Black Friday Deal: Get 50% Off Memberships Until December 6!
2012 MINI Cooper S Coupé

2012 MINI Cooper S Coupé

2012 MINI Cooper S Coupé

The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI never fails to bring a smile to the face. And now it can also be enjoyed – with the roof up or down – in the first model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster is the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s line-up and the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. This typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster gives the small car segment another shot in the arm. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap.

The MINI Roadster’s classical soft-top roof, which can be opened and closed quickly and easily, ensures open-air driving pleasure is there to be lapped up at every opportunity. When it comes to optimising occupant protection the MINI Roadster is fitted with a pair of roll-over bars behind the seats. And whether the roof is open or closed, the driver and passenger have a 240-litre load compartment at their disposal. The wide through-loading facility into the passenger compartment provides an additional dose of practicality.

Design: classical roadster lines, hallmark MINI design language.

The faithful reproduction of the hallmark MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster gives the open-top two-seater an unmistakable and irresistible charisma. Even with the roof closed the MINI Roadster displays an elegant, sweeping silhouette, with the transition from soft-top to rear end highlighting its characteristic three-box design particularly clearly. Characteristic MINI design features leave little doubt as to the brand identity of the new model.

Engines: impressive power, exemplary efficiency.

The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of four powerful – yet also highly efficient – petrol and diesel engines from launch. The model line-up ranges from the MINI Cooper Roadster (90 kW/122 hp), via the MINI Cooper SD Roadster (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Roadster
(135 kW/184 hp), to the sharpest performer of all, the 155 kW/211 hp
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster.

Chassis: agility and precision ensure unbeatable driving fun.

Teaming up with the powerful engines and customary MINI front-wheel drive, chassis technology of a quality unparalleled in the small car segment and tuned specially for the MINI Roadster imbues the new model with the brand’s hallmark driving fun. Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance comes as standard, as does DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), while Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, optional on all other models – adds even greater assurance on slippery surfaces and additional sports performance under dynamic cornering.

Optimised weight balance and aerodynamic properties.

A torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and
low centre of gravity enhance both the handling agility and safety of the MINI Roadster. Meanwhile, front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars fixed to the body join forces in the name of occupant protection. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimised by an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).

High-quality standard equipment, broad scope for individualisation.

The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster), electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying attractive options such as xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housing, Comfort Access and the Always Open Timer. And the MINI Roadster also offers in-car use of innovative MINI Connected infotainment and communications functions.

Made in England: MINI Roadster built at MINI Plant Oxford.

The character of the MINI Roadster also owes much to its British roots; it will be produced alongside the MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Coupé in Great Britain. The arrival of the new model sees the assembly plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory gain even further in importance. MINI already ranks as the country’s third-largest carmaker, and the BMW Group is investing around
£500 million in the ongoing expansion and modernisation of its manufacturing facilities in Britain up to 2014.

In Detail

tags r58
submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
built at Cowley, Oxfordshire, England
engine Inline-4
position Front, Transverse
aspiration Turbocharged
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Direct Fuel Injection
displacement 1598 cc / 97.5 in³
bore 77 mm / 3.0 in
stroke 85.8 mm / 3.4 in
compression 10.5:1
power 135 kw / 181.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output 113.27 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 152.74 bhp per tonne
torque 240 nm / 177.0 ft lbs @ 1730 rpm
redline 7000
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels Unit Steel
front tires 195/55 R16 87V
rear tires 195/55 R16 87V
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS
f brake size 22 x 294 mm / 0.9 x 11.6 in
rear brakes Solid Discs w/ABS
r brake size 10 x 259 mm / 0.4 x 10.2 in
front wheels F 40.6 x 16.5 cm / 16 x 6.5 in
rear wheels R 40.6 x 16.5 cm / 16 x 6.5 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension MacPherson Struts w/Lower Wishbones
r suspension Multi-Link w/Lower Wishbones
curb weight 1185 kg / 2613 lbs
wheelbase 2467 mm / 97.1 in
front track 1453 mm / 57.2 in
rear track 1461 mm / 57.5 in
length 3734 mm / 147.0 in
width 1683 mm / 66.3 in
height 1309 mm / 51.5 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.308:1, 2.130:1, 1.483:1, 1.139:1, 0.949:1, 0.816:1
final drive 3.706:1
top speed ~227 kph / 140.97 mph
0 – 100 kph ~7.0 seconds
drag 0.37 Cd
urban fuel econ eu 7.5 L/100 km or 31.36 mpg-us
extra urban fuel econ eu 5.1 L/100 km or 46.12 mpg-us
combined fuel econ eu 6.0 L/100 km or 39.20 mpg-us
emission 139 g/km