And then there were five. The next exciting chapter to continue the success story of MINI has begun to launch a brand new MINI Convertible a unique model in fifth place in the family.

Sale alongside the door MINI Convertible, Clubman and Countryman, the 2012 MINI Coupe is the first British-built two-seater sports car in the UK long and proud history of the brand. This is a modern reworking of the concept of authentic performance car classic Mini Mix with the heady go-attitude and places convenient for a new type of clients.

The mission of the MINI Coupe is simple: to maximize the pleasure of being behind the wheel. The drivers concerned will be rewarded with a level of handling agility unparalleled in the small car segment. Every aspect of the MINI Convertible – the choice of engine and chassis configuration weight distribution and aerodynamics – is focused on delivering dynamic performance. To test this, the MINI John Cooper Works has the Coupé faster acceleration and top speed of any MINI volume produced to date.

Four strong MINI range will be sold through the dealer MINI October 1, 2011, and the MINI Convertible, guests can expect an exceptionally high level of equipment including: DAB digital radio, air conditioning, parking sensors, alloy wheels, 3 spoke Sports leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body. Wide range of accessories and customization options are available.

The key to the call MINI Coupe exterior design is incredible, unlike anything else in the sport-compact segment. Immediately recognizable as part of the MINI family, it is a genuine and attractive reinterpretation of conventional indices of the MINI design that have become so familiar on British roads in the last decade. The language of car design – the intelligent combination of sporting sculpted surfaces, smooth curves and parallel lines – to design the brand in a new direction with an emphasis on fresh and clear sports brand DNA.

MINI Convertible is also a new vehicle. It ‘the first of the modern MINI to accept the traditional “three box” body structure, splitting the car in several segments – the engine compartment, cabin and boot. Although the overall length and width are almost identical to the MINI Hatch, Coupe total height is 29 mm lower. Visually, this, and went aft to give the car aggressive, forward thrust profile. A lower roof line should not be at the expense of the driver and passenger comfort, however. Oval depressions in the roof to give more headroom, fully describes the Mini ethos, ‘No compromise’.

The design team led by chief designer Anders Warming MINI Coupe gave a distinctive look from every angle. The most striking view is probably the profile with a horizontal stratification of the car at three different levels – the body, the glass envelope and roof “design center” the striking The pillars and the windshield. are strongly inclined 13 ˚ to the MINI hatch, resulting in a smaller frontal area which gives the MINI Coupe with excellent aerodynamic properties.

The airflow is also optimized for an integrated rear spoiler on the roof, and through a single active bootlid spoiler hosted. And ‘activated automatically when the car reaches 50 mph – 37 mph, and down again – but it can be operated using the button on the control panel. Mini Coupe is the first in the history of an active rear spoiler reduces lift on the rear axle to improve aerodynamic balance and grip.

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognize the interior of the Coupé. The beloved big central circular Speedo, control system and many other features MINI are all present in the cabin for two people.

Behind it there is ample luggage space of 280 liters – 20 liters larger than the MINI Clubman – with easy access to the driver or the passenger cabin and the outside through the boot. The tailgate opening makes it easy to load large and the car offers excellent loading possibilities to adapt to a wide range of needs. Whether the daily routine, weekend fun and pleasure trips to visit for two more adventurous, the MINI Coupe is the ideal transport.

Engines tested

Power MINI Convertible is the latest generation of the BMW Group, four-cylinder petrol and diesel. Outputs range from 122 kW hp/90 MINI Cooper Convertible 211 hp / 155 kW, a very desirable flagship of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. The recent creation of high performance diesel engine, 143 hp/105 kW, Cooper, SD, is also available and is ready for mounting on a Cooper S, which offers 184 hp / 135kW.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle lengths of 39 mpg in the 0.8 MINI John Cooper Works to cut a frugal 65.7mpg on the model of Cooper SD, while CO2 emissions are as low as 114g/km only in SD Cooper. Even the MINI John Cooper Works emits only 165g/km Coupé. The full technical specification of each model follows.

Likely to be popular with many potential clients MINI Cooper Coupe is the SD variant, which offers better fuel economy, torque lower emissions increased production of any MINI. In addition, it will sprint to 62 mph in under eight seconds and lead to a top speed of 134 mph. With a value of only 13% BIK, and zero road tax in the first year, you switch drivers and fleet managers also see its obvious appeal. No official figures are yet available, but the 2012 MINI Coupe should be class-leading residual values.

