The 2012 Mini Coupe
Mini Builds a Two-seater Coupe
Already having proven itself as a formidable small car in the small hatchback marketplace, BMW is releasing the popular small car in a coupe version for the 2012 model year. While this is a departure for the brand, moving away from the traditional hatch configuration, it should by no means be construed as an attempt to redefine the brand. Rather, the Mini coupe is an extension of an already impressive lineup.
The styling of the Mini coupe is, according to BMW engineers, based on the premise of a helmet, which is basically what the roof of the Mini coupe looks like. This is accomplished using wraparound glass in combination with a slightly more raked windscreen than the standard Mini Cooper. To maintain the geometry of the Coupe, the car is slightly longer than the Cooper on which it is based, and is situated an inch lower.
In addition to contributing to the Mini Coupe's singular looks, the new configuration helps out in the performance department, too. The reduced ground clearance might make you a bit nervous going over speed bumps, but It'll do wonders for carving up mountain and country roads. Combining that attractive handling package with the John Cooper Works Edition has the ability to carry this ride to the sublime.
The basic Mini Coupe is an economical machine, managing to squeeze a combined 32 miles per gallon out of an engine producing a scant, but still lively 121 horsepower. The mid-range Cooper S edition features 181 horsepower, but still manages to deliver a combined 30 miles per gallon thanks to its turbocharged engine. The top range Cooper Works Mini coupe is also outfitted with a turbocharger, but features some additional tweaking to bring the horsepower to 208. Weighing in a 2,701 pounds, it has a better horsepower to weight ratio than the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen GTI.
Available transmissions for the Mini Coupe include a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and all versions of the car come with a full compliment of airbags, stability control and standard driver aids you would expect from a vehicle produced by BMW. Will the Mini Coupe be able to wrest the popularity away from its full-bodied siblings? Not likely, but they'll get a run for their money, at least.
MiniUSA.com; "Mini Cooper Coupe"
The styling of the Mini coupe is, according to BMW engineers, based on the premise of a helmet, which is basically what the roof of the Mini coupe looks like. This is accomplished using wraparound glass in combination with a slightly more raked windscreen than the standard Mini Cooper. To maintain the geometry of the Coupe, the car is slightly longer than the Cooper on which it is based, and is situated an inch lower.
In addition to contributing to the Mini Coupe's singular looks, the new configuration helps out in the performance department, too. The reduced ground clearance might make you a bit nervous going over speed bumps, but It'll do wonders for carving up mountain and country roads. Combining that attractive handling package with the John Cooper Works Edition has the ability to carry this ride to the sublime.
The basic Mini Coupe is an economical machine, managing to squeeze a combined 32 miles per gallon out of an engine producing a scant, but still lively 121 horsepower. The mid-range Cooper S edition features 181 horsepower, but still manages to deliver a combined 30 miles per gallon thanks to its turbocharged engine. The top range Cooper Works Mini coupe is also outfitted with a turbocharger, but features some additional tweaking to bring the horsepower to 208. Weighing in a 2,701 pounds, it has a better horsepower to weight ratio than the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen GTI.
Available transmissions for the Mini Coupe include a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and all versions of the car come with a full compliment of airbags, stability control and standard driver aids you would expect from a vehicle produced by BMW. Will the Mini Coupe be able to wrest the popularity away from its full-bodied siblings? Not likely, but they'll get a run for their money, at least.
MiniUSA.com; "Mini Cooper Coupe"
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Don Kress - Featured Contributor in Automotive
I am currently available on a contract basis for freelance projects from technical writing to ghostwriting. My areas of specialty include small business administration, auto repair and auto/motorcycle restor... View profile
2011 Detroit North American International Auto Show ReviewFrom the sporty Porsche 918 RSR to the conceptual Ford Vertrek, the who's who in automobiles debuted at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Best City Cars and Vehicles for Families ReviewListing of the best city cars and vehicles for families on the market. Based on safety, space, handling and fuel-efficiency.
What is Hypermiling - Getting 80 (or More) Miles-per-gallon in Any VehicleMaximizing your vehicle's miles-per-gallon rate saves money and the environment. Here are some tips on how to be a safe hypermiler.
5 Ways to Drive Down the Cost when You Gas Up and Get More Mpg--Miles Pe...With the price of gasoline approaching real 'pain in the pump' levels, it's time to look back at positive ways that we've saved gas in the past. Read 5 smart ways to get more m...
- Smart for Two Pure Coupe Review of 2008 Model
- MINI Cooper Countryman Review
- 2007 MINI Cooper S - Grins/Cubic-Meter
- BMW X4 and MINI Canyon to Rival Range Rover Evoque
- The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle Review
- Five Big Highlights from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show
- Ten Best Unique New Family Vehicles that Are Worth Test Driving that Are Priced Up...