In the automotive globe , manufacturers be given to acquire a railcar model and then fine-tune it , re - inventing it every few years to reverberate the changing pauperism and desires of the consumer marketplace . Occasionally , a elevator car modeling design come along that somehow remains relatively untouched for decades . These cars can pile up a loyal band of supporters and enthusiast whose warmth for the modeling might seem , to an foreigner , to go well beyond the deservingness of the car itself . The fan shrug it off ; they know they ’re back the ripe sawbuck .
In England , the Mini is just such a motorcar . Like the Volkswagen Beetle , the Mini ’s intent hardly changed at all in the 40 years it was in production . Then , in 2000 , the Mini transformed into the MINI Cooper , a cable car that promise to follow in the footsteps of the original Mini . In this article , we ’ll examine the account of this remarkable little machine . We ’ll look at how the MINI has evolved in a series of minor changes and a couple of bad transformations and we ’ll examine the culture that has spring up around the car .
BMW ’s MINI Cooper can draw its chronicle back to 1957 , when Leonard Lord , President of the United States of the British Motor Corporation ( BMC ) , resolve to grow a dependable , efficient small railway car for consumer . At the fourth dimension , Britain was in the middle of an oil crisis and fuel efficient cars became a necessary . Most of these elevator car had engine under 700cc ( three-dimensional centimetre ) and were calledmicrocars(also known as house of cards cars ) . Most were produced in Germany , and were often hard and unsafe to drive . Lord give car designer Alec Issigonis the undertaking of create a British car that would match in a corner 10 feet long , 4 feet wide and 4 feet marvelous . In addition , the passenger space in the car had to contain 60 per centum of the length of the fomite .
Issigonis and his squad move from concept to product in two years , an astonishingly forgetful ontogeny cycles/second for an entirely new concept car . The secret to the Mini ’s size was a revolutionaryenginelayout . Issigonis decided to make a transverse climb on railway locomotive , which means he designed the car so that the locomotive was mount sideways . In addition , he rise the engine in the front of the car , near the front two wheel . The front wheels drove the railcar and the additional weight in the front of the Mini give the car more stability when taking tight turns . The space - save engine layout allowed Issigonis to make a passenger compartment with more room than you ’d expect for such a minor railroad car . You might even consider it was bombastic on the inside than the outside .
The small motorcar also feature a marrow - mountedspeedometer , modest wheel ( positioned at the corners of the vehicle , sacrifice it a " bulldog stance " ) and very few bell and whistle . Leonard Lord looked at the second generation of prototypes and decided to move the Mini into aggregative output . In August 1959 , the first Minis rolled off the production lines and into the possession of British automobilist .
In 1961 , a backwash car constructor named John Cooper approach BMC with the aim of change a Mini into a workable race car . Issigonis object ; he matte up that the Mini should be thought of as the everyman auto . Cooper decide to go over Issigonis ' head and get the blessings of BMC . The answer of the partnership was the first Mini Cooper , a car that won multiple race , including three victories at the Monte Carlo Rally . In 1963 , Cooper made further modification to the locomotive and body purpose . He called his newfangled turbocharged design the Mini Cooper S.
Beginning in 1960 , the BMC sold Minis to the U.S. marketplace . Between 1960 and 1967 , more or less 10,000 Minis were sold in the United States . Though BMC was encouraged by consumer response , rising standard in emissions forced BMC to cease dispatch . BMC influence that the cost of altering the Mini ’s engine was too great , and the United States would not see fresh Minis available for purchase until 2002 .
The Evolution of MINI
As years passed , BMC ’s incorporated bodily structure changed many time . Even the British governance operate the company for several years – at a considerable deprivation . Despite the modification in corporate bodily structure , the Mini did n’t change much at all . Small mechanical adjustment were made from one yr to the next , but in world-wide , a Mini from 1959 would search much identical to one made in 1999 . This was partly due to a great basic design , and partly due to the simple fact that BMC ( and the ecological succession of other companies it became ) had other things to worry about than the intent of a fiddling machine .
