As many MINI2 regulars will know, the MINI Cooper S will be unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show on October 24, hot on the heels of the successful launch of MINI One and MINI Cooper first in the UK, then in the rest of Europe. Well, that’s just not soon enough for those of us eager to learn more about the new range topper, so we have some exclusive MINI Cooper S information and pictures to share with you all. The flagship model is due to set pulses racing when it goes on sales next summer.

The “heart” of the MINI Cooper S is the same compact, transverse, 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder engine from the One and Cooper models, but uses state-of-the-art supercharger and intercooler technology to extract an impressive 163 bhp at 6,000 rpm. This, it is claimed, will make the MINI Cooper S the most powerful car in its class smashing the ‘magical’ 100 bhp per litre mark for good measure. Complementing the uprated engine is a new six-speed short-shifting manual gearbox allied to a carefully tuned sports suspension set up. The Cooper S will be instantly recognisable as the top-of-the-range version. An eye-catching air intake scoop on the redesigned bonnet, redesigned chunky bumpers, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and black side-sills give a clear impression of the car’s power and agility. The ‘Cooper’ boot badge also receives some well placed ‘S’ detailing. Behind the scenes, active and passive safety features, including up to six airbags, and run-flat tyres as standard, ensure the car can also claim top of its class for safety.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, MINI’s General Manager in the UK said: “MINI Cooper S is the icing on the cake for everyone working on MINI. The car has a great pedigree, great looks, a stunningly powerful engine and top-of-the-range refinement. Add this to the superb chassis and handling already experienced on MINI One and MINI Cooper and you have the ingredients of a truly ‘Super’ car in the Supermini segment. It’s a great second step in MINI’s bright future.”

The Cooper S will appear on the market thirty-nine years after the original ‘S’ was introduced as the sporting flagship of the Mini range. Owned by celebrities such as Peter Sellers, various Beatles and Steve McQueen, the ‘S’ established the Cooper legend. 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 Mini Cooper was also immortalised in celluloid with the release of The Italian Job in 1969.

Dr Heinrich Petra, Head of the MINI Project said: “The desire to achieve such a well balanced front-wheel drive car, and the fun we had in putting 163 brake horse power into the MINI, produced levels of enthusiasm and motivation I have never before experienced. The team have produced a car that sets new standards in performance and luxury in its class.”

Supplies of the Cooper S are expected to be limited by comparison to the MINI Cooper and MINI One models. Despite it’s high performance figures and impressive list of extra features, the Cooper S is expected to have a base price of less than £15,000 in the UK, which makes it a very tempting package for those already considering a MINI Cooper next year. You can expect early second hand models to be changing hands at very high premiums. If you want an ‘S’ and are not on your dealers list already, we suggest you get talking to your local MINI dealer very soon, or you could be in for a long wait.