Mini Steps Up Performance

PARIS – Already one of the industry’s hottest-selling cars, BMW AG’s Mini is getting a new tuning kit this fall for its Cooper S performance model.

Developed by West Sussex, U.K.-based John Cooper Works, the tuning kit gives the engine an additional 40 hp and boosts torque by another 18 lbs.-ft. (25 Nm), the auto maker says here at the international motor show. Maximum output now is 210 hp.

“Mini clearly lifts you out of the crowd,” says Michael Cooper, managing director-John Cooper Works. “But people don’t buy a Mini just because of the way it looks.”

The tuning kit will be fitted by Mini dealers and service partners, and is covered by Mini’s warranty.

The original 163-hp Mini Cooper S also can be fitted with the tuning kit, which includes a compressor with a modified transmission ratio for higher engine speed, a special air-filter insert, modified cylinder heads with refined intake and outlet ducts, specialized air-filter housing, injection valves with higher throughput and a stainless steel exhaust system with a specially designed rear silencer.

A new tuning kit offered with the Mini Cooper S adds 40 hp.

John Cooper Works and authorized Mini dealers also offer more features, such as bucket-type sports seats as well as special 18-in. light-alloy wheels with star-spoke designs and run-flat tires. A 3-piece dashboard adds to the interior’s sporty appeal.

Also unveiled here at the Paris motor show, a new 5-speed gearbox for the Mini One and Mini Cooper with modified transmission ratios that provide faster acceleration in both models.

The Mini One now accelerates from 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) in fourth gear in 11.9 seconds, completing the same exercise in fifth gear in 14.9 seconds. A slight increase in torque to 111 lbs.-ft. (150 Nm) at 4,500 rpm enables the Mini Cooper to sprint from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.1 seconds, accelerating from 50-75 mph (80–120 km/h) in fourth gear in 10.5 seconds and in fifth gear in 13.5 seconds.

Engine output in the Mini Cooper S is up 7 hp, pushing the 1.6L to 170 hp at 6,000 rpm, sufficient for a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h). The top model in the Mini range now accelerates to 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds.

The Mini One and Mini Cooper come with redesigned front and rear bumpers, while the Mini One D and Mini Cooper S retain the same bumpers. Additional storage options in the center console, a grab handle for the front-seat passenger, the larger rear-view mirror, and a third sunvisor at the side for the driver have been added to the interior. There also is an optional chrome interior package.

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