The new MINI Convertible is set to make a welcome return to UK roads in 2009, with a completely new version of the British-built favourite due to go on sale on 28 March 2009.

MINI Cooper and Cooper S derivatives featuring innovative engine technologies will be offered at launch, meaning fans of the compact, premium new MINI Convertible are guaranteed performance, frugality, minimal running costs and a unique image as standard. The MINI Cooper Convertible will be priced at £15,995 OTR and the MINI Cooper S Convertible will be offered from £18,995 OTR.

The first-generation MINI Convertible experienced remarkable sales success in Britain and was a best seller in the UK in the small convertible segment between 2004 and 2008. Approximately 164,000 MINI Convertibles were delivered to owners around the world during its lifecycle. Demand for its successor, complete with an array of technological and design advances, is sure to be strong.

Exterior design highlights
The unique aesthetics of MINI are clearly present in the new MINI Convertible. With a raised shoulder line, highlighted by a chrome strip which extends around the body of the car, the new MINI Convertible has a more purposeful and dynamic stance than its predecessor. The low roofline, wheels in each corner and short overhangs at both the front and rear of the car denote the MINI Convertible’s sporting intent.

Specific design cues differentiate the Cooper and Cooper S models. Both derivatives feature MINI’s trademark hexagon radiator grille and large round headlamps with integrated indicators. The high-performance MINI Cooper S Convertible sets itself apart visually through the presence of an enhanced ‘powerdome’, which sits 20 millimetres higher than the MINI Cooper’s bonnet and houses a large air scoop. At the rear end, large twin tailpipes, a large diffuser in the rear bumper and a two-piece rear fog lamp mark it out.

An hexagonal grid pattern on the radiator grille of the Cooper S is its finishing touch. In contrast, the new MINI Cooper Convertible’s grille boasts a chrome frame and three horizontal, chrome-plated bars.

Exclusive to the new drop-top will be two all-new colours to feature on a MINI. Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue will make their debuts on the second-generation new MINI Convertible. Contrasting roof options add visual appeal to the newcomer, and British customers will be able to pick from Black, Denim Blue and Hot Chocolate when specifying their perfect MINI.

For the first-time in a MINI Convertible, Air Conditioning will be fitted as standard. An added benefit to owners will be that the lockable glovebox will receive cooled air and ensure its contents remain icey, while passengers enjoy the sun.

Top up to top down in just 15 seconds
The automatic canvas roof of the second-generation new MINI Convertible can be fully retracted or closed using a roof-frame mounted toggle switch in just 15 seconds. In the event of a driver being caught unexpectedly by a sudden downpour, this function will fully operate with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph.

As an alternative to the complete top-down driving experience, the full-width of the electric roof can be retracted by approximately 40 centimetres to create the effect of a sunroof. This function can be operated at speeds of up to 75 mph.

A unique feature typical of MINI will be the Openometer. Offered as an option, the Openometer records the time spent by the owner driving with the top down, meaning passengers can measure their visual coolness inside, even if it’s cold outside.

Unlike its predecessor’s fixed anti-roll bars the new model features a single-piece roll bar situated behind the rear seats, ensuring passenger safety in the event of a crash. The roll bar will extend in milliseconds at the point of impact to protect the car’s occupants should the car overturn. Remarkably, this new arrangement in no way obstructs the driver’s line of visibility when looking out of the rear window.

In contrast to the first iteration of the new MINI Convertible, rear passengers will be able to adjust the height of their head rests at will, unlike the preceding car’s fixed-position arrangement.

The body structure, floorplan, A-pillars and side sills have all been strengthened to offer greater crash protection. This also significantly reduces ‘scuttle shake’, whilst body stiffness is further improved over the first generation MINI Convertible. The car’s weight is also reduced by 10 kilogrammes.

Clever use of space means the luggage capacity of the new car is greater than that of the first generation model. The easy-load boot compartment now has a capacity of 125 litres (up from 120) with the roof open and 170 litres with the roof closed (previously 165). With the rear seat folded down and roof closed, luggage space totals 660 litres, 55 litres more than the previous MINI Convertible.