In 1994 , BMW buy The Rover Group , the fellowship that was then producing the Mini . BMW recognized the impact of the original Mini and plan to whole re - invent it . In 2000 yield on the original Mini model come to an end . By that time , more than 5,000,000 Minis had been produced and sold . A panel of 100 self-propelled industry expert vote the Mini as the most significant car of the 100 . Although the Mini was a rare sight in the United States , in Europe it facilitate define aim for both cars and city streets . The car that symbolise British motoring for 40 year had fall to the end of the road .
BMW unveiled the unexampled MINI Cooper conception at the Paris Auto Show . The new vehicle appraise two feet longer and one foot wider than the original Mini exemplar . New MINI Coopers follow with lots of features and options . Some diehard Mini enthusiasts felt the new MINI Coopers were an completely unlike breed , one that has abandoned many of Issigonis ' designing philosophies . Others feel the new MINI Cooper was the logical descendent of the original concept .
The new MINI Cooper still had the English bulldog position , with the four wheels at the corner of the fomite . It still used front wheel campaign , and machine driver quickly reported on the superb manipulation of the little car . The center - mounted speedometer remained part of the classic interior layout . BMW had bet that the new style would invoke to Greco-Roman Mini enthusiasts as well as drivers who had never sat behind the cycle of the MINI Cooper ’s forerunner . The stake would devote off ; sales of the MINI Cooper would quickly exceed BMW ’s optimistic expulsion .
The MINI Cooper has made a huge impingement on the United States market place in a short clock time systema skeletale , appeal to jet - set celebrity and middle class suburbanites alike . An intact civilization of MINI Cooper customization flourish in the automotive community , encouraged by BMW through numerous personalized choice and car kits . The railroad car ’s retro appearance , surprising power , stringent handling and an innovational approach to personalization have convinced American drivers that it is the small gondola of the futurity .
In the next few sections , we ’ll examine the two design genesis of the MINI Cooper from 2002 to 2007 . We ’ll also check out the major design and technology features for each multiplication , meaning changes to the MINI Cooper for each good example year , the car ’s reliableness and any base hit call back .
The First MINI Generation: 2002 - 2006
BMW introduced two MINI Cooper car models to the American market in 2002 : the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S. Both two - door hatchbacks were root on by the classical Mini cars made in England from 1959 to 1999 . Both were 18 inch shorter and 400 pound lighter than the newfangled Volkswagen Beetles ( though they were 4 inch wider ) . BMW offered several choices in soundbox semblance , with an optional alternative roof color ( the same colour as the rest of the physical structure , white or black – a blanched ceiling was the standard for the one-time Mini line ) . Both model also feature the heart - mount speedometer , carried over from the original Mini model .
The first - generation MINI Cooper featured a 1.6 liter four - cylinderenginewith 115 - horsepower . A five - speed manualtransmissionwas monetary standard ; an optional six speedcontinuously varying automatic transmission(CVT ) was available . The MINI Cooper S had a more powerful railway locomotive with 168 horsepower . The received transmission for the MINI Cooper S was a six - speed manual transmission .
The MINI Cooper was 142.8 inch long , 75.8 inches wide and 55 inches tall , with a wheelbase of 97.1 inches . The car could sit four multitude and the rear seats could close down independently for more computer storage outer space . It had antilock four - wheeldisc brakes , sixair bags , a tire air pressure monitor andkeyless entry . The Cooper also featured a sportssuspension , which pressed the wheels to the ground to increase the tires ' grip on the road .
The Cooper S had similar features , though its abeyance was more aggressive with compact anti - sway bar . The Cooper S also featured a functional hood soap and 16 - inch campaign - flat tyre ( the MINI Cooper manikin featured 15 - inch tyre ) . Both model had standard air conditioning , big businessman windowsand aCDplayer . Options for both fashion model include anti shoe control , navigation and rearward - obstruction admonition systems , a sunroof , heated up seating and Xenonheadlamps .
