The MINI Cooper S Convertible: the first convertible in its class to produce a maximum output of 170 bhp.

Munich. All MINI fans who have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the
top version of the MINI Convertible do not have to wait any longer: the
MINI Cooper S Convertible is making its world debut on the occasion of
the 2004 International Motor Show in Madrid, almost coinciding with the
presentation at the Birmingham International Motor Show. The most
powerful version in the MINI Convertible line-up will be available in a
few European countries as of August this year, being followed by the
introduction to the other European countries in September. In Germany,
the MINI Cooper S Convertible will be available at a price of Euro
24,000. High fun factor and astounding value. The powerful driving
machine offering supreme handling combines unique performance with the
pleasure of open-air motoring into one, and leaves no doubt that great
importance has been attached to the fun factor. Just like the MINI One
and the MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible excels
through its clever overall concept and sets a new standard of driving
fun thanks to its performance and agility. The arrival of the MINI
Cooper S Convertible enables customers to choose from a wide
performance spectrum, ranging from 90 bhp to 170 bhp, and to configure
their very own MINI Convertible as there is a wide range of exterior and
interior colour and equipment options. Compact power unit. The
1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with supercharger and intercooler
technology produces a maximum output of 125 kW/170 bhp at 6,000 rpm. In
conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, which comes as standard,
this engine gives the MINI Cooper S Convertible its outstanding
performance. A maximum toque of up to 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm provides for
supreme acceleration and makes sure that driving this car is sheer
enjoyment. Thus the open four-seater takes a mere 7.4 seconds to
accomplish the sprint from 0 to 62 mph. Acceleration from 80 to 120
km/h (50 to 75 mph) in fourth gear comes in only 6.6 seconds, the same
task being carried out in fifth gear in a mere 8.4 seconds. Top speed
is reached at 215 km/h or 134 mph. This powerful convertible has a fuel
consumption of 8.8 litres/100 km - a moderate figure considering the
power of the engine. Thanks to a unique suspension set-up and its
extremely stiff body, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is currently the
only vehicle in its class to convey 170 bhp onto the tarmac with no
problem at all. Convertible with a sliding sunroof. The roof, which is
available in three colours, folds back fully automatically in a mere 15
seconds. At the push of a button, you first open the integrated sliding
roof, then the entire soft roof. With the soft roof folding to the
rear, the roof pillars are automatically retracted and the rear side
windows move down at the same time. The intelligent Z-folding mechanism
allows the complete roof to fold up in compact arrangement behind the
rear seats, with no need for a tonneau cover. The sliding roof
integrated in the soft top can be opened infinitely up to 40 cm or
15¾'' while driving, up to a speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph.
Clearly, a feature quite unprecedented in the convertible market.
Optimum utilisation of space. The MINI Convertible has a drop-down boot
lid which is held in position when open by two steel cables on a
spring-mounted retractor system. This allows use of the rear lid with
its exterior hinges as a practical loading platform able to hold a
weight of up to 80 kg or 176 lb. The luggage compartment accommodates
165 litres with the roof closed. And even with the roof down, driving
in the open air, luggage compartment capacity remains a substantial 120
litres. And in conjunction with the rear seat backrests folding forward
and fastened securely in position, luggage compartment capacity can be
increased to no less than 605 litres. Those who wish to get even more
out of this agile little car can make use of the generous Easy Load
through-loading system designed for even the most bulky of loads. With
the roof closed, all you do is turn two levers in the luggage
compartment to fold up the bottom section of the folding top and attach
it in position. Then, with the rear lid open, you have very convenient
access to the luggage compartment through a large opening. Boasting
features such as a highly functional roof, a variable luggage
compartment even with the roof down, an ultra-strong and stiff
bodyshell, as well as a chassis with a multi-arm rear axle, the
powerful MINI Cooper S Convertible sets the standard in its market
segment. MINI-specific go-kart feeling. The drive concept, the long
wheelbase, the low centre of gravity, the widened track, the stiff body
structure, the sporty suspension set-up, the multi-arm rear axle and
the direct power steering all contribute to the MINI's excellent
driving behaviour. This is why the open-air top model with its unique
go-kart like driving feel leaves no doubt that the most exhilarating
distance between two points is a bend. The MINI Cooper S Convertible
comes as standard with 16-inch light alloys in X Lite design and runs
on 195/55 R16 tyres. However, the car can be optionally equipped with
attractive 16- or 17-inch light alloys. The 17-inch 5 star bullet
light-alloy wheels have been developed especially for the new model
variant. Safety to the fore. Like all other MINI models, the MINI
Cooper S Convertible complies with the world?s most stringent crash
test standards thanks to a stiff body structure and an efficient
restraint system comprising, inter alia, two "intelligent"
front airbags and two seat-integrated head/thorax side airbags. The MINI
Cooper S Convertible's extremely stiff body has been successfully
carried over from the MINI One and MINI Cooper Convertible. The
implementation of numerous construction-related measures such as an
increase in the thickness of the sheet metal of the side-sills as well
as the integration of additional stiffening and reinforcement plates
contribute towards a sturdy floor assembly and a rigid passenger cell.
