2002 MINI Cooper S

Enter the Mini Cooper S, the top derivative of the new model line produced by BMW. MINI Cooper S will appear on the market thirty-nine years after the original S was introduced as the flagship of the Mini range. The Mini Cooper S dominated the Monte Carlo rally in the mid-sixties, winning in 64, 65 and 67 and, controversially in 66 when it was subsequently disqualified. Touring car and saloon car victories were also being racked up at this time. The S was also immortalised in celluloid with the release of The Italian Job in 1969.

At the heart of this car is a compact inline-4 now producing 163 BHP thanks to the addition of supercharger & intercooler. Together with the 6-speed manual, long wheel base and sports suspension, the power unit guarantees this will be the best Mini yet. The S will be the most powerful car in its class breaking the magical 100 bhp per litre mark from its 1.6 litre engine. Taking the higher level of thermal and mechanical loads into account, a number of components such as the crankshaft, pistons, valves, radiator and engine management parameters have been modified on the new engine. Compression, in turn, has been reduced from 10.6:1 on the MINI Cooper to 8.3:1 on the MINI Cooper S. Bore and stroke are exactly the same as on the MINI Cooper.

MINI Cooper S will be instantly recognisable as the top-of-the-range version. An eye-catching air intake scoop on the re-designed bonnet, re-designed chunky bumpers, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and black side-sills give a clear impression of the car’s power and agility. Behind the scenes, active and passive safety features, including up to six airbags, and run-flat tyres as standard, ensure the car is also top of its class for safety.

Story by BMW