Shift Faster With MINI.

Top MINIs with Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

Both the MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper S with its new six-speed automatic transmission are making their world debut in Detroit. This light and compact automatic transmission with Steptronic, adaptive management and an extremely fast gearshift of only 1/4 second, gives the two top models supreme agility, sporting performance, and the very best in driving comfort.

A hydraulic torque converter offering maximum efficiency ensures a smooth gearshift, while the converter lock-up clutch guarantees an equally smooth flow of power and superior fuel economy. Despite its six gears, this new transmission requires a far smaller number of gearshift elements, making it much lighter and more compact than before.

Perfect Balance of Sportiness and Comfort.
On the road the automatic transmission models offer truly impressive performance almost as good as the manual gearbox versions of the MINI Cooper S. Boosted by a compressor complete with intercooler, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder develops maximum output of 125 kW/170 bhp, with torque of up to 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm providing exactly the right muscle for fast acceleration.

Benefitting from this sporting automatic transmission, the most powerful MINI reaches its top speed of 220 km/h or 136 mph (Convertible: 215 km/h or 133 mph) in fifth gear. Accelerating from a standstill, the MINI Cooper S Convertible reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, the fixed-roof top model completing the same exercise in an even faster 7.7 seconds.

In the automatic mode the new transmission offers the driver the choice of either a Sports (S) program or a Comfort (D) setting, while also allowing the driver to shift gears manually via paddles on the steering wheel (Steptronic). In the process the electronic “brain” consistently monitors driving conditions and adjusts gearshift characteristics according to individual requirements.

Market launch of the MINI Cooper S automatic in the USA and Japan will be in late January 2005. In late February 2005 the MINI Cooper S automatic will also be available in Europe and the other MINI markets. And late February 2005 will likewise be the global launch date of the MINI Cooper S Convertible with this innovative transmission.