Official MINI latest news by DPMINI Aaron

[DPMINI Aaron]

MINI United Kingdom Corporate Communications The new MINI John Cooper Works on the starting grid at Geneva
Factory-built JCW Cooper S Hatch and Clubman set for launch

• Engine modifications deliver 211hp and 0-62 in 6.5 seconds
• Engine, brakes, suspension settings and transmission adapted from MINI CHALLENGE race car
• Dynamic Traction Control makes MINI debut
• Full range of John Cooper Works body styling products available
• New speedo design to accommodate the higher maximum speed

Production of John Cooper Works-tuned cars is all set to resume at MINI’s Plant Oxford after the launch of the second-generation MINI Cooper S Hatch. From July 2008, customers will be able to order factory-built MINIs that produce 211hp and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds.
Motorsport has heavily influenced the engineering and development of these new MINIs that feature a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection with common rail. The four-cylinder engine has had the same modifications as the MINI CHALLENGE race car, along with re-engineered brakes, suspension and strengthened gearing. Each upgrade combines to give the car a remarkable output of 132hp per litre combined with 40mpg.
The cars will be unveiled for the first time to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show in March.
Specifications
Output hp
Torque Nm
0-62mph
secs
Top speed mph
C02 g/km
Combined Fuel cons. mpg
JCW Hatch

211
260*
6.5
148
165
40.9


JCW Clubman
211
260*
6.8
148
167
40.4
*280Nm with Overboost at 206lb-ft

Engine
The engine specially developed for the MINI CHALLENGE race car is fitted to the MINI John Cooper Works cars. The basic unit is the 1.6 litre power plant supplied in the standard MINI Cooper S, but modifications have been made to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst. Air supply to the modified larger turbocharger is increased through fitment of a larger air intake pipe, which in turn creates a quicker induction phase.
The Works engines from Hams Hall also come with reinforced, specially polished pistons, as well as a strengthened cylinder head for optimised stability and a modified cylinder gasket. The intake valves and valve seat rings have also been upgraded with stronger and more resistant materials. This reduces the engine’s compression ratio.

The new Sports exhaust system is instantly recognisable through the large polished stainless steel twin tailpipes. Modification of the exhaust system has also helped to reduce counter-pressure at the point of exhaust gas recirculation. Ducts in the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are split between two cylinders each. Congestion is therefore minimised when air is inducted to the turbocharger and "turbo lag" is virtually eliminated.
The John Cooper Works MINIs are the first models in the range to fulfil all the requirements of the European EU5 emission standards that come into force in 2009.
The material used in machining the turbine has been upgraded specifically for the Works engine, with maximum charge pressure increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar, in order to maintain the highest possible temperature for a longer period in the combustion chambers. This lengthening of the combustion process helps to achieve the higher torque curve of the Works car at 260Nm at just 1,850rpm. The Overboost function briefly extends this further to 280Nm. This suits the character of a John Cooper Works car perfectly as Overboost is experienced exclusively through increased torque, not on engine output.

Safety and Driving Dynamics
MINI has always had sophisticated driving stability systems as standard. These include ABS Brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, as well as DSC Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Assist. For the first time, DTC Dynamic Traction Control is added to the list.
DTC allows controlled slip on the drive wheels. For example, on a slippery surface, the driver can pick up speed in a controlled manner with the front wheels spinning slightly. When reaching the upper limit, DSC will intervene as usual. But the driver can deactivate the DSC/DTC systems if he wishes by the touch of a button.

Chassis
The suspension has been specifically tuned for the Works models. Extra-large disc brakes adorned with uprated red callipers are fitted to Works cars.

Interior
The options included as standard on the John Cooper Works include a leather sports steering wheel, air-conditioning, interior trim in glossy Piano Black and an Anthracite roof lining. The gearstick has an extra special design with red stitching to denote the gears.
An upgraded sound system is also included in the JCW package and features 10 speakers and an eight-channel amplifier for increased aural pleasure. For the first time, the MINI speedo has been increased to 160mph on the dial to accommodate the higher maximum speed of the JCW.
The six-speed manual gearbox has been strengthened to handle the powerful new engine.
The standard Sports button, located in front of the gear stick, activates a bespoke engine control map which produces even more dynamic performance and sharper steering response.

Wheels
The Works MINIs come with exclusive 17" light-alloy wheels in JCW Cross-Spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, and weigh less than 10 kilos each.

[DPMINI Aaron]

We are pleased to announce that the R56 MINI Cooper D Hatch and R55 MINI Cooper D Clubman models are set to benefit from the recently announced changes to the London Congestion Charging policy.

The new policy which comes into effect from 27th October 2008 , is as follows:

Emissions Level
Daily Charge
Effective Date
What action do customers need to take?
Up to 120g/km CO2 and Euro 4
£0
27
October
2008

Vehicle owners will need to register with Transport for London annually to receive the new discount.

An annual £10 registration charge will be levied.

