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2003 MINI Cooper Sub-Compact Sporty Coupe
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In 1958, designer Alec Issigonis achieved his ambitious goal of building a small family sedan with room for four adults and in so doing, he unintentionally created a sedan that could be driven like a sports car. With the new MINI Cooper, this time-honored concept has been adapted to the 21st century. Using the same design ethos, the center of gravity has been kept very low, further enhanced by the torsionally rigid body, the multi-link rear suspension, and has been enhanced with BMW technology.
So, the MINI is back, but in order to meet the demands of safety and ecology the BMW version has grown in every direction, and has acquired about a thousand pounds of frills, refinement and safety structure. MINI is the second pillar in BMW's new brand strategy, giving folks a quality entry level product with the new Rolls Royce slotting in at the top. MINI will be separated from the BMW brand, selling from special dealers, using unique sales distribution networks, each sold with their own ambiance, although they may share showrooms.
The legendary 'wheel-at-each-corner' ethos is carried through to the new car, and gives the car a real dynamic advantage. The shape of the hood and the large round headlamps gives the MINI Cooper its characteristic face. The MINI Cooper's radiator grille, which also forms part of the hood, has four distinctive horizontal chrome strips preserving the unique MINI appearance. The profile is accentuated by a roofline that is angled down slightly at the rear. The car's distinctive, muscular "shoulders" and wheel arches emphasize this characteristic stance. Hood stripes, a much-loved feature of the original, will be available as dealer options in black or white.
All models have three-doors, with the front doors opening extremely wide - up to 80 degrees - for easy passenger entry and access to the rear seats. The car has the classic MINI lines from the rear, with an extremely short tail, a steeply rising side section and the familiar tail lamps. The flared wheel arches and wide track add to the low road-hugging look.
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