World premiere for the new MINI at North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 in Detroit

Detroit, MI, US, 23-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The new edition of an original is the central focus of the MINI presentation at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 in Detroit. The British premium brand presents the new MINI – with a distinctive and carefully refined design, further increased driving fun and a range of innovative fittings that is unique in the small car segment. As well as this latest addition, the limelight in Detroit will also be on the six other members of the MINI family. All in all the diversity of the model program is greater than ever before in the history of the brand. What is more, MINI provides visitors to the NAIAS from January 18th – 26th 2014 with a look ahead to a new form of extreme driving fun. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept sees its world premiere in Detroit, instantly conveying a genuine passion for racing.

More than 800,000 visitors are once again expected to attend the 26th North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center . Some 200 exhibitors from all over the world will be displaying their latest models, products and technologies. The NAIAS is one of the world’s leading automobile trade fairs, and as it is traditionally the first of the year it typically points ahead to the future.

The new MINI: more innovations, more space, more driving fun.
The latest generation of the MINI is once again a pioneer of individual style, premium quality and high-end technology. The evolutionary refinement of its design, entirely new engines and innovative driver assistance systems make the new MINI more athletic, efficient, expressive and progressive than ever before. The car’s characteristic go-kart feeling is now enhanced with optimised ride comfort, adjustable dampers being offered as an optional extra for the first time. More interior space, optimised functionality and detailed refinements in terms of material and finish likewise reflect the maturity of the latest generation.

All four seats of the new MINI tangibly increase freedom of movement and the luggage compartment has been expanded by 30 per cent. A new display and operating concept, innovative driver assistance systems and the latest MINI Connected features also allow even more intensive interaction between driver and MINI. And the new MINI is the first automobile in its class to be fitted with LED headlamps and a Head-Up Display.

The new MINI is due to go on the market in the USA in spring 2014. There will be a choice of the models MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S at the market launch. Both can be fitted with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission according to preference. The transmissions and engines have both been newly developed. The entire drivetrain technology along with an extensively optimised suspension provides the perfect basis for maximum driving fun in the small car segment. At the same time, the engines and transmissions, a weight-optimised design and improved aerodynamic properties along with extensive MINIMALISM technology all contribute to the enhanced efficiency of the new MINI.

MINI model program: success based on diversity and individual style.
The new MINI puts the British automobile manufacturer fully on track to continue its global success story. 12 years after the relaunch of the brand, MINI has become established in the USA, too, as the epitome of efficient driving fun, stylish individual flair and uncompromising quality. The consistently expanded model program is one aspect which has contributed to its ongoing growth in popularity. Over the past few years the MINI family has expanded to a current total of seven members. The hallmark brand qualities are to be found in the classic MINI concept as well as in the MINI Clubman, the MINI Coupé and also the two models designed for open air driving fun – the MINI Convertible and the MINI Roadster.

And there are now two models representing the brand’s venture into a new market segment. The trailblazer here was the MINI Countryman, the first model of the brand to be fitted with four doors, a large tailgate and space for up to five occupants. This agile all-rounder is now joined by the MINI Paceman, the world’s first ever Sports Activity Coupé in the premium compact segment. The all-wheel drive system ALL4 specially developed for MINI is also available for the MINI Countryman and the MINI Paceman.

World premiere in Detroit: the MINI John Cooper Works Concept.
In the USA, too, the aspirations of especially performance-oriented MINI fans are addressed by the extremely sporty John Cooper Works models. At the NAIAS 2014 MINI gives the public a first impression of the future of this brand so deeply rooted in racing passion. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept premiered in Detroit represents the next generation of the small car segment’s fascinating top sports car.

The model-specific features of the car’s exterior design are instantly recognisable, deriving directly from the technical requirement for optimised air ducting and precisely controllable handling in extremely sporty driving situations. Among other things, the MINI John Cooper Works Concept has very large air inlets in the front apron and a rear spoiler as well as distinctively designed side sills and rear apron. What is more, 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, a sports brake system and a sports exhaust system reflect drivetrain and suspension technology developed with extensive race track expertise.

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MINI at the NAIAS Detroit 2014. (12/2013)