Extra Weight, Extra Power for Soft Top S.

MINI2 originally reported this rumour in early February, and we’re now as certain as we can be without official confirmation the Convertible Cooper S will come with a maximum power output of 170 bhp and a healthy 220 nm (160 lb/ft) of torque. This compares to the standard cars 163 bhp / 210 nm figures. The reason, we understand,
is purely to counteract the increased kerb weight of the soft top car, to keep performance figures healthy.

The power increase would be purely a result of an ECU “tweak” at the factory, and one has to wonder if MINI will introduce this small increase across the range (unlikely according to our sources), or if informed Cooper S owners will begin asking their dealers if they could give their hard top S some “soft top tweaking”. Whether dealers will be in a position to oblige is quite another matter!

One possible draw back could be further reduced fuel efficiency, more power AND more weight being hauled around by the same basic power unit could lead to further reduced economy figures, one of the main criticisms already leveled at the Cooper S engine.

All this information remains officially unconfirmed, and MINI are remaining tight lipped with details on the forthcoming Cooper S Convertible, although we do know for sure that when it arrives, MINI will be offering the 200 bhp John Cooper Works package via authorised MINI dealerships.