2005 MINI Cooper Convertible

Minneapolis, Minn – The MINI Cooper Convertible very well could be the first car that requires its owners sign a contract stipulating use. Use, as in that So we are told, anyway, before we embark on a Midwestern journey that will take us out of the Twin Cities' urban sprawl and onto a route that will cover nearly 250 miles of roadways -- large and small, congested and quiet -- winding through portions of eastern Minnesota to western Wisconsin, up and over the not-so-mighty Mississippi (it's still mostly narrow and patient, with gentle backwater spillways in its northern haunts, where it begins) and then back to the Twin Cities again for the evening. As it turns out, for us the contract is frivolous. Driving the MINI Cooper Convertible is pure pleasure when the skies have dawned blue – especially when you’re expecting drizzle and gray.

Page 2: History

MINI has done more than make history. It has arguably had a hand in reducing the size of cars in America today. Four years ago, there was little or no market for MINI cars, with the exception of VW's Beetle, which is larger and longer than the MINI. sport utility vehicles were big, growing bigger in size and price. Fast forward to 2003; parent company BMW sold 36,000 MINIs in U.S., a demand that out-paced its inventory, and boasted of J.D. Power customer satisfaction numbers for front seat roominess, gas mileage, price operating price, cost resale value, and layout, among additional attributes, that other manufacturers would love to achieve. As we travel along our prescribed route, numbers soon begin to seem like such little things. They float away in the breeze, replaced by what's MINI big: fun, personality and zippy performance-based handling, and now topless zest, in two all-new ragtop versions, the Cooper and Cooper S. Factoid: In the early days of open motoring, men would specifically grow mustaches to trap small particles of dust, oil and gasoline, seeking to capture the true essence of open motoring. Genetically un-programmed for a mustache, I let my long hair blow in the wind, and head out into the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, with my top down and the MINI's throttle wide open. I secretly hope that my blond locks will trap large particles of the scent of open-air freedom and will linger long enough to replace the canned oxygen of my next day's airplane rides.

Page 3: Drop top

MINI's drop-tops are essentially the same as their coupe counterparts, with the exception of all the pieces that define them as soft tops. Both the A- and B-pillar (front vertical sheet metal just before and after the front seats) structure areas have been reinforced and the side sills are heavier than coupe versions. The rear floor has also been modified, with V-bars between the axle and body providing improved strength. Up above (behind the rear seats), a cleverly designed double U-shaped roll bar (it's an upside-down U) provides both rollover protection and a mounting point for the rear headrests. It also helps anchor the seatbelts and arrives in chrome finish on Cooper S models. The most notable convertible feature, of course, is the retractable top. Operation is quick and easy, with one button raising and lowering the unit in just 15 seconds (a stoplight averages 30 seconds between changes). Even better, there are no latches to release, so the only effort is in hitting the switch. Another unique feature is the power sunroof included on all convertible MINIs. This innovative design allows the first 16 inches of the top to be rolled back at speeds up to 75 mph, providing exposure for front seat passengers and coverage for those in the rear. And with the top both up and down, MINI aids rearward visibility, (a safety concern that has had raised awareness recently) by including standard park-distance sensors in the rear bumper that "beep" when obstacles appear during backing maneuvers. For loading cargo, a surprise and delight feature called "Easy Load" gives you the ability to raise the boot, even with the top up, to increase trunk accessibility. A small hatch attached to the rearmost part of the top pops up as the vertical tailgate swings down, creating a clamshell-like opening.

Page 4: CVT

Like the coupes, convertibles arrive in two variations. Base Mini Coopers come with a 1.6-liter cast-iron inline-4 engine that yields 115 hp. and 110 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission backs this powerplant as standard equipment. However, an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (this varies the gearing over a wide range to find the ideal ratio) is also available. Better yet, this CVT includes a Steptronic mode, which creates six gears that can be shifted clutchlessly via levers. Electronics protect the engine from being over-revved in this mode, and also tell the transmission to downshift if the RPMs are too low. It's no surprise that the drop-top versions handle just the same as their hard-top brethren, due to underbody reinforcements and a rear crossbar with integrated roll-over headrests. Known for their sporty, pinball-like ride and strong brakes, the S version out-performs the normally-aspirated version, with power that makes you feel like you've been catapulted from a sling-shot, when you go out to pass, or push into toward the three-digit zone. Particularly of note is the improved shifting of the 6-speed manual, now with shorter throw between gears, and road-hugging handling. A rear windscreen helps reduce the whip of the wind, but we found talking, listening to the CD and keeping our hats safely situated on our head worked best with the side windows raised. Cooper S convertibles gain more horsepower thanks to supercharging, and were the model of choice for our drive. The same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder now gets a blower, in addition to reinforced valves, piston cooling jets, and an engine oil cooler. Output increases to 168 hp. and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. No CVT is offered in this version - the only gearbox available is a 6-speed Getrag manual. A functional hood scoop that pushes more air to the supercharger is exclusive to S models, and center mounted dual exhaust pipes finished in chrome expel the waste. All MINIs come fitted with fully independent suspension, variable assisted power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes that include ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, and Corner Brake Control. The electro-hydraulic steering operates independently from the engine so, when little or no assist is needed, no energy is wasted. Only 2.5 turns are required lock to lock, which we discovered when making quick U-turns to peruse antique shops, in charming small towns along our route.

