Mini Cabrio 2006 News

The new unit is based on the one in the 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S, with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel-injection and variable valve control. The turbocharger is tweaked for extra boost and the engine has been fitted with a new high-performance exhaust system – finished with twin stainless-steel tailpipes. Engine outputs are 155kW of power at 6000rpm, and 260Nm of torque from 1850-5500rpm, with 280Nm available for a few seconds on overboost between 2000-5200rpm. It will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but there will still be the option of a six-speed automatic with a manumatic mode and shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Mini says the new engine gets a weight-saving aluminium block and bearing mounts, lighter crankshaft, reinforced pistons and a high-strength cylinder head. The manual transmission gets a fuel saving stop-start system, and the load on the electrical system is reduced by brake energy recapture with the alternator disengaging at high revs – combining to cut your fuel burn by about 500ml per 100km.  

Mini designer Alec Issigonis and performance tweaker John Cooper had a brain explosion in 1964 and developed a model with twin motors. Cooper crashed it, spent eight months in hospital and the idea was officially shelved. It hasn't stopped many backyard mechanics from having a go ever since, including Brisbane dentist Bill Westerman."Five years ago I was drinking beer with my friend Fred Sayers and we both decided to build one," he says in his garage littered with Mini engines in various states of rebuild. "Right from the word go — when the hangover cleared — we got stuck right into it."His 1964 Mini Cooper S with a "worn-out" 1293cc engine in the front and another in the back is called "Nuts". "Because you have to be nuts to drive it and it's better with two," says Westerman with a cheeky grin."I don't know what I paid for this one. It came from a shell. I had a shed load of Minis at the time. It's a sickness, you know."The graduate dentist began learning his mechanical skills from his first car which was a composite Series II Land Rover he made from two he bought at auction. His love of Minis started with his second purchase in 1969 when he bought a new Cooper S for $2500 and headed off to work in outback Waikerie, South Australia."I realised fairly quickly that what you really need in the outback is a V8, so I bought an XY Falcon ute," he says. "It went through a set of tyres every 6000 miles (9656km), a set of shocks every three months and universal joints at least once a year over those corrugated roads."His next car was a modified VB Commodore V8 wagon donated to the young dentist by Holden. He had it about five years before returning to Brisbane, more study at the University of Queensland and the start of his amateur career racing Minis from 1986 to today."The aim was to race all the circuits in Australia and I've just about done that except for Perth and Darwin," he says. "I've had a lot of fun. Racing has been very good to me. I've always been in the middle of the pack because I didn't spend enough money on the race car to win."His efforts to get more power out of a Mini and get further to the front of the pack led him down the ignominious Issigonis path of a twin-engined model. "We were worried after the first drive as it was an extremely difficult beast to keep on the road," he says. "There has to be co-ordination between the two motors. The gearing is the same and all the internals in the engine are the same, but we set the front so it was revving slightly harder so there is a bit of a pull factor."The revelation that kept the beast on the road came from an article in a 1960s Sportscar World magazine about the Formula One Ferguson all-wheel-drive race car. "We got a lot of hints from that; you need an overdrive diff on the front and back," he says. "We put one in the front and it made a bit of a difference and then we put one in the back and all of a sudden it goes. The diff takes up the front-to-back bias. It used to crab before that."The other major problem was the suspension. "Minis usually understeer, but this one was really taily at the start, not because of the weight in the rear but the front suspension we put in the rear. The problem was the back castor ... it had too much toe-in and we had to remove it. Instead of a steering box and steering geometry we made it into a straight-ahead suspension. Now I can drive it over all the ripple strips and still maintain control of the car. We have handling reasonable so now we are after more horsepower."Two more powerful engines in various stages of rebuild are sitting on the floor of his garage waiting to be thrown into the "Nuts" car. "I have the theoretical knowledge of mechanics to build an engine but Fred has the practical knowledge to make it work," he says. "It's been an interesting engineering exercise."Unfortunately, the car won't be ready in time for the second annual Cootha Classic hillclimb which Westerman organises for the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland. "Maybe next year," he says.The Cootha Classic will be held on May 29-30 featuring more than 250 cars and about 50 motorcycles from the 1920s to today in timed sprints around a 1450m track up and down Sir Samuel Griffith Drive with seven corners and chicanes.Racing starts at 8.30am. Entry is $20 a day, $15 for concession, $30 for a two-day pass and $5 for parking in the J.C. Slaughter Falls carpark.Visit: www.visitbrisbane.com.au.

Mini bigwig Dr. Michael Ganal said all new models of the Mini had completely new four cylinder engines, which he claimed increased performance and decreased fuel consumption by 20 per cent.Other new features included an optimised chassis, new six-speed transmission and electro-mechanically assisted power steering.The new Mini is boasting itself as the safest car in its class with six airbags as standard. Ganal said the exterior changes are subtle because Mini buyers don’t like change, so the rounded headlights and hexagonal grille have had only slight design tweaks to bring them up to date.Inside is a different story, with a complete revamp for a more spacious and sporty feel, he said.The CARSguide test team is currently in Barcelona for the official worldwide launch of the new Mini, and our test drive reports will be available in coming weeks.

