2009 Mini Coupe Concept
Price |
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Production |
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Engine |
1.6 liter inline-4 |
Weight |
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Aspiration |
twin scroll turbocharger |
Torque |
192 - 206 lb-ft | ||
HP |
211 hp |
HP/Weight |
-- | ||
HP/Liter |
144.4 hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- | ||
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
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(from Mini Press
Release) Concentrated Driving Pleasure: The MINI Coup
Concept.
MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26
August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the
first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving
MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of
the brands great tradition.
The MINI Coup Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great
ability of the brands designers to fill the elementary values of
the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and
suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for
the future of the brand on this basis.
Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to
be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (1727
September 2009), MINI is unveiling an unusually attractive vision of
how the model family may well develop in future. The source of
inspiration is once again the fundamental motive so characteristic
of every MINI: driving pleasure. The MINI Coup Concept therefore
represents the ideal of a car destined in every respect to offer a
thrilling experience and make every journey a truly unique thrill.
The MINI Coup Concept brings together a wide range of features for
a truly sporting and ambitious style of motoring. Limited to two
seats and following a philosophy of consistent lightweight
construction, the car clearly meets all the requirements made of a
particularly active and dynamic coup. Compact dimensions, perfect
axle load distribution and a low centre of gravity offer ideal
conditions for enhancing the agility typical of MINI to a level
never seen before.
Through its design alone, the MINI Coup Concept brings out all the
thrill of individual mobility and the focus on pure driving
pleasure. Powerful proportions and dynamic design language evoke a
sense of desire and strong appeal, the MINI Coup Concept offering a
particularly undiluted expression of the brand through its sporting
and unconventional stance on the road.
The MINI Coup Concept: an invitation to enjoy spontaneous mobility.
With the growing model
portfolio, the popularity of the MINI brand has also grown
consistently in recent years. The MINI has moved beyond the
restraints of urban mobility, opening up additional options and
winning over new target groups. And MINI allows you to enjoy
spontaneous mobility, sporting and agile handling and unmistakable
style on virtually every occasion.
The current models in the range already meet the most varied
demands. As individual characters in their own right, the MINI, MINI
Clubman and MINI Convertible all offer a unique rendition of the
driving experience so typical of the brand. And now the MINI Coup
Concept brings out driving pleasure in its most concentrated form,
extreme lightweight technology making this two-seater particularly
agile and unusually efficient. At the same time the low roofline,
the precisely defined spoiler edge at the rear and other aerodynamic
features enhance the cars performance to an even higher standard.
So that in its design and in the use of high-performance drivetrain
technology, the MINI Coup Concept offers ideal conditions as a
compact sports car in the premium segment.
This two-seater is designed to accommodate even the most powerful
engine currently available in the MINI and with the 1.6-litre
twin-scroll turbocharged power unit carried over from the MINI John
Cooper Works, the MINI Coup Concept offers truly outstanding
performance. Maximum output is 155 kW/211 hp, peak torque 260
Newton-metres/192 lb-ft increasing through the Overboost function
for a short while to an even more substantial 280 Newton-metres/206
lb-ft. And now the MINI Coup Concept offers everything it takes to
exceed even the supreme performance of the MINI John Cooper Works
with this unique power unit.
At the same time this concept car clearly follows the BMW Groups
EfficientDynamics development strategy. More driving pleasure, lower
emissions the MINI Coup Concept lives out this philosophy
expressed by MINI as MINIMALISM in a particularly attractive manner.
Fifty years of MINI: a vision of tomorrow marking an anniversary of today.
Fifty years after the
launch of the classic Mini, the appeal of the brand is greater than
ever before, with the model range exuding sheer fascination wherever
you go. And now, in the anniversary year of the brand, MINI is
bringing together this unique tradition and the successful model
range offered today with even greater creativity and technical
innovation for a truly promising future.
The MINI Coup Concept is a further milestone in this ongoing
development of the brand. The car takes up elementary strengths of
the MINI and, through its modern technology and an innovative body
concept, offers new standards and characteristics never seen before.
So that the MINI Coup Concept offers many new highlights in adding
yet a further character to the existing model range.
Exterior design: the look typical of MINI but with individual
character.