Bike rack preparation will be supplied with the car as standard. The mounting points are obscured from view and positioned behind the rear bumper, meaning owners are able to easily affix multi-function carriers as and when required.

Proven power plants provide typical MINI performance
The case for the new MINI Convertible is strengthened further by the presence of award-winning engines, allied to short-shifting and precise six-speed manual gearboxes. Both models are available as an option with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The MINI Cooper Convertible is fitted with a four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management, using technology based on BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.

The MINI Cooper S Convertible is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine currently holds the title of International Engine of the Year, in the 1.4-1.8-litre category.

Both engines feature elsewhere in the current MINI range. In Hatch and Clubman guise, outstanding fuel economy, low CO2 emissions and high performance equate to low running costs, minimised environmental impact and a grin-inducing driving experience. Combined with the thrill of top-down motoring, the new MINI Convertible will be a tempting ownership prospect to British car buyers.

MINIMALISM technology
Technologies based on BMW’s EfficientDynamics systems are central to dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency and C02 emissions. Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Shift Point Display complete the line-up of MINIMALISM technologies supplied with the new MINI Convertible Cooper and Cooper S models.

Performance data
MODEL POWER (HP) MAX TORQUE (Nm) TOP SPEED (mph) 0-62 mph MPG (Combined) CO2 (g/km)
Cooper 120 160 123 9.8 49.6 137
Cooper S 175 240* 138 7.4 44.1 153
*260 Nm with Overboost

The performance data for the new model compares very favourably with its predecessor. Significant reductions in C02 output and a big improvement in fuel efficiency will be music to the ears of savvy potential owners.

MODEL C02 (g/km) MPG (Combined) BIK Tax VED band
2007 MINI Cooper Convertible 174 38.7 22 % E
2008 New MINI Cooper Convertible 137(-37g or 21% ) 49.6(+10.9mpg or 22%) 15 % C
2007 MINI Cooper S Convertible 199 34.0 27 % F
2008 New MINI Cooper S Convertible 153 (-46 or 23%) 44.1 (+10.1 mpg or 23%) 18 % D

Dynamic driving with uncompromised safety
The engines in both new models supply power which is transmitted to the front wheels. The chassis technology employed to manage the safe delivery of power is tailored specifically to the new MINI Convertible. The following technologies are standard features of this model:

• Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS)
• Brake system with anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Start-Off Assistant

A boost for car manufacturing in Britain
The second-generation new MINI Convertible will be built in Britain. The body shells will be pressed at MINI Plant Swindon, the engines will be built at BMW Group Hams Hall and assembly of the entire cars will take place at MINI’s Plant Oxford production facility, alongside the MINI Hatch and MINI Clubman.

After Misano, Italy, and Zandvoort, Netherlands, MINI is moving the celebration for its third MINI United Festival to the land of its birth. Silverstone, United Kingdom, with its legendary racetrack, will play host to the largest MINI fan event ever from May 22-24, 2009, marking the brand’s 50th birthday in grand style.

MINI enthusiasts, many of whom will be driving their own cars from countries all over the world, can look forward to a weekend full of MINI’s on display, motorsport action and musical performances. Other festival highlights will include stunt driving demonstrations, go-karting, a lounge area with DJs, and an exhibition of key products and milestones of MINI’s storied history.

The International Race Series, MINI CHALLENGE, will also be part of the festival, racing its third and fourth heats before an international audience. Additionally, the Mini Seven Racing Club will present a race with 50 classic Mini race cars, and festival goers will have an opportunity to take to the track in their MINI’s either alone or with a MINI CHALLENGE driver.

MINI United will feature food, drink and fun for MINI lovers of all ages, including a special Kids’ Area with activities ranging from Bobby-Car racing to climbing to face-painting.

US MINI Drivers will find more information about MINI United 2009 on MINIUSA.com early 2009.

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008. The launch of the MAZDA3 5-Door follows on the heels of the debut of the 4-Door sedan, which made its world premiere at the current Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new MAZDA3 5-Door adopts the same characteristics as its sedan counterpart, offering sporty driving and dynamic design, together with top-class environmental and safety performance.