All these measures provide occupants with maximum protection in the
event of an impact. Should the MINI Cooper S Convertible ever be
involved in a rollover, the A-pillars incorporate an ultra-strong steel
tube designed to withstand high loads. And at the rear, double roll
bars made of high-strength aluminium tubes, complete with integrated
headrests, afford superior passenger safety. Four brake discs,
four-sensor-ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering
Brake Control (CBC) as well as Automatic Stability Control + Traction
(ASC+T) are standard features and provide a high degree of active
safety. Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) guarantees superior
directional and driving stability even in an extreme situation.
Powerful profile. As the design features and proportions so
characteristic of the MINI have been consistently carried over to the
Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is instantly recognisable as
a genuine MINI. There can be no doubt, of course, that the MINI
Convertible looks best with the roof down. Rising slightly to the rear,
the waistline gives the car a powerful, performance-oriented profile
accentuated by the chrome strip along the entire waistline. The steeply
raked windscreen, the absence of B-pillars, the roll bars behind the
rear seats and the space-saving folding roof without tonneau cover give
this attractive four-seater the looks of a classic convertible. The
steeply raked windscreen and the optimum seating position enjoyed by the
driver give him the feeling of being out in the open and ensure an
unforgettable open-air experience. MINI Cooper S Convertible colour
worlds. The open four-seater is available in ten different exterior
colours, two of which are reserved exclusively for this top model
"Hyper Blue" and "Dark Silver". The roof of this
drop-top version is available in black, blue and green. The rear-view
mirror housings are finished in body colour. Sophisticated ambience.
High-grade fabrics and surfaces dominate the harmoniously designed
interior. Additionally, skilful integration of the extra-strong
aluminium roll bars gives this compact four-seater virtually the same
flair and character as a roadster. The roll bars of the MINI Cooper S
Convertible are chrome-plated as standard. The three-part dashboard and
the door panels come with a brushed aluminium finish. In the case of
five different exterior colours, the dashboard and the door panels are
optionally available in body colour. The MINI Cooper S Convertible is
equipped as standard with sports seats with a choice of one fabric
option, three different fabric/leather combinations and three full
leather designs. Wide range of standard equipment. Inter alia, the
wide range of standard equipment available for the new MINI Convertible
comprises the following items: a fully-automatic roof with sliding roof
function, a heatable windscreen made of glass, chrome-plated roll bars,
two front airbags and two head/thorax side airbags, four-sensor ABS,
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control
(CBC), 16-inch light-alloy wheels with runflat tyres, Runflat
Indicator, electrically operated exterior mirrors and window lifts,
power steering, Park Distance Control (PDC), rev counter, height
adjustment of driver's seat and steering column and central locking
with remote control, and comfort opening function. MINI provides a wide
spectrum of optional equipment and accessories designed for individual
preferences. This includes for example Xenon headlights, a navigation
system featuring a 16:9 colour display, high quality HiFi audio
systems, a heated windscreen, automatic climate control, a wind
deflector, a wide choice of light alloy wheels, a multifunction
steering wheel, a rain sensor and a rear-view mirror with automatic
anti-dazzle function. The MINI Cooper S Convertible will be sold chiefly
in the USA, the UK, Germany and in further West European countries.