THE 2013 MINI CONVERTIBLE
10/31/2012
Mini
MINI Convertible: the thrill of open-air motoring in unmistakable MINI style
The two-door body style and soft-top roof of the MINI Convertible deliver unique proportions, sleek lines, and truly individual style. Design cues clearly link the convertible to the MINI family of vehicles, and show an evolutionary development of the car's design.
An electrohydraulically-powered soft top with sliding roof function comes standard, and allows the driver to open and close the soft top in 15 seconds, even while the car is in motion, up to 18 mph. The standard Openometer is a special feature that records the time spent travelling with the roof down. A wide range of paint colors, roof colors, wheel choices, upholstery and interior trim choices provide endless opportunities for personalization.
Design: open-air motoring without compromises, and unique proportions
The MINI Convertible's chiseled body panels impart a powerful and dynamic look. The stretched side view - with the rollover protection bar almost entirely concealed - gives a heightened sense of the car's sporting performance and reveals a profile clearly inspired by the classic roadster.
A chrome beltline molding encircling the entire car at shoulder-level visually connects the body with the roof and windows. The upright windscreen underscores the character and enhances the open-air experience.
The hallmark MINI circular headlights incorporate styling cues that are core to the MINI design. Black headlight housings, which were first featured in the 2010 Camden anniversary model, are available as an option on the Cooper and Cooper S.
Looking at the car from the side, the design of MINI's familiar side scuttles provide an extra, finely-judged touch of elegance. The glass-like lens cover of the indicators has a striking structure formed from concentric circles.
LEDs optimize both the lighting effect and contemporary appearance of the rear lights on all MINIs. This advanced light technology also provides the MINI with a very distinctive look at night.
The rear view of the MINI Convertible also offers an enhancement of the car's visual presence. The entire rear section is characterized by parallel horizontal elements that create the "steps" that emphasize the width of the car, a distinctive design cue it shares with the MINI Cooper Hardtop. The innovative, rear deck lid of the MINI Convertible opens from the top and is hinged at bottom, creating a generous loading area. For even greater access to the rear cargo area, the easy-load function allows the base of the convertible top to be raised for a taller opening.
Optimized all-round visibility ensured by even larger side windows and the retractable rollover protection bar
The soft roof of the MINI Convertible stands out in particular through its unique design and practical functionality. With the top up, the MINI Convertible's low roofline highlights its sporty appearance.
The high-quality, wind-tight and durable soft-top material stretches tautly across the aluminum and steel roof bars, and resists significant changes in shape or bulging, even at high speeds.
The rear window is connected to the soft top by interior seals, allowing it to close flush with the surface of the roof. Made of glass, the rear window may be heated electrically whenever required to avoid any misting or icing effect.
The electromechanically-operated Active Rollover Protection Bar situated behind the rear seats, is activated by the car's central safety electronics in the event of a rollover. The single-piece rollover protection bar runs across the entire width of the car just below the rear headrests, offering the driver unrestricted visibility to the rear and sides of the car.
Adaptive Headlights
All models can be ordered with a selection of innovative equipment features to enhance comfort, safety and the familiar MINI personality. Adaptive Headlights, for example, are available in conjunction with the optional xenon lights.
This technology allows the headlights to follow the line of upcoming corners to ensure maximum illumination of the road surface. The steering angle, yaw rate and speed of the car are all taken into account in determining the beam angle of the headlights. In addition, customers can now specify an automatic dimming function not only for the rear-view mirror but for the exterior mirrors as well.
More fun with less guilt: The MINI engine
The 2013 MINI Convertible will include three 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engine options, which were developed utilizing BMW Group's expertise in the field of engine development.
Cutting-edge drive system technology is the headline act in the improved range of engines for the new MINI family. Both MINI Cooper and the turbo-charged Cooper S models include a host of technical features whose development is rooted in the engine expertise of the BMW Group. The updated John Cooper Works option now includes technology that will produce the thrilling performance it is known for with increased efficiency.