The body design of the MINI Coup Concept also bridges the gap from
the earliest days of the Minis history all the way to the more
distant future of the brand, emphasising the unique nature of the
concept as well as its full membership in the MINI family. At the
same time the individual and emotional design language arouses the
expectation of a particularly thrilling experience on the road.
Especially at the front end of the car a number of icons typical of
the brand, as well as the design style so characteristic of MINI,
all come together to create a strong family resemblance. In
addition, the individual look of the MINI Coup Concept comes out
also in the side view of the car as well as in the design of the
rear end.
This unique new two-seater measures 3,714 millimetres (146.2") in
length and 1,683 millimetres (66.3") in width. Height is 1,356
millimetres (53.4"). Through these dimensions and its athletic
proportions alone, the MINI Coup Concept stands out from the
beginning as a compact and muscular sports machine.
The typical MINI look in particularly sporting style.
The new concept car
carries over the unmistakable front end look from the four-seater
MINI. Smoothly balanced contours on the engine lid characterised by
wide and sweeping radii, the large headlights, the homogenous shape
of the radiator grille and the wide lower air intake give each model
that unique look, openness and charm so typical of the brand.
Through the greater rake of the windscreen on the MINI Coup
Concept, the car looks even more striking and dynamic, the low and
streamlined body proving clearly that the MINI Coup Concept is a
particularly outstanding performer.
The hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights are
unmistakable design features re-interpreting the front view of the
classic Mini in particularly modern style. The direction indicators
are integrated in the headlights, just above the innovative
three-dimensional surrounds for the positioning lights and the
foglamps. The entire front air dam has been adjusted to the sporting
look of the car, standing out even wider and more striking than
before.
The chrome radiator grille on the MINI Coup Concept is the same as
on the MINI Cooper S. The inner section in the grille is however
finished with bars in body colour creating a clear sign of
distinction at very first sight from the other members of the MINI
family. The bonnet stripes also extend into the radiator grille to
provide an even more sporting and dynamic touch.
With its very dynamic curvature and the stylised opening, bearing
testimony to the power of the engine lurking within, the front lid
likewise comes in the same look as on the particularly powerful
versions of the MINI.
Individual roofline as a sign of sporting presence.
The side view of the
MINI Coup Concept also brings together features typical of the MINI
family and new highlights in design to form a fascinating whole. The
front side panels, for example, come straight from the MINI
Convertible. The body joint forming the diagonal line characteristic
of every MINI along the front lid and the surrounds on the front
side indicators bearing out the style of the MINI Cooper S again
provide an unmistakable sign of distinction with historic roots
here the classic Mini had a visible welding seam along the body.
The familiarity in design resulting from these features forms an
attractive contrast to the far greater rake of the A-pillars leading
into the brand-new, sweeping line of the roof.
Large wheels and a high waistline already give the MINI, the MINI
Clubman and the MINI Convertible a particularly powerful and
sporting look, with the black strip around the lower section of the
body underlining this compact appearance and short body overhangs
front and rear emphasising the athletic stature of the car and
bearing testimony to that typical go-kart feeling at very first
sight.
All this now comes out even more convincingly in the MINI Coup
Concept, also through the unique flow of the roofline. The glazed
section of the passenger cell referred to as the greenhouse, for
example, is much lower and even more dynamic than on the brands
regular models.
Another feature of the MINI Coup Concept is the strongly inclined
windscreen merging gently into the roof. At the rear the roofline
initially moving straight back above the heads of the driver and
front passenger flows on into the sturdy C-pillar. The entire roof
with all its contours thus comes in a bridge shape quite
unmistakable and featured for the first time on the MINI, made up of
a strong rear cornerstone formed by the C-pillar and the almost
filigree structure above the passenger cell.
The C-pillar is a strong visual expression of the particularly solid
and torsionally rigid body structure providing not only superior
occupant safety, but also the agility typical of MINI in fast
manoeuvres. The C-pillar very powerful in design serves at the same
time to guide your perspective towards the rear end of the car,
while the side view of the MINI Coup Concept forms a very strong
and convincing wedge shape created by the roofline tapering out to
the rear and the waistline rising up slightly in typical MINI style.
All this gives the MINI Coup Concept a forward-moving impression
right from the start, the car clearly expressing its power and
muscle even at a standstill. Through its design alone, therefore,
the MINI Coup Concept authentically visualises sporting qualities
of the highest standard.
