Cooper S – Automobiles Review

Maxi-Tuner MINI Cooper S F56

Maxi-Tuner has unveiled performance package for the new MINI Cooper S. The hot hatchback comes with a number of upgrades including both – styling and performance modifications.

The exterior boasts a set of Schmidt Shift rims – 8J x 18” fitted with Goodyear tires in size 215/35 R18. There is also a set of lowering sport springs improving not only the stance, but the handling as well. The lowering springs are provided by H&R.

The 2015 MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 192HP (141 kW) at 4,700RPM and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). Maxi-Tuner boosts the small engine to 220HP (162 kW) and 340Nm (252 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph).

The tuning specialists also provide different tail pipe designs for the regular exhaust system as well as a valve sports exhaust system or a cup exhaust system. The valve system can be licensed through individual technical inspection directly in Maxi-Tuner’s workshop. The cup version is meant solely for export or usage on the race track, because of the extreme noise.

The prices

Performance boost package: €899

Exhaust systems: from €699

Wheel set: from €1,498

Lowering spring set: €279

Source: Maxi-Tuner

July 25, 2014

Mini Cooper S by Cam Shaft

Mini Cooper S by Cam Shaft has a completely changed visual identity. The main reason for this is the applied foil wrapping that the specialists at the tuning company Cam Shaft has done on the popular model. In addition to it, the tuners have also performed an engine optimization and now the car is capable of delivering nearly 60 hp more power.

Mini Cooper S has been subjected to a two color complete wrapping. Up to the waistline it was decided in shiny orange with pearl effect. The colons, roof and chrome parts were made in glossy black. The flared wheel arches got a mat black contrast.

The serial Mini can produce up to 184 hp (135 kW). With the help of the specialists at PP performance, Cam Shaft upgraded the power of the car via software optimization and the result is 240 horsepower (176 kW).

In addition, what also has been done here are the modified the air inlet with sports air filter, complete new exhaust system including sports cat, down pipe and valve commanded axle back exhaust with remote control.

In terms of driving dynamics, this MINI now boasts V2 KW coilovers, which reduce the rolling inclination in sharp bends, and a really predestined for the Mini tire-wheel-combination. The latter comprises of very light and glossy black powder coated ATS aluminum rims in the dimension of 7,5×17” fitted with Toyo semi slicks in size of 215/45-17.

Source: Miranda Media

April 8, 2014

MINI Reveals 2015 Cooper And Cooper S Models

MINI has just unveiled the new 2015 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models. Although the models are instantly recognizable, they are also built absolutely anew from the ground up. Every component has been modified in order to optimize the function, performance and style of the car.

The result is that the 2015 MINIs now have significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and personalization in terms of exterior and interior.

Speaking about the cabin, the new model is more spacious than before, safer and secures more dynamic and performance-oriented experience behind the wheel. One of the main highlights inside the car is the new LED display concept that provides the driver with visual feedback.

The exterior of the vehicle is undoubtedly unmistakable; however it also has a contemporary style. The body of the new MINI is 3,821mm long and of the MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm, they are 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm tall. These numbers show that the models are 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the preceding ones. The wheelbase has been also extended by 28mm.

A subtle reinterpretation can be seen on the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, circular headlights, ‘side scuttle’ indicator surrounds, upright rear light clusters and black lower body edging.

Another exclusive element of the 2015 Cooper and Cooper S are the available LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. They are surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring. At the rear are also used LED-powered lights. The brand now also offers five new exterior colours which complement the already existing range of MINI’s palette.

Going inside the car, one finds more spaciousness due to the extended exterior dimensions. The interior is adorned by a choice of fabric or leather finishes, or a combination of both. The dashboard of the new MINI Hatch includes a horizontal structure of the cockpit, linked to circular and elliptical details.

A new display and operating concept can be seen on the instrument cluster on the steering column. On vertically arranged circular dials are displayed the speed, revs and fuel level. In addition, inside is also featured a groundbreaking LED lighting around the central instrument.

Keyless-go is now standard across the MINI Hatch range. More importantly, MINI is now offering for the 2015 Hatch three brand new engines and new gearboxes. Each unit includes MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The trio all also offer enhanced performance figures.

2015 MINI Cooper Hatch has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 134 hp (99 kW), while the 2015 Cooper S Hatch is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 189 hp (139 kW). 2015 MINI Cooper D Hatch comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 114 hp (84 kW).