Exceptional dynamics and MINI record speed

MINI Coupe, the engine power is converted into pure driving pleasure more direct and more complete than ever. This car is the clearest illustration yet of the DNA of the legendary MINI sports car is converted to a new peak. MINI Coupe offers a completely new interpretation of what a candidate in the category of compact sports cars should offer the driver.

MINI Convertible takes the legendary go-kart handling of each of the new Mini, a new record. That each of the four model variants to bring the name of Cooper, his name reflects the belief in the performance of the car MINI new proxies. Traditionally, this sign is a sign of a great sporting ability, and a nod to the brand for a long-term cooperation with the legendary Formula One designer John Cooper.

A level of quality unmatched in the small car segment management table gives the new MINI style you expect from the brand. Designed to be the ultimate expression of go-kart handling, the car’s suspension system provides a fun driving experience agile and strong.

With a multi-link rear axle and suspension MacPherson strut front, ensures the high quality of engineering of the chassis, steering and braking safe control of the car all the time even when pushed hard in dynamic situations. Compared to the Hatch Cup Mini is also equipped with springs and dampers optimized and a revised rear anti-roll bar to further improve its sporting pedigree.

Work to increase overall chassis rigidity has been a slight advance in the weight distribution of the MINI Coupe from the MINI Hatch. This has great advantages for vehicle dynamics, because the slight increase of the front axle increases traction and helps ensure the power is easily translated into accelerating sports.

Low center of gravity, long wheelbase and track measures 2467 mm front and rear 1,459 mm and 1467 mm respectively, have contributed to the sure-footed handling. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is standard across the range MINI Convertible and makes an important contribution to security and agile. In extreme driving situations and on slippery surfaces, the system may selectively braking individual wheels and reducing engine block in the front or back of slide in the earliest stage possible. The system includes an integral ABS, EBD (electronic brake distributor), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) is standard on the list of options, but the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.

The optional sport suspension that is firmer dampers and comes with upgraded anti-roll bars front and rear. For more experienced “hard core” racing MINI includes a range of accessories Coupe John Cooper Works suspension, with a fall of 10 mm ride height, ultra-fast absorption and further improved anti-roll bars.

One of the biggest attractions of owning a new MINI Coupe is its linear velocity. In the case of the MINI John Cooper Works sports car is a record performance MINI. With a 0-62 mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149 miles per hour, it is the fastest MINI volume produced to date on these two points.

MINIMALISM environmental technology as the standard

All versions of the MINI Coupe comes with the technology of the brand MINIMALISM critically acclaimed environmental standard, providing exceptional efficiency of the powertrain. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start / Stop Shift point display, electric power steering and the need for an operation based on the auxiliary components help make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include thermal encapsulating innovative powertrain, which reduces fuel undermining the warm-up after a cold start. All these results in the MINI is the cleanest cut on the market today.

The six-speed manual transmission as standard sets a new benchmark in the travel segment with its change in the short and precise actions. A weight of ready-to-disk 44.8 kg making it the lightest of the gearbox of this type. Relations warranty carefully consider the unprecedented agility midrange acceleration. In addition, the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works and SD Cooper Coupe models all come with innovative self-adjusting clutch. Automatic adjustment ensures that the pedal feel is expected of a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the life of the car.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity offered by an automatic transmission, a gearbox six-speed Steptronic Function, available with paddle shifters can be ordered as an option for the coupe MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S Coupe and Coupe MINI Cooper SD .

MINI Cooper Coupe comes with alloy wheels 15-inch standard with a 16-inch version equipped Coupe MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper Coupe SD. MINI John Cooper Works Coupé is set to 17-inch wheels with weight-optimized, cross spoke alloy CHALLENGE JCW style.

Advanced Technology

MINI Coupe is a compelling driving experience is helped by driving the electric car (EPS). This electro-mechanical system is particularly effective to soak up the vibration of management and other vibrations.

It has a speed-sensitive help, reducing the effort required by the driver when parking, and other movements. It will reduce the number of higher speeds to improve road safety, to feel and directional stability.

A Sport button on the center console is standard on all models MINI Coupe, pressing the Sport button changes the throttle response to provide sharper, sport and reactions is designed to support a more performance driving spirit This requires a more, but provides a more sensitive touch.

