Mini Cooper	Mini Cooper S

(more photos below)

Article by Bill Robinson:

You’ve seen the billboards along I-15 - MINI, S, M, L, XL, XXL - Goliath Lost, etc. Well, they’re there for good reason. The new Mini is here. While it’s been 25 years since I owned a Mini, I am a fan and so, I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new car. The new Mini is produced in the UK and sold here by BMW (British Motor Works?). It is substantially larger than its forefather and is more BMW than you can imagine. I say this because I have a 325I Bimmer and as I read through the list of features on the new Mini, it was just way too familiar. This is one high tech little car.

While in Denver a couple weeks ago, I decided to drop by a dealer and check out this marvel in person. The dealer has remodeled part of the dealership to become almost a separate entity just for Mini sales. Indeed, the showroom had only Mini’s in it along with a host of logo products like jackets, mugs, and other accessories. Utah’s only BMW dealer has done a similar remodel, giving the Mini its own separated area. The Denver dealer told me that they had a 2 week wait on the Mini Cooper and close to a 2 year wait on the Cooper S. The Utah dealer had different numbers: 2 - 3 months on the Cooper and 1 year on the S. These numbers will most likely change as car manufacturing schedules and dealer allocations change. At this point, everything is so new, that nobody really knows what’s going on. Something that everyone does know, however, is that the car is an instant hit.

On to the car. While purists may complain that the new Mini is too big, it’s not like the old one, blah blah, the fact is neither is anything else. Yes, it’s bigger. Look in the mirror. So are you! There are just 2 models: the Mini Cooper is the standard car and the Mini Cooper S has more horsepower achieved through the addition of a supercharger. There are some differences in front sheet metal/bumper panels as well as a nifty spoiler and dual exhaust on the S. Very slick car. Here are some other differences:

But wait! There’s more. Here is a partial list of convenience, safety and security features. Items marked * are options, all others are standard

6 way adjustable seats
Power mirrors
Leather upholstery*
Heated seats *
Steering wheel mounted controls for cruise and audio *
CD audio system with 6 speakers
Harman Kardon CD audio system with 8 upgraded speakers, upgraded amplification system, vehicle speed sensitive equalization (!!!) and digital sound processing. * Holy 8 tracks, Batman!
Check control vehicle monitor system
On board computer indicating fuel consumption, speed, temperature, trip computer and range *
On board navigation system with 16:9 video screen *
Remote keyless entry system
Air conditioning
Climate controlled glove box (no more melted candy bars)
Rear parking distance control *
Speed sensitive wipers
Rain sensing auto wipers *
Rear window wiper
Power windows
Dual pane sunroof *
3 cup holders
Digital clock
ABS
Corner brake control (CBC)
Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
Flat tire monitor
Smart airbags
Side impact airbags
Auto battery disconnect during collision
Engine immobilizer with coded driveaway protection
Child restraint anchors
Crash sensor automatically turns on hazard lights, interior lights and unlocks doors.

I know you are thinking I just gave you the features list for a Jag or Mercedes. Nope. Pure Mini. And, as I said, this is only a partial list of goodies. There’s more. Enough more, in fact, that you can trick out an S to the tune of $25K!

When you sit in the Mini, your are overwhelmed by the amount of room, just like in the original. It’s big inside. The back seat will hold 2 medium sized adults comfortably, as long as they don’t need to move while riding. The rear seat backs folds down to make a large cargo area accessible through the rear hatch. The bad news (for me) is that I didn’t have time to drive the car during my first visits to dealers. Soon, though, I will hop behind the wheel and it may take a crowbar or an auto loan to get me out!

I am hoping that the local dealer will show a Mini at the BFD. Even if they choose not to, you owe it to yourself to stop by and have a peek at this unbelievable British car.

http://www.miniusa.com/ (lots of Flash animations to load)

Note from the Webmaster: A friend of mine back in Illinois just received his new Mini Cooper S and has sent some pictures. He loves the car and says the build quality is phenomenal.

	Click on the pictures in this area to see a larger view.
He bought the supercharged S model and has the white top and bonnet stripes.
	He may own a new Mini, but he's a DeLorean owner through and through.