William Maley

Yes, it's the how can we make more money and compete with BMW & Mercedes Bubble

Land Rover Thinking About A Performance Brand William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com November 3, 2011 Land Rover could be offering performance sub-brand like Jaguar's R. John Edwards, Land Rover's Global Brand Director told Inside Line that, "there's definitely room for performance products," within the Land Rover family and the company was considering a performance sub-brand. Currently, Land Rover offers a Supercharged version of Range Rover and Ranger Rover Sport and there is rumored to be a high-performance version of the new Evoque in development. Sources inside Land Rover say the Evoque's chassis can comfortably handle more power. When asked, Edwards neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such a car. The only thing that could hold back the performance sub-brand is China. China is expected to become Land Rover's biggest market within the next few years. "We need to think about the extension to the Evoque that will work best in China. We might go for more luxury," said Edwards. Source: Inside Line

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Could The Next Gen Holden Commodore Be The Last To Be Born In Australia? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com November 3, 2011 The next generation Holden Commodore could be the last one worked on in Australia. A report in The Australian Financial Review quotes a union official from The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia saying: "GM Holden has canvassed not continuing to work on new model Commodores beyond [2014]." This report has caused Holden to go on massive damage control. Holden spokeswoman Emily Perry told Drive that company "has not taken any decisions yet" regarding the future design, engineering and production of the Commodore and the report contained significant "misinformation". "We are reviewing our options and it's been a breach of trust in the union going and talking about those discussions and spreading misinformation. No decisions have been taken about our future models – the general news isn't as familiar with our products and the union have put out misinformation saying model year 2014 - that is absolutely not correct." Chris Walton, CEO of The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia said, "The Commodore is Australia's most popular car right now because it has been designed by Australian engineers for Australian conditions. We call on the Australian public to show their support for the Australian engineered Holden Commodore and buy one now before they are made in the USA or China or Korea." The Commodore has been Australia's best selling car for the past fifteen years, but has been in decline for the past decade to people going towards SUVs and smaller vehicles. Also, building a vehicle in Australia is very expensive and the government has been offering incentives to help keep engineering and production there. "Our plan is to build, design and engineer cars in this country," said Mike Devereux, Holden chairman and managing director on Melbourne radio station 3AW. Devereux called on the Australian government to reinstate a co-investment scheme similar to the now defunct Green Car Innovation Fund. "I want the government of this country ... to fully understand that you are competing against Germany, Brazil, Russia, India and China," Devereux said. "There isn't a place on the planet ... where you either don't have co-investment or tariffs. What I suggest is a solid co-investment program. That is the way the game is played. If people find that distasteful, I can't control that; that is the way the global auto industry works." However, Devereux didn't say anything on design and engineering jobs staying in Australia for long term and where the next generation Commodore would be produced, only saying there were "no guarantees in life or anything". Source: Drive.com.au Statement from Holden Below Holden Statement 2011-11-03 Holden has today responded to speculation regarding future model development in Australia. The issues being raised in the media relate to confidential discussions with the engineering union, APESMA, as part of the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) negotiations which are currently under way. This speculation also relates to decisions for new products - which Australians won’t see until closer to the end of the decade – and these decisions have not been finalised yet. Holden leadership has been very open with employees, unions, media and government about some of the options and the challenges the company faces in the local market, as well as from global competition for capital investment in this country and in the regulatory environment. However, Holden does not comment on its EBA negotiations in the media, nor do we speculate about very long-term future models and we certainly don't intend to give our global competitors a free kick. Holden has very good working relationships with its unions - particularly through some of the most challenging times with shared shift arrangements in our manufacturing workforce and helping to secure Cruze production in Elizabeth at the height of the GFC. Attributable to Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux

Honda Moving Civic Refresh To 2013 William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com November 2, 2011 Rumorpile: Civic To Get A Refresh In 2013?! Earlier in October, we reported on a rumor that Honda would be moving up their refresh of the new Civic to 2013 due to all of the negative press. This week, Honda has confirmed the Civic would be refreshed sometime in 2013. "We take feedback seriously, regardless of who it's from, and we will act accordingly quickly," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president. The new Civic has been bashed for many things; similar exterior design to the previous model, poor quality of materials, etc. Also, Consumer Reports has removed the Civic from their recommended model list. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Spying: Opel Astra OPC William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com November 2, 2011 GM's European division has been hard at work developing their competitor to the Ford Focus ST and Mazdaspeed3 and some new spy shots have come out. The camouflaged Opel Astra GTC in the pictures is the new OPC/VXR model due out sometime next year. Not much has changed since we last saw pictures of this; a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder developing around 300 HP, six speed manual, and GM's HyperStut suspension to help counter understeer are expected. The question now is will the US get a taste of this as a Buick? The speculation is being fueled by Astra GTCs running around Detroit and documents from the recent UAW and GM negotiations revealing a unnamed new compact car to be built in the U.S. and sold as a Buick. Source: Motor Authority

