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Preview: Mini Cooper And Cooper S Feb. 23, 2007 ) The new Mini Cooper and Cooper S. Click on images for larger views.
This was surely Mini's guiding principle in creating the second generation of its popular Cooper and Cooper S. After all, the new models look nearly identical to their forebears. The general public and, indeed, many auto enthusiasts will have a difficult time discerning what's new — which is quite a bit. So Autobahn Report is here to help! The new Mini is still mini — it's only 2.4 inches longer, mostly in the engine compartment to meet coming pedestrian safety standards in Europe. Also for this reason, the hood is a tad higher. The exterior style is softer and better integrated into the overall shape. The big round headlights flow smoothly into the sheet metal and now house the turn signals. The headlights are no longer attached to the hood, making it lighter and thus easier to raise. The Cooper's grille is chrome slats while the Cooper S has a sportier black mesh and larger lower air dam. The Mini retains its trademark cues: hardly-there front and rear overhangs, black trim around the fenders and lower body, and wrap-around glass. Brightwork gives the Mini its premium look — with chrome on the headlights, taillights, door handles, grille, fuel filler cap and window line. The window line rises up a bit higher than before for a more dynamic side profile. )
As with models of its BMW parent company, the Mini's ignition has a start-stop button, not a conventional key. We thought the first-generation Mini had a vast array of options but personalization plays an even bigger role on the new car. Interior options include ambient lighting in five colors, natural wood trim, chrome trim, hand-sewn leather and color packages. Throw these in with a choice of 10 exterior colors, which themselves come with color options for the roof and mirrors, plus many other options and owning a one-of-a-kind Mini is a real possibility. The Mini's body structure and all systems (engine, transmission, suspension, steering, braking) have been optimized to enhance its already stellar go-kart handling. Mini somehow managed to make a very strong body even stronger, if only by a modest five percent. )
EPA fuel economy is 32 MPG city, 40 highway (Cooper) and 29 city, 36 highway (Cooper S). To accommodate the turbo engine, the Cooper S has a bigger hood than the Cooper. The hood scoop is non-functional, unlike the previous S which needed extra air for its supercharged engine. Transmission choices are a six-speed Getrag manual and a six-speed Aisin-Warner automatic, the latter with manumatic shifting and steering-wheel paddles. A sport button on both the Cooper and Cooper S adjusts various settings for more rapid acceleration response and tighter steering — as well as quicker shifting for the automatic transmission. A sport suspension is optional on the Cooper and standard on the Cooper S. Not sporty enough? Then go for the hyper sport package, available on both models — with an upgraded sport suspension, thicker anti-sway bars and aggressive body kit. A limited-slip differential is also available on the manual Cooper S, for enhanced traction in highly spirited driving.
In 2000, Mini planned to build 100,000 cars a year. Demand raised this to 200,000 by 2005. The second generation is poised to continue the success by enhancing the Mini experience in every way and compromising it in none. Also see: Mini Cooper Photos, Mini Cooper S Photos )
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