The all-new MAZDA3 is available with key features typically not seen in its class including:

• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
• Adaptive front-lighting system and Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling
• Advanced keyless entry system
• Push-button start

All 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door models will be equipped with the newly developed 2.5L engine, shared with the MAZDA3s 4-Door and MAZDA6i. The 2.5L engine found in the MAZDA3 produces 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new 2.5L engine, as well as the 2.0L engine also available on the MAZDA3i 4-Door sedan, features the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology, which controls even finer material structures than nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium. Environmental qualities were top of mind during vehicle development, including efficient powertrains and aerodynamics that place the MAZDA3 amongst the best in class.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo has been awarded a prestigious five-star Euro NCAP rating, setting it at the top of its segment in the field of safety. The ‘sportiest ever compact car’ notched up a score of 36 out of 37 in the Euro NCAP adult ratings and a judgement of “Good” (the only car in its segment to obtain 3.35 points of out a maximum of 4) in the new tests that Euro NCAP has introduced to assess the ability of the front seats to prevent whiplash”.

This major accolade yet again confirms Alfa Romeo’s particular commitment to all aspects relating to driver and passenger protection. The Alfa Romeo MiTo was in any case designed and built to obtain the maximum score in passive and active safety tests. Examples include the most sophisticated electronic devices for control of vehicle dynamic behaviour (from braking to traction): Vehicle Dynamic Control (not disengageable) that manages important functions such as the Hill Holder, traction control, assisted panic braking, MSR to prevent the wheels locking during over-run, ‘active electronic steering’ DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) and Q2 Electronic that simulates the presence of a self-locking differential electronically .

Thousands of hours of virtual simulations have made it possible to develop the car without the aid of prototypes in just 16 months. The virtues of the virtual design were then put to the test physically on cars produced in the Mirafiori plant, with two hundred tests on components and subsystems, more than one hundred impact simulations on a Hyge slide and more than eighty crash tests (frontal impact, side impact, roll-over and shunting, taking into account the various speeds at which impacts may occur, the different types of obstacle and the need to protect occupants with very different physical characteristics). These statistics demonstrate Alfa’s deep-rooted commitment to making the Alfa Romeo MiTo one of the safest cars in its segment and also in the field of motoring as a whole. The new model represents the state-of-the-art as far as passive safety is concerned. Total protection, in short, as evidenced by 7 airbags as standard (two of which are Multistage); three-point seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limit limiters; S.A.H.R. (Self Aligning Head Restraint), a new second-generation device built into the backrests of the front seats that moves the head restraint closer to the occupants’ heads in the event of an impact to lessen the effects of whiplash. Not to mention the contribution to occupant protection made by the body, the bonnet, the doors and the dashboard crossmember in addition to the seats and steering column, that have been designed with a view to their behaviour in the event of an accident.

In the field of preventive safety, the Alfa Romeo MiTo also offers headlights with a daytime function (known as Daytime Running Lights) that automatically turns on the side lights when the engine is turned on – to meet a specific standard that will enter into force in 2012 – and LED tail-lights that offer greater brightness than conventional bulbs, for greater safety.

A few days ago the millionth Grande Punto came off the production lines at the Fiat factory in Melfi. This model was launched in 2005 and was the heir of two best-sellers: the first Punto (from 1993 to 1999) of which 3.5 million were manufactured, while the second series (launched in 1999 and currently on sale under the name Punto Classic) exceeded 3 million.

Intended for the British market, the millionth Grande Punto is a Passionate Red Sport version equipped with the spirited 1.4 turbo petrol 120 bhp engine. The car’s distinguishing characteristics are its large “Skydome” electric roof, 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels and chrome rear view mirrors. These last two features confirm the great attention given to accessories and aesthetic details introduced with the 2008 range.

Always a huge star on all the international markets, the Grande Punto MY 2008 has recently had a make-over with the adoption of major features aimed especially at the younger public. Just think that the sports line (Sport and Racing) accounts for 25% of total sales, while 14% of these customers choose to customise their cars with original stickers. Not only, currently 30% of Grande Punto customers demand Blue&Me, the system that has changed the paradigms of communication, information and in-car personal entertainment.

