver's and passengers' requirements. Available as an
option, the wind deflector significantly reduces air turbulence within the
interior, fitting into position behind the rear seats and folding up easily and
conveniently.

Customisation all the way: high-tech audio and navigation systems, complete
integration of the Apple iPhone.
Over and above the features mentioned, MINI offers an almost unlimited range of
customisation options also in the configuration of the high-performance
Convertible. This means all exterior colours, interior design features, seat
upholstery options, interior colours and trim variants as well as the comfort
features and other items of special equipment available on the other models.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is likewise available with the full
range of high-tech entertainment and navigation systems offered by MINI, the
controls for the audio system - featuring a CD player as standard - and the 6½-
inch TFT colour display of the optional navigation system housed within the
circular instrument in the middle.

Using the AUX port also featured as standard, the user may for example play
music recorded on an MP3 player on the car's audio system. Another special
feature is the interface for full integration of an Apple iPod, while a mobile
phone preparation kit and, respectively, integrated hands-free operation
complete with a Bluetooth interface and USB port available as an option ensure
optimum and safe communication on the road. And last but not least, there is
also a special Apple iPhone interface for integrating the audio and telephone
functions.
Performance premium-style: John Cooper Works accessories.

Motoring comfort, practical value and the sporting flair of the car may be
enhanced to an even higher level with the wide range of MINI John Cooper Works
accessories. The highlights in the range include an Aerodynamics Package and
the Sports Suspension with springs painted red and cross-drilled brake discs.
Further features are a dome bar extending across the engine compartment, mirror
caps in carbon, and side scuttles around the side direction indicators with a
special, sporting grid structure.

Trim bars, the handbrake lever and the sports gearshift lever in carbon also
serve to give the interior an even more sporting ambience. And last but not
least, the Gearshift Indicator also offered as a John Cooper Works accessory
helps to enhance the driving experience to an even higher level.

New on the MINI and MINI Clubman: additional John Cooper Works instruments.
The John Cooper Works performance components give even greater emphasis to the
sporting character of every MINI highlighted also through the car's looks. The
new, additional John Cooper Works instruments now available on both the MINI
and MINI Clubman are a particularly attractive addition to the range.

This option allows full integration of up to two circular instruments in the
immediate vicinity of the rev counter, the additional instruments finished in
the style of a sports car cockpit coming in special MINI design and blending
perfectly with the interior of the car. With their anthracite-coloured faces,
they add further appeal to the sporting character of the cockpit.

Here the discerning customer has the choice of three different analogue
instruments, up to two of which may be integrated to the right and left of the
rev counter, directly in the driver's field of vision. The coolant temperature
gauge, for example, gives the driver clear information on the engine's current
running conditions, enabling him to monitor the process of warming up the
engine and gauge his style of motoring precisely to current conditions.

The relative torque indicator permanently informs the driver on the engine's
load condition, showing current torque on the crankshaft relative to the
maximum torque available. Proceeding from this information, the driver will
find it much easier to choose the ideal gear for dynamic acceleration at all
times.

On the MINI Cooper S, the MINI John Cooper Works, the MINI Cooper S Clubman,
and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman the driver is additionally informed on
the current operation of the Overboost function.
All MINI and MINI Clubman models equipped with DSC Dynamic Stability Control
may also be fitted with a lateral acceleration indicator providing information
on centrifugal forces in a bend and on winding roads.

The additional John Cooper Works instruments are an ideal opportunity to
further highlight the sporting character of the MINI and the MINI Clubman,
raising driving pleasure to an even higher level. In their design and quality,
the additional instruments meet all the high standards of the BMW Group. They
are sold and fitted by MINI dealers within the MINI network worldwide.