Subaru Reveals The BRZ Concept STI William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com November 1, 2011 You have to wonder if Subaru was getting a bit jealous with Toyota since the spotlight for the past week or so has been on FT-86. Now, Subaru is taking back the spotlight by releasing a picture of the BRZ Concept STI. The coupe seems to share a lot of design cues from the FT-86 except for the unique fender vents, hexagonal front grill, hawk eye headlights, and hard to miss rear spoiler. Under the hood lies a 2.0L naturally aspirated Boxer four, not a tubrocharged version of the same engine that has been rumored (though that could change when the production model is introduced). The BRZ Concept STI rides on 18-inch wheels with brembo brakes and upgraded suspension bits. The BRZ Concept STI makes it's debut at LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks. Press Release is Below. Subaru BRZ Concept – STI to Debut at Los Angeles International Auto Show First look at Subaru BRZ styling STI-tuned chassis and carbon-fiber roof deliver the ultimate in handling and CoG First RWD Subaru sports car LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that it will show an all-new concept version of its upcoming BRZ sports car at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Dubbed the Subaru BRZ Concept- STI, the concept car represents the next step in lightweight performance sports cars combined with the race-bred tuning of Subaru Technica International (STI). The first BRZ concept car to be shown with bodywork, the Concept – STI strongly hints at the styling of the production BRZ and features unique STI performance features. Styling Sleek, low and tightly coiled bodywork blends with STI performance touches for a sporting profile. A hexagonal front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps are instantly recognizable as Subaru. The exterior colour "WR Blue Pearl II" is a new generation of the iconic WR blue paint scheme that has adorned both racing production STI's. The body is set-off with aero-tuned lower front spoiler and unique rear fascia, a rear wing for added down-force and a carbon-fiber roof to lower its already record setting center of gravity specification. The rear design features bold rear fender flares and large rear-diffuser giving way to polished stainless-steel quad-tailpipes. Vented rear bumper corners contribute to improved aerodynamics performance. Engine The concept car employs the totally new Subaru "FA" Boxer engine exclusively designed for the RWD BRZ sports car. In order to achieve properties best-suited for the BRZ sports car, the overall structure of this 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm. The inherent qualities of the Subaru Boxer engine were mated to a direct injection fuel system, which further improves combustion efficiency, running smoothness up to high rpm and high environmental standards. Chassis The lightened Concept – STI features an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and unique 18-inch wheels and tires. The Subaru-engineered and built chassis boasts a rigid frame housing a two-plus-two interior and front engine/rear-wheel drive layout. With the engine mounted low and rearward in the engine compartment to allow for near-perfect balance and one of lowest CoG's of any car on the market. The BRZ Concept – STI is designed to combine lightweight, a low polar moment and razor-sharp reflexes for the ultimate handling machine. The low engine placement also allows for a very low and blade-like hood design. Short front and rear overhangs reduce the yaw moment of inertia. Compared with other Subaru models, which already feature a low centre of gravity and optimal weight distribution, the engine in the Subaru BRZ - STI - sits even lower, 4.7 inches lower in fact and is positioned 9.4 inches closer to the centre of the chassis. The first RWD Subaru, the production Subaru BRZ will begin production in spring 2012 as the only mass-produced front-engine, Boxer engine rear-wheel drive sports car in the world. SUBARU BRZ Concept – STI Specifications Body size (Overall: Length x Width x Height): 166.7 X 70.9 X 50.4 inches Wheelbase: 101.2 inch Engine: Subaru Boxer "FA" engine - 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine Tire size: 215/45R18 (Front), 225/45R18 (Rear)

Mercedes-Benz Shows Off A Camo Covered CLS Shooting Brake* William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 31, 2011 Back at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz rolled out a stunning concept called the Concept Shooting Break which was Mercedes vision of a CLS wagon. A few months after the showing, Mercedes announced they would be building a production model of it. Now, spy shots of the CLS Shooting Brake testing around Mercedes-Benz have been released. Most of the camouflage is on the back of vehicle – not surprising. The question is will the styling from B-pillar back resemble the concept. Judging from the pictures of the camouflaged vehicle the answer is yes. Both share a lower roofline at the back, a rounded tailgate, and similar taillights. The biggest unknown for fans of the three pointed star in US is will the car make it over. The fact is wagons are slowly dying out due to most people either going for vans, crossovers, and SUVs. But a resurgence seems to happening with the number of wagons on and going sale in the US. Audi has the A4 Avant and upcoming A4 Allroad, Cadillac with the CTS Sport Wagon and CTS-V Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic and the new E63 Wagon coming next year. If Mercedes-Benz does decide to send the CLS Shooting Brake across the Atlantic, it would most likely have the 4.6L twin turbocharged V8 and the AMG version with the 5.5L twin turbocharged V8. (Author’s Note: Shooting Brake is most commonly used for wagons that have two doors, not four.) Source: Motor Trend