Moreover, aware of the comfort and safety features of the upper segment, 40% of customers choose the Dynamic version. Finally, for a few weeks now the dual fuel (petrol/methane) Grande Punto has been on sale, expanding the Natural Power range currently comprising the Panda, Multipla, Doblò and Punto Classic models. It is an important point that 24% of total sales of the Grande Punto are actually of the new methane version. The Grande Punto Natural Power is the ideal answer for those who want an environmentally-friendly car which is also economical with low fuel consumption. All this combined with excellent performance, extraordinary versatility and maximum safety levels.

The mid-nineties. A long day’s test-drive of the Volvo S40 and V40 in snowy conditions is at an end.
Paul Welander, today Senior Vice President, Quality & Customer Satisfaction at Volvo Cars and at that time the father of young children, was thinking about his latest purchase of overalls for his daughters.

That tag in the neck-band to confirm that the overalls were allergy-certified fascinated him.

“What if we had the same certification of upholstery in our cars – just imagine the sense of security our customers would have,” said Paul Welander.

That thought would lead to far-reaching benefits for allergy-sufferers riding in Volvos.

The idea was well-received by the very top level at Volvo Cars. And when the Volvo S80 was launched in 1998, the car was Oeko-Tex certified.

Nowadays of course all Volvo models feature Oeko-Tex certified textiles. An immense relief to about 35 or 40 percent of the population of the western world. Because that is how many people suffer today from allergies or over-sensitivity of one sort or another.

Oeko-Tex Association is a partnership of 14 textile research and test institutes in Europe and Japan. A wide range of products are inspected and analysed.

All the textiles inside the passenger compartment are tested, such as the roof lining, floor mats, luggage compartment mats, upholstery, door panels, leather-trimmed steering wheels and seat belts.
“There is a list of more than 100 substances or emissions that are not to exceed a given level. For instance, the materials used may not leak heavy metals,” explains Andreas Andersson who is in charge of passenger compartment cleanness at Volvo Cars.

The clean in-car environment of Volvo’s cars has drawn the attention of a number of organisations. For instance, the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association recommends four Volvo models as good purchases: the S80, V70, XC70 and the latest newcomer – the XC60.

“There are many people with various allergies today and over-sensitivity has increased drastically in recent years. Having a clean in-car environment is important. Personal health is important both to our customers and to us as a company,” says Andreas Andersson.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has awarded the Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) design team top honors for the Mazda KAAN – the company’s rendition of a 2025 race car. With eight other Southern California automotive design studios, including Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen in the running, KAAN took first place for how well it integrated a high level of innovation and technology into the design, as well as its truly unique styling.

Taking into consideration key racing principles like speed, power, performance and safety, the MNAO design team lead by Jacques Flynn and Carlos Salaff created an electric race car designed to compete in the 2025 season of E1 races, a time when California freeways have been resurfaced with a sub-level electro-conductive polymer that powers the electric cars of the modern world. Mazda’s patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions.

The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.

Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.

The team included Flynn, Salaff, Minyong Lee, Greg Lee, Tim Brown and Jordan Meadows.

Networked cars communicate with each other and with the road infrastructure using WLAN. This provides fast and early information about potential hazard situations and events in road traffic. Information exchange between cars especially at the end of tailbacks, at accidents or in icy road conditions can avoid accidents or at least reduces their consequences.

BMW Group Research and Technology has been involved in the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium right from the start. The consortium has grown from four partners at the start to a group of more than 30 partners. Two conditions need to be met in order to fully exploit the potential of Car-to-X communication systems with nationwide deployment: A joint technology platform needs to be agreed for defining standard interfaces and a uniform radio frequency. The recently approved 5.9 GHz frequency band for applications of Car-to-X communication represents a key milestone for standardisation in Europe – as already in USA and Japan.

The vehicle manufacturers involved with the forum use cars, trucks and motorcycles to demonstrate traffic situations when Car-to-X communication provides drivers with specific support, for example, in built-up areas where motorcycles or emergency vehicles are approaching cross-roads. Car-to-X communication is also particularly effective at roadworks or in situations where vehicles have broken down.