Striking contours and smooth flow
of air ensured by the roof spoiler
and the rear spoiler edge.
The rear-end design of
the MINI Coup Concept consistently follows the need to optimise the
flow of air in the interest of both driving dynamics and efficiency.
The principle of form follows function so essential to MINI, the
look and design of various body elements, fully reflects the
characteristic features and qualities of the car. Through its design
alone, therefore, the MINI Coup Concept clearly confirms its
sporting potential in a particularly credible and convincing manner.
The rear spoiler with its wing profile at the same level as the
C-pillar also makes a particularly effective contribution in guiding
the air along the rear end of the MINI Coup Concept. This large air
guidance element spans the entire width of the roof, increasing
aerodynamic downforce on the rear axle.
Tapering down elegantly, the rear window on this unique two-seater
merges into a short and low rear end with staged contours in typical
coup design. Again, this follows the overriding objective to ensure
an optimum flow of air without any turbulence harming the cars
aerodynamics which is also why the air spoiler on the rear panel
is appropriately sharp and clear in its profile.
Beneath the air spoiler at the rear the overall look and design of
the MINI Coup Concept follows the typical philosophy of the brand.
Horizontal lines running parallel to one another emphasise the wide
track of the car, the body growing wider from top to bottom in
cascading style highlighting the muscular stance of the car resting
on its wheels in that characteristic style.
The rear light clusters in upright arrangement and surrounded by a
wide chrome frame are also typical of the brand. The rear air dam on
the MINI Coup Concept, in turn, comes with a diffuser split up into
two sections and ensuring a smooth, swirl-free flow of air beneath
the car.
Impressively functional: wide-opening tailgate, generous luggage space.
The tailgate on the MINI
Coup Concept is yet another highlight of the car. Deliberately
foregoing the rear seat bench, this unique two-seater offers lots of
additional space for taking along all kinds of luggage.
Luggage capacity is 250 litres or 8.8 cu ft. To use this space most
conveniently, the rear end of the MINI Coup Concept comes with a
large and wide-opening tailgate. Hinged above the roof spoiler, the
entire tailgate including the rear window swings up gracefully,
offering convenient access to the generous luggage space behind the
rear seats of the car. And thanks to the low loading sill, accessing
the luggage compartment with even heavy and bulky objects is
significantly easier.
The complete design of the rear end with its large tailgate is yet
another example of the functional design so typical of MINI. All
options offered through the concept of the car are optimised to the
highest standard through carefully thought-out solutions and a good
overall balance. Indeed, this principle already to be admired on the
brands existing models, for example through the easy-load function
on the MINI Convertible, makes a significant contribution to the
overall substance of the car. The result is a wide range of
innovative solutions quite unique in the market, emphasising the
premium character of the MINI brand.
On the MINI Coup Concept this philosophy is borne out by yet
another distinctive feature providing extra space and practical
value: The bulkhead between the passenger and the luggage
compartments comes with a lockable opening. The through-loading
provided in this way, quite unusual on a two-seater coupe, gives the
driver and passenger direct access even while driving to travel
items they are taking along in the luggage compartment. So that bags
with, say, beverages, a music CD or maps are stowed away safely but
always within easy reach.
Interior: sports car ambience with an exclusive range of colours and materials.
The MINI Coup Concept
combines the vision of a compact sports car with thrilling agility,
on the one hand, and the individual flair and style of the MINI, on
the other. Through its entire concept, the car is perfectly designed
to offer concentrated driving pleasure of the highest standard. This
is borne out not only through the extroverted exterior in its
fascinating, sporting look, but also through the interior conceived
from the start for active motoring.
Wide-opening doors give the driver and passenger convenient access
to the interior, where they enjoy sports seats with strongly
contoured side supports for a secure seating position even in
particularly fast bends. A three-spoke leather sports steering wheel
with multifunction buttons enables the driver to steer precisely
into bends and control the audio or communication functions with
maximum ease. All other control units, in turn, are arranged
ergonomically on the dashboard, taking their frequency of use into
account.
The breakdown of the cockpit, the dashboard and centre console again
follows that special interior design so typical of MINI. Horizontal
lines and air vents placed far to the outside emphasise the sheer
width of the instrument panel and, at the same time, the generous
style of the interior, the slender centre console giving the driver
and passenger maximum legroom. The structure of the door linings so
typical of the brand, finally, has also been re-interpreted, with
the elliptic main element now completely closed in.
