“MINI DAY 2024” will be held to unveil the new “MINI Cooper 3-door”
On March 1st, BM W held “MINI DAY 2024” at BMW Group Tokyo Bay (Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo) to unveil the new “MINI Cooper 3-door,” which is the first fully improved model in about 10 years. . The new MINI Cooper 3-door will be released on the same day, and will be the first MINI mass-produced model in Japan, along with the gasoline models “MINI Cooper C 3-door” (3.96 million yen) and “MINI Cooper S 3-door” (4.65 million yen). The lineup includes the BEV (battery electric vehicle) “MINI Cooper E 3-door” (4.63 million yen) and “MINI Cooper SE 3-door” (5.31 million yen). The name has been changed with this model change, and the previous “MINI 3-door” is now called the “MINI Cooper 3-door.”
The new MINI Cooper 3 Door uses a design language called “Charismatic Simplicity”, which emphasizes simplicity by reducing the number of components. In addition, chrome parts and leather have been eliminated from the materials, and recycled polyester and recycled aluminum are used instead, giving the impression that this is a new generation model with an eye on the future.
While inheriting the MINI DNA, the exterior has been updated with a new minimal design that symbolizes the new generation model. The design details have been adjusted to take into account differences in powertrains and aerodynamics that affect cruising range. In particular, the BEV model is characterized by a clean surface that retains only the important features, and features such as the bonnet scoop, side scuttles, wheel arch decorations, and rod antennas have been abolished in favor of flush door handles and fin antennas. . The engine-equipped model aims to differentiate itself from BEVs, and while following the traditional design concept, features such as the shape of the door handles, antenna, and decoration of the wheel arches have been inherited from previous models.
In the interior, the instrument panel has been abolished, and the information necessary for driving is now displayed on the head-up display. For the first time, the curved dashboard features a new fabric-like material, made from recycled polyester, which has been created through a specially developed knitting-like manufacturing process to create an easy-to-clean structure.
In addition, the large circular center display uses high-quality glass with a diameter of 240 mm and is equipped with optimized high-sensitivity touch functionality. On the main menu, each function is arranged horizontally as a widget, and you can operate it by swiping or touching. In addition to functioning as a meter panel, all operations, including the navigation system with AR function, media, telephone, and air conditioning, are all controlled via a circular organic EL display.
In addition, all models of the new MINI Cooper 3 Door come standard with a new feature called “MINI Experience Mode.” By projecting up to seven patterns of light graphics onto the dashboard, it is possible to change the overall impression of the interior through the light patterns, ambient illumination, and newly created MINI driving sounds. For example, in “Personal Mode,” you can set your favorite image as the background of the display, and in “Vivid Mode,” a light effect that matches the color of the cover art of the music being played is automatically selected from 25 colors. It is said that it can be selected and projected on the dashboard.
As for the powertrain, the MINI Cooper C 3-Door is equipped with a new generation modular in-line 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 115kW/5000rpm and a maximum torque of 230Nm/1500-4600rpm. The MINI Cooper S 3-door is equipped with a new generation modular in-line 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 150kW/5000rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm/1450-4500rpm. Both are mated to a 7-speed double clutch transmission.
Additionally, the BEV MINI Cooper E 3 Door generates a maximum output of 135kW and a maximum torque of 290Nm, and the capacity of the lithium-ion battery stored under the floor of the body is 126.0Ah/40.7kWh. The driving distance on one charge is 305km. The MINI Cooper SE 3 Door generates a maximum output of 160kW and a maximum torque of 330Nm, and the capacity of the lithium-ion battery is 136.0Ah/54.2kWh. The driving distance on one charge is 402km.
All specifications listed, including mileage per charge, are approved in Europe and may differ from approved values in Japan.
MINI tops the sales ranking for 8 consecutive years
At the presentation, Mr. Masatoshi Hasegawa, President and CEO of B.M.W., Mr. Peter Medalla, General Manager of MINI Headquarters, and Mr. Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, General Manager of MINI Sales Department, took the stage, as well as Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design Department at BMW AG. He came to Japan and gave a presentation on design.
Mr. Masatoshi Hasegawa, President and Representative Director of BMW Co., Ltd.
President Hasegawa, who was the first to take the stage, said that there are many MINI fans in Japan, and this is evidenced by the sales volume, which will exceed 350,000 units by 2023, as well as the sales ranking announced by JAIA (Japan Automobile Importers Association). He expressed his gratitude and said that MINI was able to lead the race for eight consecutive years because of the support of the fans.
Mr. Peter Medalla, Head of MINI Headquarters, BMW Co., Ltd.
Mr. Medalla also looked back on 2023, noting that the new car sales announced by JAIA reached 17,796 units, that 4 special edition/limited cars were released, and that the number of new cars sold by model was the highest according to JAIA. “While we are proud of our achievements, we are only able to achieve this through our relationships with our dealers.In addition, we are committed to providing the best customer service possible.” I believe that we were able to achieve this by providing it to highly loyal MINI fans.”
Mr. Medalla also touched on the new MINI Cooper 3-door, citing its three features as “electric go-karts,” “digital community,” and “environmental friendliness.” He talked about the realization of the 90kW-class fast charger at authorized dealers by the end of 2024.
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design at BMW AG
Meanwhile, Mr. Heilmer introduced the design of the new MINI Cooper 3-door and also touched on the “MINI Experience Mode”, citing sound as one of the important items. Regarding this, Oliver Heilmer said, “You may be wondering why there is sound, but have you ever watched a horror movie without sound? This never has an impact. I think you can see that this sound plays a big role.Humans are very capable of reacting to sound, and for example, it is better to react by hearing a sound than by seeing something with the eyes. Of course, it’s a warning sound. We also want to differentiate ourselves from other brands, and emotion is key to that. There are sounds for pedestrians, stimulating sounds for drivers, sounds for when you want to calm down, and more. It was introduced that it was created by a designer.
Mr. Heilmer concluded his presentation by saying, “This is the new generation of MINI. Everything has been reborn, but you can still feel nostalgic. That’s how it is finished.”
2024-03-01 12:17:19
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