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard

The Chilli pack has proven popular in enhancing the fixed-hardtop Mini models so now it also becomes a choice on the Mini Cabrio.With the arrival of spring, there is more interest again in convertibles. Mini is announcing the Cabrio Chilli to tempt buyers from going into rival showrooms - because it won't be available on sale until December.Still, that's in time for the summer holidays. Or a nice Christmas present. The Chilli version is available in both mainstream Mini Cabrio models, the Mini Cooper with 85kW of power from its 1.6-litre engine and the 125kWMini Cooper S, where that engine is supercharged. On the Mini Cooper Cabrio, the Chilli package adds a choice of cloth or leather seat facings, multi-function leather-wrap steering wheel, cockpit chrono pack, 16-inch diameter light-alloy wheels, exterior highlight kit, front fog lights and velour mats.On the supercharged Mini Cooper S Cabrio, the Chilli pack gives the cloth and leather seat cover choices, the sports leather-clad steering wheel, 17-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate-control airconditioning and heating, cockpit chrono pack, a premium sound system and velour floor mats.The Mini Cooper Cabrio Chilli will be priced from $41,000 and the Cooper S Cabrio Chilli from $50,100. The regular Cooper Carbio five-speed manual is $37,500 and the Cooper S Cabrio six-speed manual at $46,500 - plus $1800 for a CVT graded as a six-speed automatic. The Mini Cabrio has become a main part of Mini's sales success here, selling more than 1000 Cabrios in less than 20 months since its launch at the start of last year.And this is despite supply being limited as the BMW-owned factory in Oxford, England tries to meet high world demand.* A red Mini, meanwhile, is bringing smiles to people using postage stamps and receiving mail right now. Australia Post has a Driving Through the Years special issue to commemorate the centenary of the first driving licence to be issued in Australia. One of the six iconic cars in the series is a red Mini from the 1960s.

The popularity of the legendary Mini has surprised most, especially BMW, which admits it underestimated just how successful the reborn brick would be.With the introduction of the Mini Cabrio – which will go on sale after the Sydney Motor Show – this popularity is expected to further cement the little three-door hatch's place in the market.A price premium of less than $8000 is expected on both Mini Cooper Cabrio and Mini Cooper S Cabrio models over their fixed-roof counterparts. That would make the Cooper Cabrio about $42,000 and the Cooper S Cabrio about $47,000.Mini has made a significant contribution to the success of the BMW Group: "In all, we have sold more than 400,000 Minis since its introduction not quite three years ago," says BMW board member Burkhard Goschel.The Mini Cabrio is a real looker with the roof down. It rises slightly to the rear and the waistline gives the car a sporty profile accentuated by a chrome strip.The Mini is renowned for its go-kart-like abilities, precise handling and generally fun characteristics and the Cabrio does not disappoint.It was surprisingly quiet with the top down – high in the mountains the wind nearly knocked you over when outside the car but felt like a light breeze when inside due to the high-pitched windscreen, high windows and standard wind deflector. (The wind deflector double folds to the size of an A4 sheet of paper and about 2cm thick when not in use.)Rear vision is compromised with the top off and the wind deflector in place but it is expected the Cooper S Cabrio will receive a standard reverse-parking aid.With the roof closed the boot is 165 litres, and 120 litres when it is open.Flexing noises were heard with the roof closed, only a tiny amount of scuttle shake was felt and there was no steering kickback. Even in the wet the 15-inch wheels did not want to let go.The Cabrio has a 1.6-litre engine that produces 85kW at 6000rpm and a top speed of 193km/h. It consumes just 7.3L per 100km.Despite a revised five-speed gearbox with shortened throw, the Cooper Cabrio's 150Nm of torque let it down, especially as it carries 100kg more than the fixed-roof model.Despite being able to corner at fast speeds the gearbox was unable to pull the 1175kg out in the same gear, meaning the car was either over-revved in second or struggling in third.The Cabrio is, however, just as nimble as its roofed counterpart, featuring larger and sturdier body parts, an extra-strong floor pan and side sills, along with additional V-struts between the underbody and the rear axle and stiffening between the engine mount and strut tower to provide further reinforcement.The side sills' thickness has been increased and reinforcement pockets have been integrated, increasing body stiffness and preventing the door sills deforming in a head-on collision. The underbody has been reinforced with new crossbars in the area of the B-pillar.The Cabrio has two front airbags, two seat-integrated side airbags, a reinforced A-pillar and a roll-over bar capable of holding three times the car's weight.While the back seat room is not huge it can take two people in relative comfort.All Mini models gain a new headlight design, and tail lights with clear glass covers. Xenon headlights are optional.The Cooper Cabrio adds Hot Orange and Cool Blue paint to its palette and the Cooper S Hyper Blue, bringing to 10 the number of paint options. There are 11 upholstery options, nine interior variants, three roof colours and seven different light-alloy wheels.Buyers can opt to colour-code one of four exterior paint colours to the dash panel, replacing the brushed-aluminium look.You can also opt for a round centre instrument panel for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature, run-flat and service-interval indicators. All Australian specifications are yet to be finalised.The Cooper S Cabrio will come with a new supercharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 125kW at 6000rpm and a revised six-speed manual gearbox. Maximum torque is 220Nm at 4000rpm. The supercharged sun lover hits 100km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 215km/h, 0.2 seconds and 7km/h down on the fixed-roof model.