The MINI Cooper Convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The MINI Cooper S, which accelerates to from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, joins the forces of direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with the incredible power-enhancing and fuel-efficient technology known as Valvetronic, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. The John Cooper Works Convertible, which also now includes Valvetronic makes the jump from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.
The MINI Cooper produces 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, while the MINI Cooper S boasts 181 hp and 177 lb-ft respectively (192 lb-ft with overboost). The John Cooper Works model produces 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque at 1,850 - 5,600 rpm (207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 - 4,500 rpm).
The MINI Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works Convertible are all equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic transmission available. 2013 is the first time a John Cooper Works engine will be offered with an automatic transmission option, enabling a larger number of MINI fans to enjoy the motoring experience that the brand's halo engine configuration delivers. Both the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models feature a sport mode and include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, allowing the driver to keep both hands on the wheel even during gearshifts. The sport button, when activated, increases the steering and throttle responsiveness.
The MINI Convertible's sophisticated wheel suspension, precise electromechanical power steering, powerful brake system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - all standard features - allow the MINI Convertible to set a new standard for agility and safety.
While offering sporty performance and power, the MINI Convertible is very competitive when it comes to fuel consumption. The MINI Cooper achieves an even more impressive rating in 2013. The EPA fuel consumption estimates for the 2011 Cooper Convertible are 35 mpg Highway / 27 City / and 30 Combined. EPA estimates of fuel consumption for the 2013 MINI Cooper S Convertible are 35 Highway /26 City / 29 Combined mpg, and the John Cooper Works estimates are 35 Highway / 26 City / 29 Combined mpg. All fuel economy numbers are for models equipped with manual transmission.
All MINI models are equipped with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car's full service life. Plus, the synchronization of the gears is further optimized by a carbon coating for the clutch linings.
The EPS Electric Power-assisted Steering helps make the MINI even more nimble and agile on the road, by delivering speed-related assistance ensuring low steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds. And when the standard Sport button is depressed, EPS delivers the sportier mode that specifically increases steering forces for an even more direct driving experience.
MacPherson-style spring struts on the front axle ensure precise wheel guidance, keeping the steering almost entirely free of drive forces in fast bends, when accelerating and when applying the brakes. The multi-link rear axle, a concept unique in the MINI segment, ensures optimum tire contact with the road at all times through its kinematics.
MINI's signature front-wheel drive, go-kart-like handling and refined suspension technology are tuned specifically to the MINI Convertible. Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS), a brake system with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assist, as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Hill Assist are all standard features. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronically Differential Lock Control (EDLC) feature is available as an option or as part of the Sport Package.
Suspension technology on the MINI Convertible: go-kart feeling of the highest standard
To a large extent, the unique position of the MINI Convertible in its segment is the result of the car's exceptional driving characteristics. The open-air MINI offers the go-kart feeling so typical of the brand, now raised to an even higher standard of excellence.
The car's suspension technology safely and smoothly converts the raw power of the engines into enhanced agility and precise handling-offering even greater driving pleasure in dynamic bends, on winding country roads and in city traffic. Apart from front-wheel drive and the low center of gravity, a relatively long wheelbase of 97.1" and wide track measuring 57.4" up front and 57.8" at the rear also contribute to the agile and safe driving behavior of the MINI Convertible.
On the front axle, MacPherson struts ensure excellent wheel guidance at all times. The multi-link axle at the rear consistently guarantees optimum tire contact with the road through its elaborate kinematics, with aluminum longitudinal arms helping to keep weight to a minimum. Likewise, anti-rollbars reduce body sway to a very low level, again contributing to the agile and safe behavior of the car.
Electrical Power Steering (EPS) makes a significant contribution to the agility of the MINI Convertible, enhancing it to an even higher standard. Power assistance geared to road speed guarantees low steering forces when parking as well as a precise response at high speeds on the freeway. At the same time, EPS also enhances the efficiency of the car by consuming energy only when power assistance is really required or desired by the driver.
