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The MINI Roadster.

The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI never fails to bring a smile to the face. And now it can also be enjoyed – with the roof up or down – in the first model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster is the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s line-up and the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. This typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster gives the small car segment another shot in the arm. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap.

The MINI Roadster’s classical soft-top roof, which can be opened and closed quickly and easily, ensures open-air driving pleasure is there to be lapped up at every opportunity. When it comes to optimising occupant protection the MINI Roadster is fitted with a pair of roll-over bars behind the seats. And whether the roof is open or closed, the driver and passenger have a 240-litre load compartment at their disposal. The wide through-loading facility into the passenger compartment provides an additional dose of practicality.

Design: classical roadster lines, hallmark MINI design language.

The faithful reproduction of the hallmark MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster gives the open-top two-seater 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. Characteristic MINI design features leave little doubt as to the brand identity of the new model.

Engines: impressive power, exemplary efficiency.

The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of four powerful – yet also highly efficient – petrol and diesel engines from launch. The model line-up ranges from the MINI Cooper Roadster (90 kW/122 hp), via the MINI Cooper SD Roadster (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Roadster
(135 kW/184 hp), to the sharpest performer of all, the 155 kW/211 hp MINI John Cooper Works Roadster.

Chassis: agility and precision ensure unbeatable driving fun.


Teaming up with the powerful engines and customary MINI front-wheel drive, chassis technology of a quality unparalleled in the small car segment and tuned specially for the MINI Roadster imbues the new model with the brand’s hallmark driving fun. Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance comes as standard, as does DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), while Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, optional on all other models – adds even greater assurance on slippery surfaces and additional sports performance under dynamic cornering.

Optimised weight balance and aerodynamic properties.

A torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and low centre of gravity enhance both the handling agility and safety of the MINI Roadster. 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 optimised by an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).



High-quality standard equipment, broad scope for individualisation.

The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster), electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying attractive options such as xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housing, Comfort Access and the Always Open Timer. And the MINI Roadster also offers in-car use of innovative MINI Connected infotainment and communications functions.

Made in England: MINI Roadster built at MINI Plant Oxford.

The character of the MINI Roadster also owes much to its British roots; it will be produced alongside the MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Coupé in Great Britain. The arrival of the new model sees the assembly plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory gain even further in importance. MINI already ranks as the country’s third-largest carmaker, and the BMW Group is investing around £500 million in the ongoing expansion and modernisation of its manufacturing facilities in Britain up to 2014.
 

At a glance.

• MINI pushes ahead with the rigorous expansion of its model family. The latest addition to the range is the MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the brand’s current line-up and the first open-top two-seater in its history. Cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept with manually-opening soft-top roof; first premium car of its kind in the small car segment; 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 individualisation.
• Faithful reproduction 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 typical of MINI; unmistakable design features and hallmark details underline the car’s brand identity.
• Three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end; 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 20 millimetres 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 centre of gravity, torsionally rigid body and optimised 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 80 km/h (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 240-litre luggage area; wide-opening tailgate for comfortable loading; optional: wind protection insert between the roll-over bars.
• Latest-generation four-cylinder engines; most powerful petrol and diesel units in the MINI line-up; MINI TwinPower Turbo technology; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 155 kW/211 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster with 135 kW/184 hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 90 kW/122 hp, MINI Cooper SD Roadster with 105 kW/143 hp; exemplary efficiency thanks to MINIMALISM technology.
• Bespoke colour and materials concept for upholstery, exterior mirrors, trim elements and Colour Lines; exclusive MINI Yours options and Sport Stripes in contrasting colour provide further individualisation; high-quality standard equipment including speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) and audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection; options include black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control and the Always Open Timer; wide range of entertainment and communications options: Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system, MINI Connected features including 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: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm
(280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 – 5,100 rpm).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds,
top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU:
7.3 litres/100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm,
max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm
(260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds,
top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres/100 kilometres
(47.1 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km.

MINI Cooper Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds,
top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 litres/100 kilometres
(49.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Roadster: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with
MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
Displacement: 1,995 cc,
output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds,
top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 litres/100 kilometres
(62.8 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.

Exterior dimensions:
Length: 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 3,728 millimetres,
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 3,758 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,390 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 1,384 millimetres,
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1,391 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

For more information or for an invitation to our new MINI ROADSTER launch events please click here>>>

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Honda NSX Concept

American Honda unveils New NSX Concept at 2012 Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS)

American Honda unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Badged as an Acura in the US, the new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio but is developed for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who led the development of Honda’s first NSX supercar, explained the values of the new NSX, “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection, works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of, “the synergy between man and machine,” added Ito.  “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

In addition to the new NSX Concept, American Honda also unveiled the Accord Coupe Concept, providing the first glimpse of the styling direction of the ninth-generation US Accord, set to go on-sale in the US in autumn 2012. This model is designed uniquely for the US market and is not destined for Europe.

As the Acura brand enters its second 25 years as Honda’s premium luxury-performance automobile brand, a concept version of the Acura ILX luxury compact sedan and a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sports utility vehicle were also unveiled.

The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura’s first-ever petrol-electric hybrid. 

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Honda Hybrid Sales Hit 800,000

Honda has sold more than 800,000 hybrid vehicles since the first generation Honda Insight hit the road in November 1999. Honda was the first manufacturer in the world to launch a hybrid model and the Insight delivered 83 miles per gallon* giving it the highest fuel economy among all petrol powered vehicles at the time.