The MINI Cooper followed its herald ’s philosophy of remaining comparatively unchanged from one yr to the next . In 2003 , BMW offered novel optional package with both the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models . A Sports Package include options like the antiskid organization and increase the wheel sizing of the model ( up to 17 inches for the Cooper S or 16 inches for the Cooper ) . dealer could bid different roof computer graphic to customize gondola – graphics included the Union Jack , the American flag or a checker pattern . BMW upgraded the CD player to include a port for anMP3 musician .
In late 2003,John Cooper Worksoffered a tuning outfit for the MINI Cooper S. This outfit could advance the engine to an impressive 200horsepower . The outfit included :
The MINI Cooper of 2004 featured few changes from early models . Some number one wood describe that the key signature center - mounted speed indicator was hard to translate without taking their attending off the road , so BMW add a digital swiftness read-out under thetachometer . A rearward power socket place in the body of the car returned in 2004 ( the 2002 model had one as well , but the 2003 model discontinued the feature ) as part of the received MINI equipment . An optional Sport seat with larger side bolsters designed to oblige drivers in post while take tight act at high speed became uncommitted in beige leather .
In 2005 , BMW offer a convertible body vogue for the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. The translatable models featured a exponent top with a het up glass rearward window . They come with rear obstacle sensing and front side airbags . They were slightly longer , thinner and taller than the hatchback models . All MINI Cooper models received a few minor changes in appearance to their headlamp , radiator grille and taillights . Again , modification in the MINI Cooper framework continued to be modest .
The 2006 MINI Cooper was nearly identical to early modelling . One fresh option was a Checkmate Package , which included the antiskid organisation , larger roulette wheel , Sport hind end and a ignominious - and - snowy graphics overlay .
We ’ll count at the next generation of miniskirt Coopers next .
MINI Cooper: The Next Generation
The 2007 MINI Coopers are the first modelling in the 2nd generation of MINI vehicles . The 2007 models are slenderly great and more powerful than the previous coevals , except for the MINI Cooper Convertible , which still uses the 2002 - 2006 generation figure . Drivers can anticipate new convertible using the 2007 coupe technology in 2008 .
The MINI Cooper ’s engine now has 118 horsepower ; the engine of the MINI Cooper S is turbocharged at 172 H.P. . The MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible have 115 hp and 168 hp , respectively . Apart from the basic Cooper Convertible , all model have a standard six - speed manual transmittance ; a 6 - speed automatic transmittal is optional , supervene upon the CVT system . The introductory convertible still has a standard 5 - speed manual transmission or the optional CVT system .
Several new parcel are extend for the 2007 models . They include :
Customization reaches a new level with the 2007 example . owner can select from a library of computer graphic for roof designs , rush stripes , door handgrip , side view mirrors and the leaning depart on . Other options admit bicycle and baggage racks , heated seats , machinelike rain sensor and a host of other contraption and accessories . The MINI USA Web website offers a " Design & Build Your Own MINI " feature with over 10,000,000 form .
MINI Cooper Cost, Reliability and Safety
The manufacturer ’s suggested retail Leontyne Price ( MSRP ) of the 2007 MINI Cooper modelling are :
The amazing motley of options and packages available for the MINI Cooper can importantly bear on the price of a car . For illustration , a MINI Cooper S Convertible with the optional Sidewalk Package , limited slipdifferential , world-wide hand - free kit and 18 - inch threefold speak wheel has an MSRP of $ 35,500 . TheMINI USAWeb site has a " Design & Build Your Own MINI " feature with over 10,000,000 possible variations .
On the other remainder of the price scale , the MSRP for a 2002 MINI Cooper is $ 16,300 . you may research MINI Cooper prices and search for a car of your own on the Consumer Guide Auto .
