What is it?
2002 Mini Cooper S
What's special about it?
For a car that just recently debuted in Europe and has yet to hit American shores, the Mini Cooper has certainly garnered more than its fair share of media attention. While much of this attention is the result of marketing hype, credit must be given to a car that is certainly the most significant debut for 2002. The BMW-designed Mini Cooper looks cool, is packed with premium technology and, if the early indications are correct, should be very entertaining to drive.
While Mini has indicated all along that there would be a top-line Cooper S trim, it wasn't until the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show that the company announced the car's official specifications. The supercharged and intercooled engine is the highlight. While similar to the Chrysler-derived 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Cooper, the Cooper S's engine has a number of internal changes to help cope with the extra power.
Maximum output is 163 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, an increase of 48 hp over the Cooper's. The S's torque is rated at 155 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm. While these numbers aren't outstanding (the 2002 VW GTI 1.8T makes 180 hp, for instance), they are compensated for by the car's relatively light 2,514-pound curb weight. To convert the engine's power into motion, the Cooper S comes with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. Expect a 0-to-60 acceleration time of about 7.4 seconds.
As one might expect, a sport-tuned suspension comes standard on the S. Sixteen-inch wheels with run-flat 195/55R16 tires are standard, and 17-inch wheels with 205/45 tires can be ordered as an option. Inside, the car comes standard with sport seats, special trim materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Like the Mini Cooper, safety is addressed via standard front, side and head-protection airbags, antilock brakes with EBD and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a tire-pressure monitoring system and an optional stability control system.
Why should you care?
BMW has the rare ability to make cars that appeal to consumers in Europe, America and Japan. Based on the crowds surrounding the Mini booth at the Tokyo Motor Show, this latest offering will do well in Japan.
It should do well in the United States, too. We bet the Mini Cooper will be the hot car for 2002, and the Cooper S will be the trim best suited for American driving styles. If you're interested, you'd best already have your name down on a waiting list. Like the New Beetle and the PT Cruiser, this one's going to be quite popular. While BMW originally stated the Cooper S would be available at the same time as the Cooper in the spring of 2002, don't be surprised if the S's arrival is delayed for a few months. — Brent Romans
2002 Mini Cooper S
What's special about it?
For a car that just recently debuted in Europe and has yet to hit American shores, the Mini Cooper has certainly garnered more than its fair share of media attention. While much of this attention is the result of marketing hype, credit must be given to a car that is certainly the most significant debut for 2002. The BMW-designed Mini Cooper looks cool, is packed with premium technology and, if the early indications are correct, should be very entertaining to drive.
While Mini has indicated all along that there would be a top-line Cooper S trim, it wasn't until the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show that the company announced the car's official specifications. The supercharged and intercooled engine is the highlight. While similar to the Chrysler-derived 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Cooper, the Cooper S's engine has a number of internal changes to help cope with the extra power.
Maximum output is 163 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, an increase of 48 hp over the Cooper's. The S's torque is rated at 155 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm. While these numbers aren't outstanding (the 2002 VW GTI 1.8T makes 180 hp, for instance), they are compensated for by the car's relatively light 2,514-pound curb weight. To convert the engine's power into motion, the Cooper S comes with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. Expect a 0-to-60 acceleration time of about 7.4 seconds.
As one might expect, a sport-tuned suspension comes standard on the S. Sixteen-inch wheels with run-flat 195/55R16 tires are standard, and 17-inch wheels with 205/45 tires can be ordered as an option. Inside, the car comes standard with sport seats, special trim materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Like the Mini Cooper, safety is addressed via standard front, side and head-protection airbags, antilock brakes with EBD and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a tire-pressure monitoring system and an optional stability control system.
Why should you care?
BMW has the rare ability to make cars that appeal to consumers in Europe, America and Japan. Based on the crowds surrounding the Mini booth at the Tokyo Motor Show, this latest offering will do well in Japan.
It should do well in the United States, too. We bet the Mini Cooper will be the hot car for 2002, and the Cooper S will be the trim best suited for American driving styles. If you're interested, you'd best already have your name down on a waiting list. Like the New Beetle and the PT Cruiser, this one's going to be quite popular. While BMW originally stated the Cooper S would be available at the same time as the Cooper in the spring of 2002, don't be surprised if the S's arrival is delayed for a few months. — Brent Romans
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