Honda now sells seven hybrid models in 50 countries and they all come equipped with Honda’s original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system.

In the UK, Honda has sold more than 22,000 hybrids since the original Insight was launched in 2000 and the current hybrid line up now consists of the CR-Z, Jazz Hybrid and Insight.

Honda’s annual worldwide hybrid sales for 2011 was approximately 200,000 units (up 30 per cent compared to 2010), and Honda’s total hybrid sales during the last three years exceeded 500,000. In Japan, the ratio of hybrid vehicles exceeded 45 per cent of all new Honda vehicle registrations for the month of December 2011.

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MINI BusinessCar Awards

A DECADE OF STRAIGHT WINS FOR MINI AT THE BUSINESSCAR AWARDS 2012

For a decade, MINI’s irresistible combination of premium styling, frugal fuel performance and that unmistakable go-kart handling has been recognised by BusinessCar Magazine as they name the MINI Hatch ‘2012 Supermini of the Year’ in their annual awards.

MINI’s low running costs and CO2 emissions, coupled with high residual values and performance are just some of the reasons why it has proven to be such a success with business car users.

“The MINI has established itself as a favourite of the business car industry, with its combination of rock-solid residual values, excellent efficiency and cheeky charm proving itself once more to the readers of BusinessCar, which have again voted it as their most impressive supermini,” said BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker. “A good business car has to offer appeal to the heart and to the head, and the Mini offers both in abundance.”

MINI One D and MINI Cooper D Hatch models feature the brand’s MINIMALISM technology. Both models can enter the London Congestion Charge Zone free of charge thanks to a host of fuel-saving and emission lowering equipment; they emit just 99g/km CO2.

The BusinessCar Awards are voted for entirely by the readers of BusinessCar magazine and www.businesscar.co.uk rather than a panel of judges and are therefore highly regarded within the industry.

BusinessCar is a magazine, website and series of email newsletters designed for the business car market. BusinessCar gives the reader a wider choice of information. Information that is not only essential to the fleet manager, but is also vital to finance bosses, HR directors and procurement chiefs as well as managing directors who want to understand the important issues central to running car and van fleets.

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BMW - BusinessCar Awards 2012

Six times a champion for BMW at the BusinessCar Awards 2012.

BMW UK has scooped six awards from one of the country’s leading fleet publications.  BusinessCar magazine has honoured BMW with the headline accolade of ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, for the fourth year in a row, in recognition of BMW’s diverse product portfolio and class-leading running costs.

‘Business Car of the Year’ has been awarded to the new BMW 1 Series in honour of its appealing overall package with low running costs making the smallest BMW just as tempting as its larger family members.  The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon has been named ‘Green Car of the Year’ for the second year in a row thanks to its class-leading driving dynamics coupled with exceptional economy and attractive ownership costs.

For the third year in a row both the BMW X5 and BMW 3 Series Saloon held onto their titles, having once again been named ‘Large 4x4 of the Year’ and ‘Upper Medium Car of the Year’ respectively.  Topping off the awards haul, the BMW 7 Series was also voted ‘Luxury Car of the Year’.

The BusinessCar Awards are the only honours voted for solely by the title’s readers, reflecting the opinions of the people who really matter in the fleet industry, which gives them a particular gravitas.

Paul Barker, Editor of BusinessCar commented: "BMW's impressive and class-leading combination of desirability, efficiency and driving pleasure has again shown itself, with this haul of awards, decided by the readers of BusinessCar, proving that the brand is at the forefront of the company car market.

"Across the range there is a model for every level of employee, each one offering low tax bills, good running costs and the premium BMW badge. The people running these vehicles and giving them to their staff obviously appreciate the job BMW is doing."

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New city slickers

New city slickers: The MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater.

Olympic host city and style capital London provides fresh design inspiration for MINI special editions. New models boast exclusive equipment and tradition-laced titles.

With just months to go before the Olympic Games get under way in the capital city of the brand’s home country, MINI introduces two new special-edition models to spread contemporary London style around the world. The latest takes on the MINI character – the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater – will go on sale in spring 2012. Expressive design features and exclusive equipment inject the cars’ exterior appearance, interior ambience and hallmark driving fun with their own distinctive flavours. The MINI Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the MINI Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which MINI is renowned.

Both special-edition models will be produced over a limited period and offered for sale worldwide. The MINI Baker Street can be ordered in MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI One D and MINI Cooper D guise, while the MINI Bayswater is available as a MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD.

MINI Baker Street: an individualist with a taste for extravagance.

New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model. The Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint shade combines with special bonnet stripes whose basic colour black is given extra character by a subtle V-shape design. 16-inch 6-Star twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black along with matching black exterior mirror caps present an attractive contrast to the bold, contemporary appearance of the new exterior paintwork.

The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black. In MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D trim the roof is painted black, while “Baker Street” lettering on the side scuttles framing the side indicators points to the exclusive character of this special-edition model.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The equipment list for the MINI Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The range of optional equipment, meanwhile, offers a host of other items with which customers can tailor their car to their personal requirements. The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp). All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic.

For visitors to London and locals alike, the MINI Baker Street’s name will be synonymous with the address of a certain fictional hero. It is 125 years since Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle released his first story with the master detective in the title role. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds waxworks museum can both be found just a stone’s throw from Baker Street underground station.

MINI Bayswater: the extrovert sportsman.

The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design – blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre – halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill – Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.

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