Optimized occupant safety ensured by the rollover safety system, four airbags and central safety electronics
The MINI Convertible provides significant safety features, including a crash-optimized body structure with reinforced A-pillars and side-sills; three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats with belt latch tensioners; and belt force limiters at the front, frontal airbags, front head/thorax airbags integrated in the side of the seat's backrest and a rollover sensor masterminding the rollover safety system. In addition, runflat tires and a Tire Pressure Monitor system are also standard.
Sophisticated suspension technology and the most advanced driving stability systems in the MINI Convertible significantly reduce the risk of an accident. Suitable precautions are also taken for situations the driver is not able to influence. Passive safety measures include an increase in passenger cell stiffness by 10 percent over the previous generation, high load-resistant carrier structures and precisely defined deformation zones, which ensure appropriate diversion and absorption of impact energy in the event of a head-on, side or rear-end collision.
To meet the specific needs of an open-air car, the newly constructed floorpan, as well as A-pillars and rocker sills, are reinforced to an even higher standard than on the Hardtop MINI-providing additional strength and stability.
The MINI Convertible comes as standard with frontal airbags and side head/torso airbags integrated in the outer flanks of the front seat backrest and protecting the head, the upper body and the hips of the occupants from injury in the event of a side-on collision. All four seats feature three-point inertia-reel seat belts with additional belt force limiters and optimized belt tensioners on the front seats.
All restraint systems are controlled by the car's central safety electronics and are activated as a function of the type and severity of a collision. The safety system in the MINI Convertible also comprises a rollover sensor activating the newly-developed rollover protection bar as well as the belt latch tensioners and the head/torso airbags in the event of a rollover.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all models and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is optional. DTC also includes an EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock) function that controls wheel spin on the drive wheels during acceleration by using front brake force to manage the speed and torque differential between the wheels.
Active safety is enhanced in critical driving situations by the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes and builds up maximum brake pressure very quickly. Hill Assist start-off assistance, in conjunction with DSC, maintains brake pressure for up to three seconds after the brake pedal has been released and before the clutch has been engaged, to prevent the car from rolling back when setting off on an uphill gradient.
Performance tires standard on all MINIs
Both the MINI Cooper and Cooper S convertible models come standard with 16-inch light-alloy rims and 195/65 R 16 runflat tires. Even larger 17-inch rims running on 205/45 R 17 tires are available as an option for these models, and are standard on the John Cooper Works model.
Thanks to their failsafe running characteristics, the standard runflat tires allow the driver to go on motoring even when a tire is completely flat, covering a distance of up to 90 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph.
And every 2013 MINI is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) that permanently monitors air pressure and informs the driver in the event of an emergency.
The interior: spacious, variable, sophisticated
The flexible storage system delivers outstanding functionality. The easy-load system includes: an expanded luggage compartment opening, rear seat backrests that can be folded down and locked into position, and a pivoting, two-position shelf for packages. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 6.0 cu ft with the roof closed and rear seats, up to 23.3 cu ft with the rear-seats folded down.
Depending on requirements, the rear seat backrests-50/50 split down the middle-can be folded completely. With the roof closed, this increases luggage compartment capacity to 23.3 cubic, feet. The maximum load, in turn, is 948 lb.
The MINI Convertible comes with an Easy-Load system. With the rear lid swiveling down conveniently, the entire lid also serves as a storage tray able to carry a load of up to 176 lb.
A further important point is that the rear roof frame swivels up by approximately 35 degrees, creating a generous luggage compartment opening for much easier loading of bulky objects.
Inside the cars, the controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimized functionality and ergonomics.
Combined with the horizontal geometry of the interior and, in particular, the instrument panel, the displays in their purist, round design characterize the overall design theme of the cockpit. The central element is the MINI-signature center speedometer. The displays and controls for the entertainment system as well as the display for the optional MINI Connected and Navigation systems are integrated in the speedometer, while the tachometer remains a separate unit positioned, as befits a sporting car, behind the steering wheel in the driver's line of sight.