Specific model of the MINI Coupe braking system offers deceleration strong and durable under pressure, even the most difficult to pedal. The brake ventilated front discs have a diameter of 280 mm in the MINI Cooper Coupe Coupe 294 mm in the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD Coupe, and 316 mm in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

Technical Specifications

All engines Coupe MINI four-cylinder petrol come with the technology of BMW Valvetronic – a fully variable valve control, which adjusts the valve lift and opening times in direct proportion to the control of the driver on the gas pedal, providing more torque and better fuel consumption.

An aggressive design and sporty potential: the KTM X-Bow is not merely a milestone in the KTM brand over 50 years of history, is also a new appointment in the segment of the small but elite cars radical, lightweight sports car. This exceptional situation is the result of the concept: for their first car, KTM employs the finest materials, high technology and know-how of respected development partners such as Audi and Dallara. The result is a vehicle approved street sport with racing technology, like an avant-garde carbon fiber monocoque. Thanks to the lightness of the standard and the 177 kW (240 hp) Audi TFSI, the performance values ​​of the KTM X-Bow outstrip those of super sports cars with over twice the power: a deadweight of approx. 700 kilos, the KTM X-Bow accelerates to 100 km in just 3.9 seconds.

But the 2008 KTM X-Bow is not just a race car, even if you intend to achieve spectacular performance feats is a racing circuit. Its modern technologies and exceptional solutions, it is much more sport-oriented drivers who want to experience driving purists. Dispensing with electronic assistants and today’s standard comfort features, the X-Bow offers unfiltered adventure – aided by its single-seater racing car wheel independent style, transparent technology and the machine to reduce the concept, ie no roof, doors and windshield. Sports Car is only 70 mm, transparent wind deflector. With all these unique features, driving the KTM X-Bow will experience the immediacy that otherwise can only be felt when riding a motorcycle.

For the motorcycle manufacturer in Upper Austria – the second largest in Europe – the decision to expand its activities in the automobile market was of great strategic importance. It was made possible by exceptionally strong growth over the past 15 years. Since 1992, KTM vehicle sales have increased an average of 21% per year, while the volume of sales even climbed to 25% each year. Today, KTM is the brand leader in the segment of off-road and in recent years has successively expanded its model portfolio on the Street area. “Moving into the automotive sector is the logical continuation of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can now offer the classic KTM driving experience to those who do not have a motorcycle license, “says Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM Power Sports list AG, explaining this investment in its future.

Monocoque carbon fiber: Racing Dallara expertise

Carbon fiber monocoque have been a safety net of Formula 1 for many years. Along the way, this technology was reserved for the elite super sports cars once in a class of higher price. KTM would now like to be the first to offer this solution in a much more affordable.

KTM was able to call upon the expertise of the development partner, Dallara. These experts Varano (near Parma) in Northern Italy have long been lauded carbon technology experts, from design to production of components made of this lightweight, but rigid. Monocoque developed for KTM X-Bow is not only extremely robust it is also safe, thanks to an integrated Crashbox. Yet only weighs about 70 pounds and is therefore a crucial factor for the spectacular performance of the vehicle.

Engine: Audi TFSI technology

KTM was able to gain Audi AG as a partner in developing the drive unit. The TFSI four-cylinder engine is the design principles of X-Bow, in an ingenious way: by featuring lightweight, high performance and intelligent technologies.

The engine is an excellent feature of its direct injection technology FSI. In this case, is connected to the exhaust gas turbocharger and intercooler. Thanks to FSI, the engine can use more fuel than conventional intake manifold injection and it gets even further with less fuel is often used partial load range.

The level of injection pressure is between 30 and 110 bar, suction valve system directly from the air flowing to the movement of the cylinder. Camshaft infinitely variable suction ensures optimum charging of the cylinder at all speeds. Two balancer shafts compensate the second order inertia forces and so guarantee superior, low vibration.

The long run KTM X-Bow, four valves per cylinder provides powerful performance: 310 newton-meters of torque peaks at a level of between 2,200 and 4,000 rpm. The maximum output of 177 kW (240 hp) is achieved at 6000 rpm. Variations even more powerful engine of 300 horsepower range are planned at a later date.

The drive unit package is complemented by a 6-speed manual transmission, which is also made by VW and can be equipped with a limited slip differential if so desired. An optional S tronic transmission will also be offered. The player comes from behind.

