MINI Coupe: The First Two-Seater MINI Arrives in Japan!
MINI Coupe | The First Two-Seater MINI Arrives in Japan!
The First Two-Seater MINI Arrives in Japan!
BMW has announced that reservations for the "MINI Coupe," a new addition to the premium compact brand MINI, will begin on September 27th through authorized MINI dealers nationwide. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from December 2011.
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Lowered by 50mm for Enhanced Acceleration
The concept model "MINI Coupe Concept," billed as the "first two-door MINI," debuted two years ago. While the production version was officially announced this June, its arrival in Japan has been confirmed in just three months.
The MINI Coupe is the fifth model in the lineup, following the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, and Countryman. Its most distinctive feature, as mentioned, is the adoption of a two-seater configuration, a first for a production MINI. Furthermore, the MINI Coupe boasts a three-box body structure with distinct engine, cabin, and rear deck areas, offering a generous 280 liters of luggage space (compared to the MINI Hatch's standard 160 liters). Key differences from the MINI Hatch include a 50mm reduction in ride height and a 13-degree shallower A-pillar angle, which lowers the Cd value and contributes to superior acceleration. Drivers can expect to experience an even more refined "go-kart-like feeling."
The John Cooper Works Model is the Fastest MINI Ever!
The lineup comprises five models: the MINI Cooper Coupe with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (122ps, 160Nm) available in AT and MT, the MINI Cooper S Coupe with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (184ps, 240Nm) also in AT and MT, and the John Cooper Works Coupe, which features the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Notably, the John Cooper Works Coupe is touted as the "fastest" production MINI to date, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.
The MINI Coupe aligns with the "minimalism" philosophy, aiming for high driving performance with minimal fuel consumption. This is achieved through features such as the Brake Energy Regeneration system, Auto Start & Stop function, Shift Point Indicator, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand driving. Consequently, three of the five models (the Cooper Coupe MT, and both Cooper S Coupe AT and MT models) qualify for eco-car tax reductions.
Another noteworthy feature is the introduction of the "Active Rear Spoiler," a first for a MINI. At speeds exceeding 80 km/h, the spoiler integrated into the trunk lid automatically deploys, optimizing aerodynamic performance during high-speed driving.
Pricing starts at ¥2.97 million for the base MINI Cooper Coupe MT model and ¥3.10 million for the AT model. The MINI Cooper S Coupe MT is priced at ¥3.39 million, with the AT model at ¥3.52 million. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe is available for ¥4.26 million. Reservations commenced on September 27th.
MINI Cooper Coupe
Body Dimensions | Length 3,740 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,380mm
Wheelbase | 2,465mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,170kg (MT), 1,200kg (AT)
Engine | 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Transmission | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
Max Output | 90kW (122ps) / 6,000rpm
Max Torque | 160Nm / 4,250rpm
10/15 Mode Fuel Economy | 20.5km/ℓ (MT), 16.2km/ℓ (AT)
Price | ¥2.97 million (MT), ¥3.10 million (AT)
MINI Cooper S Coupe
Body Dimensions | Length 3,745 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,380mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,240kg (MT), 1,270kg (AT)
Engine | 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC with turbocharger
Transmission | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
Max Output | 135kW (184ps) / 5,500rpm
Max Torque | 240Nm / 1,600-5,000rpm
*260Nm with overboost.
10/15 Mode Fuel Economy | 20.0km/ℓ (MT), 15.6km/ℓ (AT)
Price | ¥3.39 million (MT), ¥3.52 million (AT)
MINI John Cooper Works Coupe
Body Dimensions | Length 3,715 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,380mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,230kg
Transmission | 6-speed MT
Max Output | 155kW (211ps) / 6,000rpm
Max Torque | 260Nm / 1,850-5,600rpm
*280Nm with overboost.
Price | ¥4.26 million

