2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible has a Getrag six-speed gearbox with performance enhancing modifications to it gearing. By reducing the ratio of the first, second and third to fifth gears, a sprint from 50 mph to 75 mph in fourth gear takes just 6.1 seconds. The same exercise in fifth gear takes just 7.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption for the MINI Cooper Convertible is 27/35 mpg city/highway for a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. As of the latest EPA rankings released in 2005, The MINI Cooper Convertible is the most fuel-efficient convertible on the US market today. The MINI Cooper S Convertible has a ranking of 23/32 mpg city/highway for a combined rating of 27 mpg. As expected, the MINI Convertibles naturally exceed government emissions standards and are clean enough that they do not require a complex exhaust gas recirculation system.


Drive-By-Wire

All MINIs utilize drive-by-wire technology, which converts gas pedal actuation into an electrical signal. This signal, in turn, is transferred to a drivetrain control unit, which ensures maximum performance and minimum emissions under all operating conditions. The system also optimizes torque, which makes the engine extremely responsive to driver inputs.


Automatic for the (Performance Minded) People

The MINI Cooper S Convertible is offered with an optional six-speed automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and Steptronic paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the MINI Cooper Continuously Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission is a conventional gear-type transmission with a performance tuned torque converter and fixed gear ratios which result in quick gear changes and a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the MINI Cooper S' sporty character. This new automatic transmission, is built by Aisin, and features the following gear ratios:

Transmission type          AISIN Automatic 
Gear ratio  1st / 2nd / 3rd    4,044 / 2,371 / 1,556 
Gear ratio  4th / 5th / 6th    1,159 / 0,852 / 0,672 
Reverse gear ratio                3,193 
Final drive ratio                  3.683

The unit also features Adaptive Transmission Control which allows the transmission to adapt to one's driving style. For example, the transmission will build the revs longer between gear changes if it 'knows' the driver enjoys taking the car to its limits.


Automatic MINI: Continuously Variable Transmission with Steptronic

The MINI Cooper Convertible continues to be offered with an easy-to-operate continuously variable transmission (CVT), which also contains Steptronic control. This means that the driver can choose between normal automatic mode, which makes driving in city traffic easier, and a sporty driving mode with a six-stepped "semi-automatic" transmission. While being responsive to drive, the continuously variable transmission is compact and lighter than a conventional automatic transmission.

A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is different than a conventional automatic transmission. Where conventional systems need a torque converter, the CVT uses an oil bath multi-disc coupling that is electronically-controlled. The transmission itself uses a fixed-length steel drive belt to connect two double cone-shaped belt pulleys which transmit the drive output from the engine, essentially offering infinitely variable transmission ratios.


Limited Slip = Performance Grip

The MINI Cooper S Convertible can be optioned with a limited slip differential, a performance feature coveted by motoring enthusiasts. The limited slip differential helps to divert more torque towards the drive wheel with better traction ensuring power is transmitted to the road more effectively.

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