Even More FT-86 News: Leaked Spec Sheet William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 31, 2011 Related: Are You The Final Toyota FT-86? Maybe We're beginning to get a better picture of what the Toyota FT-86 (Scion FR-S for the US) will bring us once production begins. Some scans of what is purported to be the FT-86's training manual has been put on the FT86Club.com forum. If the translations are done correctly, the FT-86 will have a 2.0L flat-four producing 197 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 6,600 rpm. That might not sound like a lot, but if early reports of the handling come true, the engine should be able to handle to the 2,667 lbs for the base model and 2,712 lbs for a fully loaded model. A six speed manual and automatic transmission will be available and and stock tire sizes will be 205/55s on 16-inch wheels for the base model, upgraded to 215/45s on 17-inch wheels for the higher-spec version. Source: FT86Club.com

New 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to Debut at the L.A. Auto Show http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?app=gallery&module=images&section=img_ctrl&img=3787&tn=1 Album: Fiat 500 Abarth 6 images 0 comments October 31, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Faithful to the ‘small but wicked’ saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth arrives in America with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks — world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume. Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving-purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic. With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will unleash the brand’s legendary performance heritage on American streets.

And Now Joining The Mini Lineup, The Mini Roadster William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 30, 2011 Following on the heels of the just launched Mini Coupe, Mini has announced the Roadster. Coming to the US in mid-2012, the Roadster is the company’s first manually-opening drop-top two-seater. Compared to the Mini Cooper Convertible, the Roadster is 0.1-inch shorter, 1.9-inches narrower and 1-inch lower. Three models will be available when the Roadster goes on sale; the Cooper Roadster with a 1.6L four-cylinder producing 122 HP and 118 lb-ft of torque, the Cooper S Roadster with a 1.6L four-cylinder with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology producing 184 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque, and the John Cooper Works Roadster which uses a modified version of the 1.6L in the Cooper S to produce 211 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque. A six speed manual is standard while a six speed automatic is optional. All Mini Roadsters will come equipped with electric power steering, Dynamic Stability Control, roll-over bars, and a spoiler that raises at 50 MPH. Options will include Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control. We'll get out first look at the Mini Roadster at January's North American International Auto Show. Press Release is Below SPONTANEOUS, OPEN, IRRESISTIBLE: THE MINI ROADSTER. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 30, 2011... The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI can now be enjoyed with the roof up or down in the first convertible model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s current line-up, gives the small car segment another innovative shot in the arm. The typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster embodies unadulterated sportiness and spontaneous urban driving fun under the open sky. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap. And the MINI Roadster’s classical soft-top roof, which can be easily opened and closed manually, ensures open-top driving pleasure can be lapped up at every opportunity. The hallmark MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster gives the first open-top two-seater in the history of MINI an unmistakable and irresistible charisma. Even with the roof closed, the MINI Roadster displays an elegant, sweeping silhouette, with the transition from soft-top to rear end highlighting its characteristic three-box design particularly clearly. This layout encompasses a clear visual separation of the car’s boot (capacity: 8.5 ft3) from the passenger compartment, while a wide through-loading system behind the seats enhances practicality. The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of three powerful yet also efficient engines. The model line-up ranges from the MINI Cooper Roadster (121 hp) and MINI Cooper S Roadster (181 hp), to the sharpest performer of all, the 208 hp MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. Chassis technology unparalleled in the small car segment, including Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), combines with the more torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and the car’s lower center of gravity to deliver addictive agility and unbeatable active and passive safety. Meanwhile, front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars fixed to the body join forces in the name of occupant protection. