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MINI History MINI Cars MINI Concepts Specials MINI Plant in Oxford, UK
The new MINI is being manufactured on one of the world's most modern and advanced production systems at the BMW Group plant at Oxford - the result of a £230 million investment programme at the factory. MINI Stars in "The Italian Job" MINI, the 2003 North American Car of the Year, will join a stellar cast that includes Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def and Donald Sutherland, in Paramount Pictures’ film, “The Italian Job,” opening nationwide May 30th.
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MINI Market Introduction MINI Design MINI Technology MINI: MINI Technology
The technology in the MINI is just as exciting as its design. The use of the latest development methods, such as virtual crash simulation, has achieved a body shell rigidity that is two to three times higher than is normal amongst its competitors. Together with the ultramodern, precise chassis, this is what creates the go-kart-type driving feel that makes driving this car pure fun. The multi-link rear suspension of the MINI, for example, is completely unique. It vastly improves the kinematics of the rear wheels and also allows optimum use of space for the boot.
Large disc brakes (front ventilated) on all four wheels, supplemented by the four-sensor ABS with CBC (cornering brake control) provided as standard and electronic braking distribution (EBD), provide the MINI with excellent braking performance. If required, ASC + T traction control or DSC dynamic stability control are also available. Engine
All the MINI brand products are powered by variations on the 1.6 litre "Pentagon" basic engine, which was developed jointly by BMW and Chrysler. The MINI Cooper is driven by a version providing 85 kW/115 hp, whilst the MINI One has a 66 kW/90 hp model. The Pentagon engine meets the EU4 emissions requirements and is one of the few engines on the market that requires no secondary air injection or exhaust return. The MINI Cooper is powered by an extremely agile four-cylinder, 16-valve engine giving 85 kW/115 hp from a capacity of 1.6 litres. This means that the MINI Cooper can reach a speed of 100 in just 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is relatively modest at 6.7 litres according to EU standards. In comparison, the MINI One provides 66 kW/90 hp, with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds; its top speed is 185 km/h and fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Chassis The MINI's multi-link rear suspension is totally unique in this segment. Its geometry is designed in such a way that the wheels always adjust to the best possible angle in relation to the road and the tyres are always in full contact with the carriageway. Changes in the camber of the road thus have no effect on steering or the car's traction. The multi-link suspension allows space to be well used and creates a luggage space with a low floor and a large distance between the shock absorbers. These are
important characteristics in view of the position of the axle, which
is close to the MINI's tail, and the relatively small boot area. The
MINI One and MINI Cooper have a stabiliser on the front axle; however,
the stabiliser on the MINI Cooper is reinforced compared with that on
the MINI One. In addition, the MINI Cooper has an additional stabiliser
on the rear axle and a sporty chassis and suspension tuning. |
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Electrics and electronics The MINI has a highly sophisticated multiplex electronics infra-structure. Because of its data bus system, it uses far fewer wires, cables and plugs than car electronics have previously used. The system is divided into two: the CAN-bus system connects engine management, brakes, transmission and instruments, and the K-bus system is responsible for body electronics such as interior lighting, air-conditioning, doors and windows. .All photos: BMW AG
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