Page 5: Trims

All-Season Traction Control arrives standard on Cooper S convertibles, but is not available on base models. The system limits front wheelspin, which is particularly helpful given the higher power flowing through S models. However, all MINIs are available with Dynamic Stability Control, which uses sensors to modulate braking and throttle engagement, and help keep you on track. Handling is also aided by Sport Suspension - standard on Cooper S and optional on Cooper models - a package that includes larger front and rear anti-sway bars. In addition to the hood scoop and center mounted exhaust, Cooper S convertibles gain sport styled bumpers, revised door sills, and a body-colored grille (base Coopers get a chrome grille). Larger 16-in. alloy wheels are stock on S models and can grow to 17 in. Base Coopers start at 15 in. and expand to 16. Standard features on both include a Flat Tire Monitor, heated rear window glass, an engine immobilizer, and speed-sensitive windshield wipers. Options include heated outside mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles, auto leveling xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, and racing stripes on S models. Inside, dual-stage front airbags vary the level of deployment according the status of the front passengers. Side impact airbags mounted in the seats protect lateral integrity. Unlike coupes, however, convertibles do not include any type of curtain airbag. Other interior features include power front windows, 6-way manual adjustable seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with tilt, an air-conditioned glove box, a 50/50 split rear seat, and a stereo volume control that responds to vehicle speed. Options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sport seats (standard on Cooper S), cruise control with steering wheel controls, an onboard computer, navigation, automatic air conditioning, an integrated garage door opener, Sirius satellite radio, and an upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo system.

Page 6: Wrap

A significant weak spot is rearward visibility -- on all counts. Small outside mirrors, a small interior rearview mirror and compromised visibility with the rear rollover hoops made passing on the freeways a more laborious task. Also, with front seats extended for legroom, this becomes more of a two-seater than a true four-passenger cruiser, as rear seat legroom is poor. Price also hurts, as the Mini Cooper convertible is priced well above its hardtop siblings. However, those extra few thousand dollars provide both traditional open-air sensation and engineering innovation - think the retractable sunroof and Easy Load boot. The 2005 Mini, once again, will be the only one like it on the block. Although, this time you might have to sign a contract to go topless 24-7.

Page 7: Notes

2005 Mini convertible specifications: Base price: $21,500-$24,950 Engine: 1.6-liter inline-4 (115 hp @6,000 rpm, 110 lb.-ft. @4,500 rpm); 1.6-liter supercharged inline-4 (168 hp @6,000 rpm, 162 lb.-ft. @4,000 rpm) Transmission: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; continuously variable automatic Wheelbase: 97.1 in. Length: 143.9 in. Width: 66.5 in. Height: 56.2 in. Head/legroom: NA Hip/shoulder room: NA Curb weight, lbs.: 2,700-2,934 Fuel economy: 25-27 city/32-35 highway mpg Safety equipment: dual-stage front airbags; seat-mounted front side-impact airbags; rear roll over bars; four wheel disc brakes with ABS; tire pressure monitoring

Page 8: FAQs

What is it? The MINI Cooper Convertible, based on its hardtop sibling, has a canvas top that rolls back partially to become a sunroof of 15 and 3/4 inches (can be operated at speeds up to 75 mph), and fully to become an open-air ride (powered by an electro-hydraulic system), with a drop-top that stacks neatly above the fold-down rear hatch door (it has no tonneau cover because the roof stores behind the seats). Despite its short wheelbase, it has a trunk that can hold an average amount of baggage, and a back seat that folds flush for accommodating longer goods and gear. Like its brethren, it comes in two versions, a normally-aspirated and a supercharged 'S' version. An even-more-powerful 'Works' edition drop-top with some 200 horsepower will follow.

When is it on sale, how much does it cost and where is it built? On sale in September, prices range from $21, 500 to $24, 950 (this includes delivery). It is built in Oxford, England. Last year, 170, 000 came off the assembly line. What car company owns this diminutive diva and when did it go from Mini to MINI? The official Mini (only the 'M' was in caps) launched in Europe in 1959, and had a suggested retail price of $786.75. The public wasn't sure what to think, since they'd never seen anything like it and the press was baffled. But, some 45 years later, MINI (now all letters in caps since its rebirth in 2000) is an icon, an automotive legend, and the "little car company that could" has had a skirt named for it, was driven by the Beatles, won the famed Monte Carlo, and was featured in both versions of the Italian Job. MINI is now owned by BMW and made its official debut at the 2000 Paris Auto Show and came to the U.S. in 2002. How Did We Like It? It's no surprise that the drop-top versions handle just the same as their hard-top brethren, due to underbody reinforcements and a rear crossbar with integrated roll-over headrests. Known for their sporty, pinball-like ride and strong brakes, the S version out-performs the normally-aspirated version, with power that makes you feel like you've been catapulted from a sling-shot, when you go out to pass, or push into toward the three-digit zone. Particularly of note is the improved shifting of the 6-speed manual, now with shorter throw between gears, and road-hugging handling. A rear windscreen helps reduce the whip of the wind, but we found talking, listening to the CD and keeping our hats safely situated on our head worked best with the side windows raised. What are the newest MINI's surprise and delight features? A new, large-sized cupholder, rear seats that fold flat for stowage, a tailgate that supports 175 pounds (maybe your cooler and goods for the football game or party) and some 23,000 variations of interior/exterior colors, materials and choices. Any complaints? Yes. Rearward visibility on all counts! Small outside mirrors, a small interior rearview mirror and compromised visibility with the rear rollover hoops made passing on the freeways a more laborious task. Also, with front seats extended for legroom, this becomes more of a two-seater than a true four-passenger cruiser, as rear seat legroom is poor. Better to stow packages and pets.