It could be great, but I chafe at the ad copy. "Immersive user experience?" They're talking about the infotainment system instead of the driving, aren't they?
Photography Courtesy Mini
Mini announced new global gas-powered Cooper and Cooper S models today, promising “minimalist design, digital innovations and an immersive user experience.”
A 3-door layout remains, with both the U.S.-market Cooper–which Mini calls the Cooper “C” in the press release–and Cooper S receiving a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
The Cooper S is rated at 201 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque, with Mini claiming a 0-60 sprint of 6.3 seconds. As for the Cooper C, performance is expected to be “made available closer to US launch.”
“A purist design and compact silhouette” is how Mini describes the new model’s exterior styling, with a fresh grille out front that is fitted with “BMW Group's smallest radar sensor to date” as well as new LED daytime running lights.
Inside the cockpit, the familiar Mini “toggle bar” remains–with toggles for the parking brake, start/stop “key,” experience mode and volume control–though now sports the gear selector as well. Mini says by relocating the gear selector, “the center console now has space to accommodate the new Wireless Charging Shelf 2.0 where smartphones can be stored here and charged wirelessly.”
Other changes inside include a new steering wheel and the relocation of the Mini Interaction Unit (the large, circular display that functions as both instrument and head unit) closer to the driver.
Similar to previous generations, both the Cooper C and Cooper S will offer “a wide range of customization options in keeping with the MINI’s expressive brand personality,” including interior trims, exterior paints and contrasting roof colors–depending on the trim, of course.
The U.S. market Cooper C is set to start at $28,950, with the Cooper S starting at $32,200. Production is expected to begin in July and March of this year, respectively.
It could be great, but I chafe at the ad copy. "Immersive user experience?" They're talking about the infotainment system instead of the driving, aren't they?
I kinda dig it. I am assuming no manual version is availible? (not that I would buy a new car anyways)
I dig it too. Nice styling, and real physical knobs for radio contorl! Wonder if the 2.0L is NA or turbo, or possibly mild hybrid?
But also, what fresh hell is this screen...
And these transmission controls? Does not bode well for a manual option.
Jesse Ransom said:It could be great, but I chafe at the ad copy. "Immersive user experience?" They're talking about the infotainment system instead of the driving, aren't they?
I'll admit that most of the press release was light on information on driving dynamics. Hopefully we'll get more technical information soon.
malibuguy said:I kinda dig it. I am assuming no manual version is availible? (not that I would buy a new car anyways)
I think that's a safe assumption, at least with the Cooper and Cooper S–but I'd love to be proven wrong.
maschinenbau said:I dig it too. Nice styling, and real physical knobs for radio contorl! Wonder if the 2.0L is NA or turbo, or possibly mild hybrid?
Oddly enough, the release didn't say. I would assume a turbo, though I didn't consider the mild hybrid option. It could even be both.
And yeah, +1 for hard buttons.
And these transmission controls? Does not bode well for a manual option.
Good point.
maschinenbau said:I dig it too. Nice styling, and real physical knobs for radio contorl! Wonder if the 2.0L is NA or turbo, or possibly mild hybrid?
But also, what fresh hell is this screen...
That's the "immersive user experience."
In reply to maschinenbau :
No more manuals for Minis: Want a new Mini with a manual? This might be your last chance. | News | Grassroots Motorsports
True bummer, in my eyes. The previous generation had a stellar manual, IMO. It was like idiot-proof.
I like the "experiences" switch, that way you can turn them off when you've had enough and just want to not experience.
Jesse Ransom said:It could be great, but I chafe at the ad copy. "Immersive user experience?" They're talking about the infotainment system instead of the driving, aren't they?
Yea, I cringed at that as well; however, I am going to spitball here and say it's aimed at those damned youths.
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