Engine		MINI Cooper Hatch	MINI Cooper D Hatch	MINI Cooper S Hatch
Type/no. of cylinders/valves		in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 4 / 4
Capacity	cc	1499	1496	1998
Bore/stroke	mm	82.0 / 94.6	84.0 / 90.0	82.0 / 94.6
Compression	:1	11.0	16.5	11.0
Output	kW/bhp	100 / 134	85 / 114	141 / 189
at engine speed	rpm	4500 – 6000	4000	4700 – 6000
Torque (with overboost)	Nm	220 (230)	270	280 (300)
at engine speed	rpm	1250 – 4000	1750	1250 – 4750

A six-speed manual transmission comes as a standard here, while the six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. Both make a contribution towards reducing CO2 levels. In addition, the suspension of the MINI has been optimized due to the less weight and it now delivers more fun of driving.

Also new to the car is the Variable Damper Control, which presents drivers with the choice of a more comfort-oriented response or a sportier and firm one. MINI Cooper Hatch and MINI Cooper D Hatch run on 15-inch forged light alloy wheels, while the Cooper S Hatch is fitted with 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard.

In terms of safety and security MINI offers front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, automatic passenger airbag deactivation and front and rear ISOFIX. Furthermore, a lot of standard features have been included for the MY2015. For instance there are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, door sill cover strips with a model-specific inscription, front fog lamps, onboard computer, MINI Radio including aux-in, USB interface and Bluetooth.

They can be complemented by the available features such as two-zone automatic air-conditioning, heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, visibility package including windscreen heating, rain sensor and automatic light control, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, sports leather steering wheel, Park Distance Control, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, and both interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.

The technologies included in terms of connectivity are MINI Connected or MINI Connected XL, MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Navigation System. On the other hand, the driver assistance systems include MINI Head-Up-Display, a camera-based cruise control and distance control function, a collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function, road sign detection and high-beam assistant. As an option, there are also available rear view camera and parking assistant system.

Next to the ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC) with brake assistant, the driving stability control system (DSC), 2015 MINI includes a drive-off assistant, brake dry function, fading brake support and dynamic traction control (DTC).

The brand also offers a lot of personalization features which add to car’s individuality and exclusivity. The list of interior and exterior customizable features the following: John Cooper Works rear spoiler, various decorative trims for roof, exterior mirrors, bonnet, seat upholstery, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.

2015 MINI Cooper Hatch is priced at $24,660 USD (£15,300). It will be built in Britain at Plant Oxford and launched in the spring of 2014.

Source: MINI

November 19, 2013

New Mini Paceman unveiled

2013 MINI Paceman It won’t be long before the seventh model in the Mini range goes on sale in the UK, though it’s difficult to know what the British market will make of it. Essentially the new car, called the “Paceman”, is a Mini Countryman with three doors which Mini hopes to market as a “Sports Activity Vehicle”.

Unfortunately the Paceman isn’t all that sporty when compared to many of the larger sports utility vehicles, and it’s hard to say whether drivers will be willing to show it off, even if it is the first “Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact segment”.

That’s not to say that the Paceman doesn’t look good though – inside especially it’s not dissimilar to the Countryman with its large (though not particularly garish) speedo; complete with sat nav, fuel gauge and audio. The rev counter is much more difficult to see, tucked away as it is behind the steering wheel. There’s plenty of information on show if you do crane your neck over the wheel to notice, with an odometer and a gauge for fuel economy on display.

The fuel economy is likely to be one of the major selling points for the Paceman, as it ranges from a very reasonable 46.3 mpg in the standard Cooper S, to a not too shabby 64.2 mpg in the smaller capacity diesel variant.

Sadly the Paceman needs to be cheap to run, costing as it does £18,970 for the most basic version. Road tax is not exactly inexpensive, and cheap car insurance from 123 for Irish customers are among the best available; with reasonable quotes in the UK often hard to come by.

The Paceman looks set to be somewhat rare though due to the extremely niche nature of its audience, so proper protection is absolutely essential. The good news for Mini drivers is that it’s a relatively safe vehicle, with the four wheel drive version handling particularly well even for a small car.

November 23, 2012

MINI Baker Street and Bayswater

Two new interesting models from MINI – Baker Street and Bayswater will hit the market in spring 2012. Both cars feature expressive design highlights and nice equipment.

The MINI Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the MINI Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which MINI is renowned.