Chassis: Direct and competent

The X-Bow performance gain not only driving the car a low center of gravity, but also an excellent platform, based on racing technology, its basic principles. Suspended double triangular wishbone axles, the wheels feature suspension and damping elements by WP Suspension, with the tip in front of the engine available.

The Italian manufacturer Brembo can also be proud of its reputation for excellence. KTM is also expanding this partnership (which began in the area of ​​motorcycles) in the kingdom of the car. X-Bow powerful braking system consists of 305 front discs and 262 mm discs mm at the rear. The interaction of low weight of the car, the ideal balance, low center of gravity and a mixture of results 17-/18-inch bridge in spectacular braking performance: when the brakes are warm, the KTM X-Bow n ‘needs than 33.1 meters to decelerate from 100 km at a standstill.

Aerodynamics: Exceptional Contact Pressure

The main development objectives of the 2008 KTM X-Bow was not to reach extreme speeds final, but in the optimization of driving dynamics. The sports car is made easier by an ingenious aerodynamics, the result of many hours in Dallara wind tunnel. The most crucial element in this area is the basement, which is equipped with a diffuser leading to the rear. To make this work even more efficiently broadcaster, the connection points for the rear suspension as high as possible. This enables the KTM X-Bow to achieve a phenomenal downforce of about 200 kg with a speed of 200 km / h – about three times more than most other supersport cars.

In combination with high-performance chassis, the great support that makes possible the extreme curve speeds. The lateral acceleration of 1.23 g can be achieved significantly exceeds the usual values ​​achieved by street cars sports certification.

The aerodynamic concept was a big challenge for the designer. This meant that sufficient air had to be fed to the inputs to the sides, behind the passengers. The radiator is also located in the rear of the vehicle to avoid having to install longer, heavier cooling hoses. This mission is carried out using special baffles, which are installed horizontally on the sides of the car, so passengers can also use them as aids boarding.

Safety: Racing Technology

The crucial element to protect the driver and passenger are solid carbon monocoque – safety technology straight from Formula 1 This structure is complemented by a crashbox in the nose of the vehicle. The silencer, which is integrated into the rear of the car, was also designed to act as a crashbox, it absorbs the force of an impact on the rear of the vehicle.

The driver and passenger are also protected by seat belts to four points, which were inspired by the racing world. If desired, this unit can be equipped with a fifth point of fixation. The two anti-roll bars are clearly visible. They not only seem to be fixed, they are ingeniously integrated into the monocoque structure.

Design: The floating

Gerald Kiska studio can take credit for the shape of the vehicle. Coming from Salzburg, he worked closely with KTM for the past 15 years and is entrusted not only to the design of motorcycles, but also with the appearance of the company itself.

For the concept of the first cars of the brand KTM, Kiska incorporated many features that are most closely associated with motorcycles than cars. Each part has a function, the technology remains transparent, the form is essentially simple. The body panels in orange are some “floating elements”, such as motorcycles, and suggest lightness and simplicity.

Intentional reduction of all things includes the lights: simple headlamps and embedded indicators flush with the contours of the car and lights around her to give up superficial, spectacular effects. Instead of coal structure to the tasks of design, which means that the parties, which are often hidden in the car, such as the silencer, suddenly have an aesthetic purpose in addition to their normal functions.

Equipment: purist and functional

Because of its clear concept, the KTM X-Bow can do without many things that are usually added to the complexity and extra weight. Therefore, the narrow wind deflector makes a heating system and windscreen wipers unnecessary elaborate doors are not included in the design, due to low profile vehicles and extremely low side profile.

You will also find a standard instrument panel in vain. The driver can find all the information needed to run the hub of the wheel.

The seats are further examples of intelligent construction and simple X-Bow: the shells for the driver and passenger seats are already integrated in the construction of carbon fiber monocoque. An overlay provides a solid comfort. To provide the best ergonomics for drivers of varying heights, KTM X-Bow has manually adjustable pedals.

KTM X-Bow is not in the trunk. But it will feature an innovative, mobile storage box for the car documents. Devices Act, as a triangle, first aid kits and ring-fit system, considered as a space next to the passenger foot well. The lid must be kept in the same place, protects the interior of the car when parked. Two helmets can be connected to the passenger side footwell.