subject: Mini Cooper S: An Icon Surviving Test Of Time [print this page] Mini Cooper S: An Icon Surviving Test Of Time
Iconic British car manufacturer, BMC, initiated production of Mini in wake of oil crisis and to compete with German bubble cars. The then owner of BMC laid down some foundation rules for building a proper, miniature and economical family car, as a result of which Mini was born. Main breakthrough engineering was mounting of a transversal air cooled engine which saved enough room for comfortable seating of driver and three passengers, one in front and two at back, with still a small boot for luggage at the very back.
Mini was launched with small engines ranging from .8 to 1.2 litre, soon enough sportier versions of Mini were launched under Cooper and Cooper S badges. Mini Cooper S engines were tweaked versions of simple Mini engines with efficient gearboxes and front disc brakes to handle the increased power. Within few years of their commencement, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S became the highlight of Minis lineup and overwhelmed Mini One in sales volume. Sale figures of Mini dropped overall in 1973 when Cooper and Cooper S models were dropped from lineup as a result of royalty issues between BMC and John Cooper. However, after an absence of 20 years from Britains market, Mini Cooper S was again revived and production continued till 2000.
Because of sportier lines on bonnet, their lively engines and racing heritage; Mini Cooper S always appealed more to the audience, within 4 years of its launch it went on to win Monte Carlo Rally in successions from 1964 to 1967. Their rallying performance became testament of their superior handling and pleasurable drive. After 2000, Mini went under BMWs ownership who refreshed Mini marquee with a new design. The new design enabled BMW to develop a vehicle which can satisfy safety and environmental regulations of all regions. It also portrayed Mini as a young and trendy automobile, increasing its desirability among youth.
Main flaw in older design was its out dated shape and shorter wheel base, after 1968 regulations, Mini couldnt get approval to be sold in US market on safety grounds. BMW launched a wider and longer version of Mini with 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines. Mini Cooper S engine was again the chunkiest one in whole lineup thus again making it the most desired model. A tuned up version of Mini, named Mini John Cooper Works Challenge was launched in 2008 and 2009 with most powerful mini engine ever, producing a whooping 208 bhp.
