Monday, November 18, 2013

Third-Generation MINI Cooper Hardtop Revealed

2014 MIN Cooper Hardtop

MINI revealed its latest version of the Cooper Hardtop today. New engines, new features, and a revised body are part of the third-generation Cooper.

The new MINI is 4.5" longer, 1.7" wider, and 0.3" taller than the current MINI Cooper Hardtop. The wheelbase grows 1.3 inches to 98.2". Of course, the interior has grown too: The luggage compartment up 3 cubic feet to 8.7 and the seat surface has been lengthened 0.9". You can note the exterior growth in the photo at the bottom.

Under the hood, MINI Coopers will be powered by one of two turbocharged TwinPower engines. The first is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder making 134 hp and 162 ft/lbs of torque (170 in overboost). MINI states that cars with this engine will go from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds (manual) and 7.3 seconds (automatic). Top speed will be 130 mph. 

Cooper S models will receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 189 hp and 207 ft/lbs of torque (221 in overboost). Here, 0-60 drops to 6.5 seconds (manual) and 6.4 seconds (automatic). 

Speaking of transmissions, the cars will be equipped with either an all-new six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Start and stop technology will also be available on automatic versions. 

MINIs will continue to have fully independent suspension systems. The company's Dynamic Damper Control is all-new to the MINI, however. This allows for a more comfort-oriented ride or a direct, sporty ride. 
 
Of course, MINI will continue to offer stylish, funky interiors (complete with circular gauges) and all of the safety equipment you'd expect on a new car. North American pricing has not been announced. European MINI Cooper Hardtop pricing will start at €17,900 EUR ($24,199 USD); €23,800 EUR ($32,175 USD) for Cooper S models. 

Like nearly all new cars, even the MINI keeps getting bigger. And while it's not drastically larger, it definitely is bulked up. So my questions is this: Will we see a downsized MINI in the future? (Remember the MINI Rocketman concept?) I am glad to see the new engines and I can't help but love the idea of a three-cylinder turbo, especially one with good horsepower and torque.

Four MINI Cooper Generations
 

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