MINI Cooper D Hatch models were built from launch with a CO2 emissions output of 118g/km and this was subsequently reduced to 104g/km from August 2007 production.

MINI Cooper D Clubman models from launch have a CO2 emissions output of 109g/km.

Both of these models are therefore able to benefit from this new policy. Please note, the automatic variants do not benefit as the CO2 emissions levels exceed the 120g/km limit and will subsequently be liable for the £8 daily charge.

We would like to stress that it is the vehicle owner's responsibility to register with Transport for London on an annual basis to receive the new discount. To read details of the full policy and for further information relating to these changes please see:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/roadsandpublicspaces/7411.aspx

Marketing material for those dealerships in or around the London area is currently being planned and will be communicated directly.

[KPKalle]

http://www.mini2.com/2008/02/24/full...inis-revealed/ and http://www.mini2.com/2008/02/28/john...-works-videos/

[DPMINI Aaron]

We regret to announce that with immediate effect, LNPR Malt Brown English Leather is no longer available to order for R52 MINI Sidewalk models.

All customer orders already in IVS before week 14 will be fulfilled, however all future orders for MINI Sidewalk models must be specified with the recently announced LNPN Black English Leather.

[DPMINI Aaron]

Apple iPhone

The Apple iPhone has been approved for all MINI models fitted with Bluetooth Telephone Preperation (option 644) or Bluetooth with USB Audio (option 6NE) from September 2007 production onwards.

Bluetooth with USB Audio (option 6NE)
For vehicles fitted with option 6NE, providing it is connected with the Aftersales USB iPod Cable, the Apple iPhone has been approved as a compatible audio player with the USB/audio interface.

NOTE: The Apple iPhone has not been tested and approved as a device that can perform both operations simultaneoulsly. This means we do not currently support the pairing and use of the phone, whilst the device is also being used as an audio player with the USB/audio interface.

[DPMINI Aaron]

The MINI R52 sidewalk only is now available in the new colour of white silver.
See website for pictures.

[DPMINI Aaron]

R56 MINI Hatch:

As from Week 10, 2008 production all R56 MINI Hatch models will now come standard with option 210 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

DSC includes option 214 Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T).


Price Increase:

The following R56 MINI Hatch prices will be effective from Week 10, 2008 production:

Please note: There will be no price protection for this price increase.

Model Code
Model Description
Current OTR Price
March 2008 OTR Price
Increase £
Increase % (rounded)
ME32

MINI One

£11,625
£11,915
£290
2.5%
MF32

MINI Cooper

£13,025
£13,315
£290
2.2%
MG32

MINI Cooper D

£14,190
£14,415
£225
1.6%
MF72

MINI Cooper S

£16,000
£16,235
£235
1.5%

[DPMINI Aaron]

R55 MINI Clubman:

The Aux-in socket position will move from underneath the centre console to the front, just below the window switches

[ontheroadagain]

Interesting news - and thank you!

[Jordan210]

Quote: Originally Posted by DPMINI Aaron (original)

We regret to announce that with immediate effect, LNPR Malt Brown English Leather is no longer available to order for R52 MINI Sidewalk models.

All customer orders already in IVS before week 14 will be fulfilled, however all future orders for MINI Sidewalk models must be specified with the recently announced LNPN Black English Leather.

To me Black does not seam to look right, As you still seam to get the split brown stearing wheel and gear stick !

[85NIXMIN]

Ewww that is weird... why not make it all black?

[Jordan210]

Quote: Originally Posted by 85NIXMIN (original)

Ewww that is weird... why not make it all black?

Would be a standard interior then

[85NIXMIN]

True it would aye... haha

[DPMINI Aaron]

Effective from 1st April 2008:

Release of option 6ND Basic Bluetooth with USB Audio
To further complement MINI's range of innovative functions, we now offer option 6ND 'Basic Bluetooth with USB Audio'. Priced at £295 across both the Hatch and Clubman range.

This option is a more cost effective way of having the Bluetooth and USB function in a MINI.

Basic Bluetooth allows you to use your mobile phone through the car's audio system as a hands-free telephone function. Please be aware the following elements vs. Full Bluetooth Telephone Preparation are not included in this option:

• 249 Multifunction for steering wheel
• 255 Sports leather steering wheel
• 473 Centre armrest with Bluetooth cradle
• No charging function
• No aerial amp

Option 6NE: Change of name to 'Full Bluetooth Telephone Preparation with USB Audio'
Option 6NE will receive a change of name to provide better clarity following the introduction of option 6ND.

Option 314: Change of name to 'Heated Windscreen Washer Jets and Exterior Mirrors'
In order to reflect that option 314 includes heated exterior mirrors, this option has received a name change.


Effective from 1st May 2008.

Option 441 Smoker's Pack will increase in price from £10 to £15.

[DPMINI Aaron]

We are pleased to announce that all MINI Convertible Sidewalk models can now be freely specified with either Brown or Black upholsteries, due to the current supply issues being resolved.