A round transmitter finished in typical MINI style replaces the conventional door and ignition key, with the driver controlling engine operation with a start/stop button. All instruments and controls are very smooth and easy to operate, positioned at the right point for optimum ergonomics.
Background illumination in five colors
The interior lighting reflects typical MINI style and class, with the addition of ambient lighting which can be varied in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue. Serving as discreet "waterfall illumination" from above and as indirect illumination of the roof lining, the door storage bins and the door handle recesses, this illumination scheme creates a unique atmosphere inside the 2013 MINI.
The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by harmonious colors and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and color lines have also been extensively updated.
'Design worlds' help achieve detailed customization
In customary MINI style, additional - and almost limitless - customization can be achieved by varying the individual components of each design world and adding further items from the extensive range of equipment and accessories.
All the models in the new MINI family come as standard with a wealth of interior features which underline their high level of quality even more strikingly than before, as well as ensuring optimized functionality.
The distinctive design of the cockpit, all the controls and the door and side trim exudes cutting-edge exclusivity, a virtue now accentuated further by an extremely harmonious color scheme and high-quality materials.
All of the buttons and switches (and their surrounds) on the center console below the center speedo are black, as are the controls and framing of the audio system display. The air conditioning controls are bordered by a chrome ring, and another chrome highlight can be found in the steering wheel. The keypads of the optional multifunction steering wheel are also in black.
Optional automatic air conditioning with a Convertible mode.
The MINI Convertible comes with either manual air conditioning (standard) or automatic climate control (optional). The automatic unit even comprises a special Convertible mode activated automatically as soon as the roof is opened. In this mode, the temperature set by the driver and passengers is consistently maintained even under the influence of the wind rushing by.
Whenever the a/c compressor is not used it is automatically switched off in the interest of enhanced efficiency. And in low outside temperatures the heating in the footwells is automatically intensified to provide a pleasant climate inside the car as quickly as possible. The Convertible mode is deactivated as soon as the driver closes the roof and the interior temperature required is set automatically through the usual process.
Every minute counts: the Openometer
The MINI Convertible is also available with an optional, very special feature highlighting the thrill of driving in the open air. Positioned to the left of the tachometer, the Openometer specifies precisely, down to the last minute, how long the driver and passengers have enjoyed their car with the roof down.
The Openometer is a truly unique instrument clearly expressing-in straightforward facts and figures-the exceptional pleasure of driving the MINI Convertible with the roof down. Indeed, it prompts the driver and passengers to enjoy the thrilling features of everyday traffic as often as they can. And at the same time it symbolizes the invitation by the MINI Convertible to enjoy a particularly appealing driving experience.
The MINI Convertible is the ideal companion for the motorist who seeks thrilling, open-air motoring at all times and wishes to enjoy these special moments in a style that only MINI can offer.
Entertainment and Navigation system
The audio and navigation systems and optional integration platforms for external music players and mobile phones all offer top-class entertainment and communications capability. All the radio systems include an MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection to hook up external music players with the on-board audio system. Even the standard-fitted MINI CD radio comes with six loudspeakers.
The MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation systems come with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display in the Center Speedo and a standard Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface. The maps for the navigation systems are stored on an on-board flash memory device and can be updated via a USB interface. The map display can be viewed in a day and night mode.
In conjunction with the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with USB audio interface, which also includes a snap-in adapter in the center console with charging function and a roof aerial, both the MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation system allow the use of add-on functions supported by a connected mobile device.
These include audio streaming via Bluetooth, album cover artwork display on the on-board monitor, Web Radio, and innovative office functions. For example, caller lists stored on a mobile phone and business cards from contacts can be viewed on the on-board monitor. In addition, the optional voice output function allows calendar entries recorded in a smartphone to be read out.
Base Retail Price - USA
MINI Convertible
2013 Cooper $25,850 (2012) $25,650
2013 Cooper S $28,850 (2012) $28,650
2013 John Cooper Works $36,000 (2012) $35,800
Wide range of accessories: more flair, more sport, more functionality.