For more information: www.car-to-car.org

While the environment is fast becoming an issue, with 20 per cent of Britons now saying they look at CO2 levels when buying a new car, new research announced by BMW today also reveals their honest motivations. Three quarters of motorists would purchase a lower-emissions car only if it saved them money. These are the conclusions of the Driving Change report in which BMW quizzed 2,068 motorists(1).

Car choice – the bottom line
When questioned why they thought people choose to drive a more environmentally friendly car, 59 per cent of respondents identified lower bills as being the main reason whereas only 13 per cent cited reduced emissions as the key motive.

In the current economic environment and with higher-than-usual fuel costs, the report highlights how choosing a more fuel efficient car can make substantial savings. Using BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, all BMW cars are more fuel efficient than their competitors. According to independent studies, the BMW 123d Coupé uses £127.52 less fuel per 10,000 miles than its closest competitor. In addition, the BMW 318d SE Saloon uses £182.55 less fuel per 10,000 miles than the Mercedes C-Class C200 CDi Elegance.

And the savings don’t stop there. Motorists who buy lower emission vehicles pay less in car taxes, while higher polluting cars are likely to depreciate more as demand increases for low emission vehicles. To compare cars in the Executive class, it’s easy to see the impact made by EfficientDynamics technologies:

Model + Version / CO2 Emissions (g/km) / Combined Fuel Consumption (mpg) / Vehicle Excise Duty Band / Annual Car Tax (£) / % Residual Value after 3 yrs or 30,000 miles

BMW 520d SE Saloon / 136 / 55.4 / C / 120 / 58
Audi A6 SE TDI / 151 / 48.7 / D / 145 / 41
Mercedes Benz E220 Cdi Saloon / 160 / 46.3 / D / 145 / 52
Saab 9-5 Vector Sport TiD / 174 / 44.1 / E / 170 / 38

Power and performance
The report highlights that it’s not enough to simply be seen in a more efficient car. 21st century consumers have high expectations – as well as low fuel costs, they are demanding premium performance as well. And contrary to popular perception, cars can be both fuel efficient and powerful – BMW makes models that can hit 140mph and return 70 mpg(4).

Richard Hudson, Marketing Director for BMW UK, said: “This report has provided tremendous insights in to the honest motivations for today’s consumers. It’s all very well to offer more efficient products, but unless the quality and performance also progress, they simply won’t sell.”

The move to cleaner technology
As one in five Britons says their carbon footprint is now their top priority when choosing a car, compared to zero stating this two decades ago(2), motorists are also becoming more aware of their options. The survey reveals more than one in two people (54 per cent) correctly say a diesel-engined car is more efficient over long distances than a current, comparably-sized, hybrid.

Indeed, independent studies(3) into fuel economy show BMW’s diesel models fare better on long motorway journeys than similar vehicles from Audi and Mercedes and even the hybrid Toyota Prius.

While many drivers believe current hybrid vehicles have shortcomings and are not always the cleanest and most efficient, or the best driving experience, the industry is moving towards cleaner energy. And Driving Change reveals that over a third of Brits (36 per cent) believe the car manufacturing industry has done more than any other to reduce carbon emissions.

Hudson continues: “In the current climate, finance is an overwhelming issue and external factors like the Government’s CO2-related taxes and the rising cost of fuel are all having an impact. More and more people are considering emissions alongside their longer-term cost savings when buying cars. On top of that is a social pressure about the environment that models featuring BMW EfficientDynamics technologies work well to relieve. They balance the desire for high performance and an engaging driving experience with improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.”

In facing the challenges of 21st century living where consumers demand excellence in performance, lower costs and less impact on the environment, Driving Change reveals that the industry has responded – through innovation, new technology and real results.

The BMW EfficientDynamics programme is inspiring engineers to constantly evaluate ways in which BMW models can be significantly more fuel-efficient whilst continuing to develop the driving experience. And to highlight the success of the programme, over 800,000 EfficientDynamics-equipped cars will be sold by the BMW Group worldwide in 2008. The EfficientDynamics principle has led to an evolving array of innovations that benefit the driver by reducing fuel consumption and emissions levels and, crucially, saving them money, whilst still improving performance.