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimized by an active rear spoiler. The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning, speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, the Openometer and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying options such as Xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housings, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access and the innovative MINI Connected infotainment system. At A Glance. MINI Roadster is a cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept with manually-opening soft-top roof; unique package appealing to demanding target groups with a penchant for elegant sportiness, spontaneous open-top driving fun and irresistible design; inspiring handling fuelled by powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology; unrivalled scope for individualization. Faithful incorporation of the MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster; clear focus on two-seat design and open-air driving experience; sporting charisma, with short overhangs, powerful over-the-wheel stance and high waistline; unmistakable design features and hallmark details underline the car’s brand identity. A three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end; an elegantly sweeping roadster look thanks to heavily raked A-pillars and a waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body towards the flat rear end; stands more than ¾ of an inch lower than the MINI Convertible; manually operated soft-top roof with straightforward mechanism for spontaneous, rapid opening and closing. Full-blooded go-kart feeling and outstanding safety levels thanks to bespoke chassis set-up, low center of gravity, an increased rigidity of the body and optimized aerodynamic properties; Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster); roll-over bars in polished stainless steel; active rear spoiler extends automatically at 50 mph; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with standard John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit. Focused two-seater concept with stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, through-loading system and 8.5 ft3 luggage area; wide-opening tailgate for comfortable loading; optional: wind protection insert between the roll-over bars. Latest-generation four-cylinder engines; MINI TwinPower Turbo technology; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 208 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster 181hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 121 hp. Bespoke color and materials concept for upholstery, exterior mirrors, trim elements and Color Lines; exclusive MINI Yours options and sport stripes in contrasting colors provide further individualization. Options for the infotainment system include a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system, and MINI Connected, which has features that include the Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter. Engine variants: MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsports. Displacement: 1,598 cc Output: 208 hp at 6,000 rpm Max. torque: 192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm (207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm) Acceleration: 0–60 mph: 6.3 seconds Top speed: 147 mph US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: Not yet available Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 7.3 liters/100 kilometers (38.7 mpg imp) CO2 emissions: 169 g/km MINI Cooper S Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc Output: 181 hp at 5,500 rpm Max. torque: 177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm) Acceleration: 0–60 mph: 6.7 seconds Top speed: 141 mph US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: Not yet available Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 6.0 liters/100 kilometers (47.1 mpg imp) CO2 emissions: 139 g/km MINI Cooper Roadster: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc Output: 121 hp at 6,000 rpm Max. torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm Acceleration: 0–60 mph: 8.7 seconds Top speed: 124 mph US EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: Not yet available Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 5.7 liters/100 kilometers (49.6 mpg imp) CO2 emissions: 133 g/km Exterior dimensions: Length: 146.8 inches (MINI Cooper S Roadster: 147 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 148 inches) Width: 66.3 inches Height: 54.5 inches (MINI Cooper S Coupe: 54.7 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe: 54.8 inches) Wheelbase: 97.1 inches The roadster, MINI-style: unique and unmistakable. The MINI Roadster is the only open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. The principles of the MINI design language are faithfully reflected in the body design of the new concept. For example, the athletically taut surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines typical of MINI cars are complemented by a sloping windscreen frame raked by an extra 13 degrees over the MINI Convertible, a short passenger compartment distilled around two seats, and a flat boot lid. A waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body to the clearly stepped boot and the deliberately low-slung silhouette – even with the roof closed – give the MINI Roadster an elegantly stretched appearance. At the same time, the new model wears its brand identity on its sleeve thanks to unmistakable design features like the hexagonal contours of its radiator grille, the black border around the lower part of the body, chrome trim strips and surrounds, large circular headlights, vertically stacked rear lights positioned on the outer extremes of the rear end, and the eye-catching surrounds of the side indicators on the front side panels. With an exterior length of 146.8 inches (MINI Cooper S Roadster: 147 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 148 inches), wheelbase of 97.1 inches and width of 66.3 inches, the dimensions of the MINI Roadster largely mirror those of the MINI Convertible. Standing just 54.5 inches (MINI Cooper S Coupe: 54.7 inches, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe: 54.8 inches), i.e. more than ¾ of an inch lower than its four-seater soft-top stablemate, the new two-seater cuts a distinctive, low-slung and elegantly stretched figure from the side. A windscreen frame that is more heavily raked and tapers upwards more sharply than that of the MINI Convertible also gives it a clearly distinguishable appearance when viewed head-on. Clean, classic, opens and closes with the flick of a wrist: the manually operated soft-top roof. Another example of the faithful transposition of MINI design into the compact roadster template comes in the form of the robust, all-season durability of the soft-top roof. When closed, the roof – which shares the simple style of classic British roadsters – “cascades” downwards, broadening as it heads towards the body and underlining to the typically MINI, powerful over-the-wheel stance. