Updated 2.24.16 with 77 new photos
The new MINI ragtop is here and vastly improved! An all-new and wider platform houses two new engines, an all-new cabin and some sweet new tech and style options.
The Cooper and Cooper S both run turbo engines for the next-gen model, with standard six-speed manuals or six-speed automatics available. But there is a big difference for the S in this generation: a whole extra cylinder! That;s right, the base MINI runs a 1.5-liter triple! This new modular engine series powers all future BMW’s; the 340i just revealed its 3.0-liter version of the same engine, but as a six-cylinder. A four-liter V8 version is on the way soon.
Each piston now takes up a round 500CC of displacement, so adding power is fairly simple, like working with building blocks. The advantage for the new MINI is that it benefits from the latest twin-power turbo technology with variable vane fins inside the booster — not waiting for the tech to trickle down over the years from BMW flagships.
The new engine is still quick and even torqier for both base and Cooper S trim levels of the MINI Convertible, delivering sprint times in the high 6-second range. Just a tenth or so slower than the hardtop, which is testament to the new and ultra-modern chassis under the familiar panels outside.
The new MINI Convertible arrives stateside in March of 2016, with a possible 2017 model-year designation. Pricing should stay similar to the existing softtop, meaning a $3k premium over the Hardtop at all of its $21k – $33k price levels.
2017 MINI Cabrio
- Newest member of MINI lineup goes on sale in U.S. in March 2016
- First open top MINI powered by BMW Group engine technology and architecture
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 22, 2015 – MINI USA introduced today the newest addition to its iconic product line, the new MINI Convertible. As the first open top MINI powered by BMW Group engines and architecture, the new MINI Convertible is a premium four-seater soft-top convertible that is both practical and customizable for unlimited open-air motoring fun.
Like all other MINI models in the product portfolio, the new MINI Convertible is made for individualization, setting the new standard in the premium convertible market. It offers a choice of 11 exterior color options, including the new Caribbean Aqua, which harkens back to the classic MINI color palette, ideal for the fun-loving enthusiast, and Melting Silver, recently introduced on the new MINI Clubman, a cool and modern finish perfect for the open air thrill seeker.
The customization carries over to the interior with a number of premium seatingoptions available, including a new Malt Brown leather with diamond-stitching reminiscent of classic English Chesterfield sofas. Convertible enthusiasts looking for even more style can opt for the new MINI Yours soft-top featuring an embroidered Union Jack with herringbone patterned detailing.
“The new MINI Convertible has a great balance of playful personalization and sophistication. It’s open-top driving without compromise,” said David Duncan, vice president MINI of the Americas. “The bespoke levels of customization set it apart from other convertibles on the market, while the front wheel drive BMW architecture and engines make it fun-to-drive and practical in any driving conditions.”
Powered by BMW Group-developed three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines, the new MINI Convertible will come standard with an efficient six-speed manual transmission. With the three-cylinder Cooper version and four-cylinder Cooper S, the new MINI Convertible presents customers a choice of two powerful, highly efficient TwinPower Turbo engines developed by the BMW Group and built in Europe. In keeping with MINI tradition for authentic, driver-involving motoring, both the Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, the new MINI Convertible can be equipped with a smooth, quick-shifting 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
This premium four-seater convertible has an emphasis on practicality, with an easy-load and load-through function that makes the cargo space both accessible and functional. The rigid frame and invisible roll bar enhance both the safety of the vehicle and also provide improved acoustics, allowing for more long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. Drivers will also appreciate the unique multi-way top settings, including a sunroof option which enables the soft-top to open midway for just the right amount of sun and air.
The new MINI Convertible is equipped with an “Always Open Timer,” providing convertible enthusiasts with the ability to calculate the number of hours they’ve driven with the top down. It will also come standard with the MINI Connected infotainment system including a 6.5-inch high-resolution screen. In addition, an optional larger 8.8-inch display includes naviation and a clever rain warning app, which notifies drivers of impending storms so they can prepare their vehicle for inclement weather.
The new MINI Convertible, available in both Cooper and Cooper S variants, will go on sale in March 2016 at MINI dealers across the U.S. Pricing will be announced in January. For full vehicle specifications and images please see the detailed product news release here .
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 124 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of six unique vehicles.
dimensions and capacities (us) |
| Doors | 2 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Veh. length | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 151.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 151.9 |
| Veh. width | inch | 68 |
| Width incl mirrors | inch | 76.1 |
| Veh. height | inch | 55.7 |
| Wheelbase | inch | 98.2 |
| Front track | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 59.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 58.5 |
| Rear track | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 59.1 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 58.5 |
| Overhang front | inch | 30.1 |
| Rear overhang | ||
| – Cooper | inch | 22.7 |
| – Cooper S | inch | 23.5 |
| Ground clearance | inch | 4.5 |
| Turning circle | ft | 35.4 |
| Legroom front | inch | 41.4 |
| Legroom 2nd row | inch | 30.9 |
| Shoulder room front | inch | 51 |
| Shoulder room rear | inch | 39.7 |
| Headroom front | inch | 39.8 |
| Max. headroom 2nd row | inch | 39 |
| Front Seat Volume | ft³ | 48.6 |
| Rear Seat Volume | ft³ | 27.7 |
| Cargo Volume | ||
| – with top open | ft³ | 5.7 |
| – with top closed | ft³ | 7.6 |
| Gas tank capacity | gal | 11.6 |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (us) |
| Cooper | |||
| Engine Type | Inline 3-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected | ||
| Displacement | 1499 cm³ | ||
| Engine power | 134 bhp @ 4400 rpm | ||
| Engine torque | 162 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm | ||
| Transmissions | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | |
| Gear ratios: | |||
| 1st gear | 4.459 | 3.615 | |
| 2nd | 2.508 | 1.952 | |
| 3rd | 1.556 | 1.241 | |
| 4th | 1.142 | 0.969 | |
| 5th | 0.851 | 0.806 | |
| 6th | 0.672 | 0.683 | |
| 7th | N/A | N/A | |
| 8th | N/A | N/A | |
| Reverse gear | 3.185 | 3.538 | |
| Final drive ratio | 3.683 | 3.421 | |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2905 | 2855 | |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 sec. | 8.3 sec. | |
| Top speed | 128 mph | 128 mph | |
| Suspension type front | 1-link drive strut axle | ||
| Rear suspension | central pivot axle | ||
| Steering type | rack-and-pinion | ||
| Power-steering | EPS | ||
| Steering ratio | 14 : 1 | ||
| Front brake | disc ventilated | ||
| Rear brake | disc | ||
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (us) |
|
Cooper S |
||
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected | |
| Displacement | 1998 cm³ | |
| Engine power | 189 bhp @ 5000 rpm | |
| Engine torque | 207 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm | |
| Transmissions | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Gear ratios: | ||
| 1st gear | 4.459 | 3.923 |
| 2nd | 2.508 | 2.136 |
| 3rd | 1.556 | 1.276 |
| 4th | 1.142 | 0.921 |
| 5th | 0.851 | 0.756 |
| 6th | 0.672 | 0.628 |
| 7th | N/A | N/A |
| 8th | N/A | N/A |
| Reverse gear | 3.185 | 3.538 |
| Final drive ratio | 3.502 | 3.588 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3025 | 2985 |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec. | 6.8 sec. |
| Top speed | 142 mph | 143 mph |
| Suspension type front | 1-link drive strut axle | |
| Rear suspension | central pivot axle | |
| Steering type | rack-and-pinion | |
| Power-steering | EPS | |
| Steering ratio | 14 : 1 | |
| Front brake | disc ventilated | |
| Rear brake | disc | |
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.