Owners and mechanics have report a few vulgar , pocket-size offspring with MINI Coopers . However , at least one issue is very serious : some drivers reported a failure of the 5 - speed manualtransmissionfor the stock 2003 MINI Cooper . This required a shop mechanic to repair the transmission . Owners did not account a like problem with thecontinously varying transmissionsystem or the 6 - speed manual contagion .
MINI Cooper Safety Recalls
Here ’s a breakdown of MINI Cooper safety equipment recalls .
The MINI Cooper had assured its place in the United States market place . BMW espouse the pattern of the original Mini descent and few changes were made from one class to the next . Owners became transport with the stylish little railroad car , and car customization became more plebeian . The 2007 model would institute owners Modern options and make personalization of vehicle even easier .
get word about the MINI Cooper community in the next discussion section .
It’s a MINI World After All
The MINI Cooper has inspire a diverse universe of enthusiasts , from Hollywood bicycler and principal to center - class college students . Across the cosmos you ’ll find numerous clubs and organizations for MINI Cooper owner . Just about every region of the United States has its own MINI club . A good imagination to turn up one near you isNorth American Motoring , an online community that hosts MINI tidings , discussions and articles .
Every year there are several events and sports meeting where owners can socialise , show off their dear vehicles , look at outlandishly change MINI Coopers , interchange bakshish for tuning cars and even race their supercharged MINI Coopers . A few of the tumid events let in :
The MINI Cooper look in several films . You may have watched a MINI Cooper speed through a subway system in " The Italian Job , " or watched as Austin Powers ' pa tooled around in a MINI with a unique Union Jack paint job . The singular look of the MINI seems to appeal to film producer .
When the MINI Cooper is n’t tearing around corners on the ash gray screen , it ’s get together celebrity ' fleets of cars . Ever since the days of the original Mini line , celebrities have embrace this quirky car . Some famous MINI ( and Mini ) drivers let in :
In the next division , we ’ll see at MINI Frank Cooper advertising and awards it has received .
MINI Advertising and Awards
MINI innovation does n’t arrest with extensive motorcar customization . The selling campaign behind the MINI Cooper span television spot , a Web - based serial and even personalizedLEDbillboards .
The 2007 video spots in both American and the United Kingdom appear in letterboxed , cinematic data formatting . Several American advertizing showcased the MINI Cooper ’s speed and manipulation , ending with the motto , " Let ’s Motor . " A serial publication of humorous ads in the United Kingdom were called " MINI Adventures " and have MINI Coopers in short flick , including a Martian invasion , azombieattack and a gem thief ’s escape .
In February 2007 , a Web - ground series called " Hammer & Coop " debuted . The serial was directed by Todd Phillips and lie in of six episode following the feat of Hammer , bet by Bryan Callen , and Coop , an intelligent , talking 2007 MINI Cooper . shuffle chemical element of " Starsky and Hutch " and " Knight Rider , " this clever serial publication gently spoofs movies and television series from the 1970s while render off the 2007 MINI Cooper ’s capabilities .
Another new marketing initiative is aimed at current MINI Cooper owners . In four cities , BMW placed MINI Motorboards . These light-emitting diode video display billboards can display personalise messages to MINI drivers as they border on . MINI Cooper owners who need to participate answer interrogation about themselves and their driving habits on an on-line survey . Once registered , owners will receive an electronic key watch guard that they can seize to their keychain . The watch guard communicates electronically with Motorboards usingRadio Frequency Identification(RFID ) technology . The Motorboard then displays a message customized for that particular proprietor . Messages may refer to the owner ’s occupancy , driving habits or MINI possession in general . The program launched on January 29 , 2007 in Chicago , Miami , New York City and San Francisco .
For a little car , the MINI take a existent puncher when it comes to decisive acclaim . Some of the awards the MINI has earned so far include :
The MINI personal line of credit seems to foster creative thinking at all levels , from the manufacturer to the owner behind the bicycle . next models of the MINI may admit an all - bike - drive coupe model and a police wagon model called the MINI Clubman .
Check out the links on the next Thomas Nelson Page for more info about the MINI and related topics .
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