The MINI Coup Concept also comes with a large rev counter directly
behind the steering wheel, while the speedometer is part of the
central instrument in the upper section of the dashboard. This
circular instrument well known as the Center Speedo also houses the
audio system as well as the optional entertainment and navigation
functions.
Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter
provide a close link to earlier concept cars by MINI, bridging the
gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age
of the MINI. One clock is a purpose-built stopwatch for taking lap
times, the second clock shows the time in classic style.
The colours and materials featured inside the MINI Coup Concept
symbolise the classic sportiness of the car. Like the dashboard, the
roof lining of this unprecedented two-seater comes in black
providing a calm atmosphere just right for concentrating on driving
conditions and essential requirements. Black trim bars combined with
a carbon interior trim strip, finally, further enhance this purist
look.
Lightweight construction and modern suspension technology providing
a new feeling of go-kart driving.
The MINI Coup Concept is definitely a MINI and definitely a sports
car. The particular charm of this combination results from both the
drivetrain and the suspension technology already featured in the
current production models, as well as the special highlights of this
two-seater concept car.
Over and above their body design, the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI
Convertible already set the standard today for agility and driving
pleasure in their respective segments. Powerful engines and
suspension technology quite superior in the small car segment then
ensure a truly unique driving experience. Front-wheel drive,
powerful disc brakes on all four wheels, the front axle with
McPherson spring struts and a centrally guided rear axle with
aluminium longitudinal arms and anti-roll bars set the foundation
for uniquely safe and agile handling.
EPS Electronic Power Steering with speed-related power assistance,
finally, ensures precise manoeuvring round bends and gives the
driver exact feedback at all times on road and driving conditions.
At the same time on-demand management of steering assistance serves
to maximise the cars efficiency.
The MINI Coup Concept offers ideal conditions for raising the
go-kart feeling created by the cars drivetrain and suspension
technology to an even higher standard. Its entire construction is
based on a lightweight concept reducing weight particularly where it
really counts for even greater agility. As an example, this
two-seater comes with an aluminium roof not only optimising the
overall weight of the car, but also lowering the cars centre of
gravity for a significant reduction of body movement and optimised
driving behaviour.
Since lower weight also means greater efficiency, the MINI Coup
Concept again offers the option to combine even greater driving
pleasure with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced to a
minimum as an important sign of our times.
Traditional values, modern quality, progressive concept.
Sporting success and
agile handling of the highest standard are significant highlights in
the history of MINI now going back five decades and both factors
have made a fundamental contribution to the ongoing popularity of
this small premium car.
Three overall wins in the Monte Carlo Rally and the concept of
driving pleasure expressed so clearly by the cars go-kart feeling
definitely confirm the sporting potential of this small compact both
back then and today. The anniversary year is therefore the ideal
time to present the MINI Coup Concept as the vision of an
uncompromisingly active sports car.
Another concept car presented even before the re-launch of the MINI
brand proves that this philosophy has always fuelled the creativity
of the MINIs designers: The MINI Concept Monte Carlo presented in
1997 was a two-seater with a 160-hp mid-mounted engine. Through its
design alone, this concept car already came with a wide range of
features destined to be taken up again by the first MINI, short body
overhangs front and rear, round headlights and the re-interpretation
of the hexagon radiator grille providing an outlook at important
styling elements on the production model to follow later. With its
extremely powerful body and direct references to motorsport, the
MINI Concept Monte Carlo also made a clear pledge to the rally
history of the brand.
Now the MINI Coup Concept, through its unique look, takes up the
almost aggressive and extroverted appearance of that former concept
car, at the same time providing a new link between the history, the
present and the future of the brand. It takes up traditional values
of the MINI brand and combines them with the most advanced
technologies to offer a fascinating vision of how the MINI model
family may continue.
Once again, therefore, MINI is following the needs and wishes of new
target groups fully appreciative of the individual style of the
brand and associating this character with clearly defined product
features. The MINI Coup Concept addresses the motorist thrilled by
that unique combination of driving pleasure, lifestyle, and premium
quality so typical of MINI and, at the same time, looking for
sporting driving qualities of an even higher standard.