2008 MINI Cooper S

Overview

For 2008, the MINI Cooper S remains largely unchanged from the 2007 model. The muscular MINI S will continue to excite open-air motoring fans with its high-performance credentials. The 2008 MINI Cooper S is available with the ultra-high performance John Cooper works package, which mates a 208-horsepower engine conversion with chassis and brake upgrades and a limited-slip differential. While the MINI Cooper S convertible enters the 2008 model year without any standard equipment changes, the highly popular, optional sidewalk package will add an all-new color to the already unique exterior palette - white silver metallic, which joins sparkling silver metallic as sidewalk-exclusive choices.

Power and Performance

The higher performance Cooper S gets a 172-horsepower, turbo-charged 1.6-liter engine that produces 177 pound-feet of torque and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission; a special “overboost” in the Cooper S can increase torque to 192 pound-feet for a short burst. It is equipped with a sports suspension. The S convertible uses the previous generation engine, which produces 168 horsepower in the S version, and which in this case is supercharged. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the MT; and 23/32 mpg (city/ highway) on the automatic.

Body and Styling

The Cooper S has received a few styling changes over the previous generation: a new engine and an HD radio option. The original MINIs are classics, and BMW has retained the look in a better engineered car. Styling upgrades include S emblems on the front fenders, chrome insets and color schemes. A revamped interior comes with a disc-shaped electronic start button. BMWs MP3 and WMA CD interface (BMW 328xi) include a two-line monochrome radio display and a single CD player. Accommodation in the rear seat is quite cramped.

Safety Features

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake distribution system, dynamic stability control, park distance control, pre-tensioned safety belts, child safety anchors, a flat-tire monitor, driver and front passenger air bags, curtain airbags and side-impact air bags. In IIHS frontal offset crash tests, the MINI Cooper S was rated “Good”.

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