2012 Mini Coupe

2012 Mini Coupe was finally revealed in all its glory ready for production, replete with racing stripes. Yes, Mini has released official images and specifications of the new Coupe two places, a hatchback model which hits stores in October.

Let’s be clear: no one buys a Mini for its commodious cabin and cavernous cargo area. But the area below the rear door is larger than one might expect in the new Coupe, and is aided by a pass-through that allows objects to be held longer in the car.

Yes, this new Mini Coupe I drove very close to production specifications and equipped with Sport suspension (in the middle of three levels available on all models, even the JCW), worked very well, even though the car weighs around? 50 more than a comparable hardtop and has a center of balance that has moved forward slightly.

Three reasons for this increase in weight and change: First, the new Coupe is based on unit-body chassis heavier convertible, with its reinforced rocker sills. Second, the car is equipped with some new hardware sub-impact bumpers pedestrians will make its way in all other Minis for model year 2012. Past, there is also a new “twist wall” stiffener located where the back seat would be … the 2-seater Coupe Mini had any.

There will be a Mini Coupe for everyone or no one at least does not need to carry more than one passenger and a lot of baggage. Three models are available: Mini Cooper Coupe, Coupe and the Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works Mini Coupe. The base coupe is driven by a 121 bhp, 1.6-liter inline-4 that total benefits from variable valve timing. The base coupe can reach 60 mph in 8.3 seconds claimed, and has a top speed of 127 mph.

At several points, the design of the 2012 Mini Coupe had us know if the production model would live up looking racy concept. Test mule in camouflage bizarre does not inspire much confidence. However, the Mini Coupe in production trim cuteness manages to balance sports with aggression. The low ceiling (the “cap” roof in the Mini-speak) looks much better integrated into the design and color scheme with contrasting racing stripes work well. A recess in the headliner is also smart, like the Coupe roof was lowered by about an inch when compared to the standard Mini.

Next is the Cooper S Coupe, equipped with 181-bhp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4. With twin-scroll turbo overboost, there are 192 lb-ft of torque available from 1700 and a good flat rpm to 4500 rpm. The Cooper S Coupe reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds while top speed climbs to 142 mph. If this were not enough, the Mini John Cooper Works 208 hp Coupe serves, also courtesy of a 1.6-liter turbo and this car reaches 60 mph in a fleet of 6.1 seconds. Maximum speed for the JCW coupe is 147 mph.

The suspension (shock absorbers in front and a multilink rear) is set very much in keeping with other Minis, with base models with a 1-mm-larger rear stabilizer bar to help reduce understeer. In all coupes JCW, Dynamic Stability Control is enhanced by Dynamic Traction Control, which in turn works to control electronic differential lock Integral. When the DTC button to the right of the gearshift lever is pushed, the Coupe is able to move away from a standstill much more effective in sand or snow, through the intervention of the automatic brake on the wheel (or wheels) that have no traction.

When it goes on sale in October, the 2012 Mini Coupe will be priced at $ 22,000, with the Cooper S version from $ 25,300 and $ 31,900 in JCW. This is a little more expensive than the Mini Hardtop 2012, which will be priced at $ 20,200, $ 23,800 and $ 30,600 respectively.