The MINI Baker Street is available in MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI One D and MINI Cooper D guise, while the MINI Bayswater is available as a MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD.

The Bayswater model features Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork, 17” light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. There are also black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

You can order Bayswater with Cooper – 122PS, Cooper S – 184PS, Cooper D – 112PS and Cooper SD – 143PS. The special-edition model is also delivered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a 6-speed automatic features in the options range.

The Baker Street boasts Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint combined with special bonnet stripes. It rides on 16” 6-Star twin-spoke alloys finished in high-gloss black matching the black mirror caps.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat.

It is offered with four engine variants – One with 98PS, Cooper with 122PS, One D with 90PS and Cooper D with 112PS. All the engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional 6-speed automatic.

Source: MINI

January 19, 2012

Cars Under 30 000$ You Can Buy Today

So you have 30 000$ laying around and you want to buy a car? Well great! Always willing to give reasonable consumer advice, we at automobilesreview.com have compiled a list of the best cars out there that go effortlessly under that limit.

Mazda RX-8 – Starting at $26,795

It’s nice to have something exclusive just to tackle the mundane day-to-day life. So why not try the Mazda RX-8? Yes, it has been around for over 7 years now and soon it will be gone but it still is capable to put a smile on your face and also to punch you in the chest. While retaining a typical sloping profile of a two-door coupé it actually has four doors if we count the clever rear-hinged “freestyle” ones at the back. That gives you a certain degree of practicality and also something to brag about The power comes from a 1.3 but it is a rotary Wankel engine so it develops the staggering 232 units of horsepower. However, despite it’s size, this engine is quite thirsty (because of working in a completely different manner from conventional engines) for both fuel and oil. So running costs might be a problem for some.

MINI Cooper S – $23,800

This is the closest thing to a BMW you can get for that kind of money. It has a 1.6 twin scroll turbocharged engine with fully variable valve timing. So in essence you get 181 hp in a car that weighs no more than a double cheeseburger. It has perfect road manners, plenty of efficiency and a classy image deriving from an old British icon. It’s not very big though, is it?

VW Golf GTI – Starting at $23,700

This was an easy pick. Ever since the magnificent Mk.1, GTIs have always been dominant on the hot hatch market. Blistering performance, superb handling and a solid image are just a few superlatives that can describe what the capable hand German engineers has done here. Ever evolving, the Golf now makes use of a powerful 2.0 l. TSI engine coupled with either a 6-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual for diehard motoring enthusiasts. It’s hard to find anything here not to like. Focus ST fans may argue that it is a bit dreary and plain but that is as far as they would go.

Mazda MX-5 – Starting at $23,190

Another Mazda here however, unlike the RX-8, the MX does not take itself very seriously. It has a refined 2.0 l, 136 hp engine and not a million horsepower rocket thruster under the hood. Nor does it get any cunningly disguised compartments. All it does is to stay true to itself – front mid engine, rear-wheel drive, two seats and a soft top. It was originally conceived to honer the memory of the emblematic small British roadster class. Yes, most probably not the technological miracle that other cars try to be, but you’ll notice heads turning while driving around in town and that will make you happy.

Fiat 500 Abarth – Starting at $23,000

We wouldn’t miss a chance to add some Italian pesto on our petrol salad. It is another iconic supermini which changed the world of consumerism when it got out in 1957. Today, more than half a century later it is still as good to the taste as Italian wine. Abarth is a subsidiary company for Fiat that produces hardcore, lunatic, rubber burning demons. With their help this 2012 imp now has a 16-valve 1.4-liter engine that brings 160 hp. The design has managed to preserve its simplistic spirit coming from the 500’s ancestors and yet it is absolutely stunning to look at. Is it better than the MINI? We will let you decide.

Dodge Challenger R/T – Starting at $29,995

“It’s a muscle car and it is awesome!” That is at least what the kid in all of us says. In reality it is impractical, thirsty, barely a technological landmark and it handles like a rowing boat. But bare with us on that one. Imagine – you on the open road, the sun blazing down on you, haze rising from the black tarmac. What do we need to complete the picture? You guessed it, it’s a Dodge Challenger. But it’s not the power, nor are the emblematic looks you want the most. All you want to hear is the sound of a 375 hp, V8 HEMI thundering down that road with you behind the wheel. That sort of practice should actually be classified as therapy for it might be the most smile-inducing thing out there. But it is even more than that: with it you are fighting for a cause to save this dying breed of vehicles which used to be so cherished in the past.