The wide range of MINI accessories enabling the owner to customize his - or her - MINI Convertible, over and above the special equipment available from the factory, comprises more than 200 different items, plus roughly 60 more from the John Cooper Works range of accessories.
The choice includes classics already very popular among MINI or MINI Clubman drivers, as well as others developed specifically for the MINI Convertible. All components are perfectly tailored to the MINI Convertible and fulfill the BMW Group's high standards of quality and safety.
And to take customization to the next level, in 2013 MINI will continue to offer customers the option to create their own graphics for their vehicle's "A" panel, roof, side panel, interior and stripes.
Sporting highlights from John Cooper Works Tuning
The 2013 MINI is also available with exterior components from the John Cooper Works Tuning Range made by hand from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. These include panels for the front air scoop, the exterior mirrors, and the grab handle on the tailgate.
Components from John Cooper Works provide the latest road-going MINI with classic motorsport technology. The wide range of Works Accessories named after the legendary Formula 1 car maker and MINI tuner includes enhancements like the 12.4-inch, cross-drilled front-brake discs for the MINI Cooper S. To match these larger brakes, John Cooper Works offers 18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, the largest wheels approved for MINI (7J x 18), mounting 205/40X18 low-profile, tires (and featuring runflat technology). The Dealer installed John Cooper Works Tuning Kit raises the output of the MINI Cooper S to 195 hp and the maximum torque to 184 lb-ft (with the over boost function temporary to 200 lb-ft). This kit is available for the manual transmission and automatic transmission models.
Another highlight of the John Cooper Works accessory line is the Aerodynamic Kit with the front and rear air dam, an all-black hood grille and new side skirts, providing a sporty and aggressive look to the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. This aero kit can also be supplemented by two roof spoilers: The John Cooper Works roof spoiler with a carbon surface approved for both the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper; and the single-piece roof spoiler finished on request in body color. The youthful appearance of the package is enhanced by multi-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels carrying 205/45x17 tires.
Production - Tradition and Quality, Made in England
The modern MINI's sales success is mirrored by its production triumph. The original plan launched in 2000 called for an annual output of 100,000 units, but demand by 2005 had already doubled that number.
Growth of this magnitude demanded the utmost performance and great flexibility on the part of the production plants as well as the suppliers. To facilitate this, the new generation of MINI Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman are built by three British plants of the BMW Group production network in Oxford, Swindon, and Hams Hall. These three plants form a closely-knit production system, with a highly integrated structure. Together, all three plants currently employ some 5,700 associates, with a maximum production capacity of up to 240,000 MINIs a year.
The three plants comply with the production and quality standards of the BMW Group and are certified for environmental management to ISO 14001. Together with the BMW Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich, Germany, the Quality and Engineering Center (QEC) in Oxford played a decisive role in the ongoing technical development of the MINI. And now the QEC consistently monitors production quality by means of advanced and sophisticated inspection methods.
Flexible, customer-oriented production
The Mobile Standard Production Cells (Mobi-Cells) developed by the BMW Group, a significant innovation employed in the 15,000-square-meter body shop, increase production flexibly and quickly whenever required. This makes production of the new MINI highly flexible, reflecting the standards of the BMW Group's Customer-Oriented Sales and Production Process (KOVP). This flexibility allows the customer to change the configuration of his or her car up to six days prior to the start of assembly, despite a choice of more than 370 features and options in the interior, more than 300 variants on the exterior, and the approximately 2,000 components which go into every MINI.
Strict quality standards also applied to suppliers
A number of suppliers have located in the vicinity of the BMW Group Plants in Oxford, Swindon, and Hams Hall, creating hundreds of jobs in the region. Such close contact with manufacturers of components including seats and cockpit modules guarantees optimum, on-time management of production processes.
MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 115 MINI passenger car dealers in 38 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of six unique vehicles.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com