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car’s elegantly sweeping lines intact. And since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover. The manual opening and closing mechanism of the soft-top roof allows the driver to usher in his next dose of open-top driving pleasure without a second thought. And the roof can be closed again quickly to protect the driver and passenger from less welcome weather. The roof is opened by turning the release lever on the windscreen frame though 130 degrees and swiveling the soft-top back in a single movement behind the seats, where it locks into place. The process for closing the roof again is triggered by pressing a button positioned between the roll-over bars, which allows the roof to extend back out of its anchorage points assisted by gas-pressure springs. It can then be pulled forward with the help of the release lever and fixed in place again against the windscreen frame. Bespoke range of exterior paint finishes, Sport Stripes and interior design elements offer the key to individuality. A range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades are available for the exterior of the MINI Roadster. In keeping with British roadster tradition, the roof remains in black. Sport Stripes, available in three colors for the bonnet, boot lid and rear apron, allow owners to add an extra personal touch. The light-alloy wheels fitted as standard on the MINI Roadster come in 16 or 17-inch formats, depending on the model variant. A selection of other light-alloy wheels are available as an option in the same sizes. The customary MINI variety of seat and upholstery variants includes ultra-exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy. Added to which, black sports seats are also available in Punch Leather with beige-colored perforations. Trim strips can be ordered in any of six variants, while an extra Chili Red option is also offered only for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. A choice of five Color Lines is also available, and customers may likewise choose to explore the additional, extremely exclusive interior design options offered by the MINI Yours range. A well-rounded concept delivering driving fun without compromises. The absence of a rear seat bench allows the MINI Roadster to offer 8.5 ft3 of luggage space. Plus, the high-opening tailgate and low boot sill make it that much easier to load items of luggage, while a 14” x 8” (approx.) through-loading door can also be opened from the driver’s or passenger’s seat, providing added versatility. The MINI Roadster also comes with larger door bins, three cupholders, and a cross-rack behind the seats. Another stand-out feature of the MINI Roadster is the stainless steel rollover bars, the front of which are padded. Together with the reinforced windscreen frame, they provide optimized occupant protection in the event of the car rolling over. Dynamically formed contours ensure that the roll-over bars and windscreen frame combine to impressive effect in terms of design, too. The safety equipment on board the new MINI Roadster also includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags integrated into the outer sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tire Pressure Monitor System. Bodyshell stiffening at the rear increases the torsional rigidity of the body and combines with extra-sturdy side sills to enhance the strength of the passenger cell. In addition, the MINI Roadster also features built-in innovative pedestrian protection measures and special stiffening elements in the front section. These result in a slightly higher front axle load rating compared with the MINI Hardtop, which gives the front wheels extra traction. In addition, the use of a comparatively lightweight, manually operated soft-top roof lowers the car’s center of gravity. The impressive body rigidity of the MINI Roadster and its dynamically favorable weight distribution provide the ideal platform for agileand precise handling. Optimized aerodynamic properties also play their role in a vehicle concept geared to enjoying driving fun to the fullest extent. The heavily raked A-pillars and windscreen reduce the frontal area of the body, and therefore reduce levels of drag. Added to which, the MINI Roadster is fitted with an active rear spoiler. Integrated into the tailgate, the spoiler extends automatically as soon as the MINI Roadster reaches 50 mph. When the car’s speed drops back below 37 mph, a four-part control mechanism returns the spoiler to its rest position. The active rear spoiler, which can also be operated manually using a button in the control panel on the windscreen frame, provides 88 lb of extra downforce when travelling at maximum speed. Airflow has been optimized to an even greater degree on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. The most powerful member of the Roadster line-up is fitted with a John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit as standard in a nod to its exceptionally dynamic performance capability. Latest-generation four-cylinder engines: addictive sportiness, impressive efficiency. The MINI Roadster is available with the three engines in the US. The state-of-the-art engines all boast sporty power delivery combined with exemplary efficiency, and all variants of the MINI Roadster carry the Cooper name in their model titles. This reference to legendary ex-Formula One racing car designer John Cooper, who used to race the classic Mini, marks out a car with particular sporting capability. The MINI Cooper Roadster represents an extremely lively entry point into the Roadster line-up. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine boasts a fully variable valve control system – based on the VALVETRONIC technology used in BMW engines – which sharpens the engine’s responses yet also lowers fuel consumption and emissions. With output rising to 121 and maximum torque of 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, the powerplant accelerates the MINI Cooper Roadster from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph. Its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers (49.6 mpg imp), while CO2 emissions come in at 133 grams per kilometer. Note: US EPA fuel economy estimates are not available at the time of this publication. In addition to fully variable valve control, MINI TwinPower Turbo technology also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection – a technology package that makes the 1.6-litre engine in the MINI Cooper S Roadster the world’s most efficient in its displacement class. The powerplant develops its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Peak torque is 177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft in a short burst courtesy of the Overboost function. All of which means the MINI Cooper S Roadster powers from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 141 mph. These performance figures contrast with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers (47.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometer. Note: US EPA fuel economy estimates are not available at the time of this publication. The latest model variant from MINI’s John Cooper Works sub-brand showcases its sporting potential with even greater intent. The MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is powered by a 181 hp four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The 1.6-liter unit generates its maximum output at 6,000 rpm, with peak torque of 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) on stream at 1,850 rpm. The Overboost function briefly pushes this figure up to 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft). 6.3 seconds is all it takes the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster to blast from 0 to 60 mph. Top speed is 147 mph. Added to which, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers (38.7 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometer, the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster boasts extraordinary efficiency for an open-top car in this output class. Note: US EPA fuel economy estimates are not available at the time of this publication. MINI Cooper Roadster and MINI Cooper S Roadster can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function as an alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the MINI Roadster range. Agile, precise, stable: go-kart feeling in a roadster wrapping. Teaming up with the powerful engines and customary MINI front-wheel drive, chassis technology of a quality unparalleled in the small car segment imbues the MINI Roadster with the brand’s hallmark driving fun. MacPherson struts at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle, Electric Power Steering with speedsensitive assistance, powerful brakes offering excellent feel, and bespoke tuning for all chassis components come together to produce a new interpretation of the time-honored MINI go-kart feeling. Sports suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics, sturdier anti-roll bars and upgraded springs, is available as an option. A Sport Button on the center console, standard on all US spec MINI John Cooper Works Roadster variants, allows the driver to adjust the car’s steering characteristics and accelerator responses. If the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is specified, pressing this button also shortens shift times. The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide. The system includes ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assistant. DSC also adds DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster and as an option on all other model variants. MINI Roadster: premium two-seater with high-quality standard equipment and exclusive options. The interior of the MINI Roadster features – in typical brand style – a large Center Speedo and a rev counter positioned directly behind the steering wheel. The sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster offer outstanding lateral support through quickly-taken corners. Standard specification also includes air conditioning, height-adjustable seats, an on-board computer, the Openometer, the storage package and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. The comfort and individuality of the MINI Roadster can be further enhanced with items from the range of high-quality options, some unique in the small car segment. For example, Adaptive Headlights and black headlight housings are available in conjunction with the optional Xenon headlights. Among the other options customers can choose from are Park Distance Control with rear sensors, Comfort Access, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, heated seats, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, an armrest. Also available as an option are Recaro sports seats in a leather/Dinamica combination with optimized lateral support, extended thigh support, integrated head restraints and an embossed John Cooper Works by Recaro logo. Customers can also dip into the selection of exclusive options available from the MINI Yours range and ultra-sporty John Cooper Works options and accessories. Only from MINI Connected: innovative entertainment and communications functions. The MINI Roadster comes as standard with the Radio MINI CD audio system with HD technology, while an extra dose of entertainment pleasure can be specified in the form of the Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system and USB audio interface. The radio MINI Visual Boost and MINI navigation system link up with a 6.5-inch, highresolution color display in the Center Speedo. If these options are specified, MINI Connected allows Apple iPhone owners access to internet-based services inside the car. The MINI Connected App opens the door to a web radio function, use of Google services, Facebook and Twitter, reception of RSS news feeds, full integration of Pandora Radio, the MINIMALISM Analyzer, Mission Control and Dynamic Music functions, as well as the latest Driving Excitement functions, such as Condition Check, Force Meter and digital sports instruments.