Honda Clarity FCX – Around $22 000

So Cameron Diaz drives a hybrid and so does Leonardo DiCaprio. The list goes on for miles and it makes you think: “what is it about those cars?” Well, nowadays it has become a trend to think about the environment. 30 years ago it might have been “cool” to own the above mentioned Dodge Challenger but now Prius is the new swagger. But are you willing to play along and subdue to the the newly established norms? No, you are better than that. Go full on environmentally friendly with the Honda Clarity FCX – the car that according to Jay Leno will save the supercar just like the the car saved the horse. Put simply, the FCX will be the future of motoring when petrol starts running low. It is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which you just top up with compressed hydrogen and then use the oxygen from the atmosphere to create a reaction with an end result – H2O (water). The energy expelled from the reaction however powers up a 136 horsepower electric motor. This mode of energy producing eliminates the need of the dreadful battery packs used in various hybrids which are unreliable and dependent on power sockets and the weather. The Honda is efficient, clean and quite normal actually. The only problem of driving around in it is that you might flood the Earth eventually (joking really). While it is amazingly cheap to buy, obtaining one is as tricky as obtaining hydrogen itself. About 200 vehicles will be leased over the next three years, primarily in Southern California. But if you do manage to get one, you wont get more exclusive than that.

December 21, 2011

CoverEFX MINI R53 Project One

CoverEFX has introduced their tuning program for MINI R53. The German tuning house offers both styling as well as a performance package.

The exterior boasts a full metal coating of the car using the special CoverEFX paints such as “teflon-gray-metallic” and “electro-red-metallic”. There are also some elements covered with shiny black lacquer.

R53 ProjectONe stands on 17” Multispoke alloy wheels finished in matte black with an orange rim. The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension.

The performance package boosts the small 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine to whopping 240PS. There is no data for the performance, but there is no doubt that this will be one fast MINI Cooper.

The price for these upgrades was 8 000 Euro.

All parts are tested and approved.

Source: CoverEFX

August 1, 2011

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Superchips has revealed a tuning program for the performance R56 MINI Cooper S Turbo. The ECU re-map for “Phase 2” versions of the hot hatchback boosts the 184PS 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, produced from 1st March 2010 onwards.

The ECU re-map adds 25PS at 5444RPM and 32Nm at 3765Nm. The total power of the vehicle is 209PS and around 290Nm of torque.

Of course, the fuel economy remains the same – 48 mpg on combined cycle.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The ECU re-map is suitable for all “Phase 2” 184PS R56 MINI Cooper S models produced from March 2010 onwards. The performance package is now available directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network. The price tag is at £455.00, including VAT. Really, a great price for such modification.

So, if you have Phase 2 R56 MINI – don’t compromise, optimise.

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Source: Superchips

May 19, 2011

MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD

At the display of Auto Shanghai 2011, MINI is about to celebrate the world premiere of a specially styled, ultra-premium packed MINI Cooper dubbed MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD. (more…)

April 14, 2011

MINI Cooper JCW

MINI will offer a JCW factory tuning kit featuring increase the power and performance of the standard car.

It will be available for Cooper S, Cooper S Clubman and Cooper S Convertible.

JCW factory tuning kit boosts the engine of MINI Cooper S to 200PS (147 kW) at 5700RPM and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) between 1250 and 5000RPM. However, the overboost function makes 270 Nm (more…)

February 3, 2011

MINI Cooper Mat Edition

MINI will create a limited edition Cooper specially for France. The project is called Mat Edition and the car will feature a matt black exterior with checked mirror covers, unique side vents, and an individually-numbered key ring.

MINI Mat Edition is powered by either 1.6 liter with 120PS (88 kW) or 1.6 liter turbocharged with 211PS (155 kW). The diesel variant is again 1.6 liter with 112PS and hefty 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. (more…)

January 26, 2011

Coutryman is added to the MINI range

This is the fourth variant in the model family of MINI. The Countryman crossover filled the gap between the classic MINI concept and contemporary SAV. The vehicle features four door and wide-opening tailgate, so it offers more space. The most important innovation is the optional MINI ALL4 AWD system. The MINI Countryman offers exceptional design, quality, handling, efficiency and awesome performance. Furthermore, the vehicle can be individualized to your specific taste. (more…)

May 20, 2010

Tag: Cooper S