This helps to increase traction under acceleration or during cornering, resulting in improved handling and increased stability.

The unit, manufactured by GKN Driveline, is a torque-sensitive differential that manages torque output under acceleration and offers a 30% slip rate. This means, there is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two wheels is 30 % or less. The system also allows the threshold for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding the system's safe intervention in slippery situations. All of this benefits the enthusiastic driver as he or she enjoys their MINI Cooper S at its performance edge. The limited slip differential is only available with the manual 6-speed transmission.


Service Interval Indicator

The time between service intervals depends on each individual's driving style. In some cases drivers can travel up to 15,000 miles before the next service is required. The system gathers data on the vehicle's operating conditions, including things such as fuel consumption and average speed. When the system reaches its threshold, a light on the dashboard informs the driver when a service is necessary.


Warranty Coverage

All MINIs come with a four-year/50,000 mile new vehicle warranty, with a 12 year/unlimited mileage corrosion rust-through warranty. Also part of the warranty package is MINI's free full maintenance program for a period of 3 years, 36,000 miles that includes MINI's Roadside Assistance Program.



SUSPENSION

Low, Wide and Agile

The precise handling characteristics of MINI Convertibles are a result of having a low center of gravity, a wide track, a stiff body, a multi-arm rear axle with anti-roll bars and direct , quick-ratio steering. The MINI is a direct descendant of the classic Mini's design philosophy, which was the first production vehicle to be engineered with a space-saving transverse-mounted power unit driving the front wheels. This design results in a low center of gravity and favorable 60-percent front/40-percent rear weight distribution.


Chassis and Suspension

As expected, the MINI Convertibles exhibit responsive handing due to the chassis design, which places the four wheels as far out to the corners as possible. Up front, the MINI Convertible features McPherson struts and a firm anti-roll bar, which allows it to track with confidence. Additionally, through the use of an additional axle bearing which allows both axles to be identical in length, the MINI doesn't exhibit unpleasant "torque steer" when driven aggressively.

The MINI Convertible features a sophisticated multi-arm rear axle which keeps the wheels in full contact with the road at all times. And the rear anti-roll bar provides excellent road holding even under hard cornering and on uneven road surfaces, adding to the neutral driving characteristics of the car.


Go-Kart-Like Steering

Both the Cooper and the Cooper S Convertibles feature electro-hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering (EHPAS), which features quick ratio steering with just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock and offers drivers immediate response to steering input. The EHPAS is operated by a small electric motor and is different from traditional hydraulic pump systems in that it only produces power-assist when the steering wheel is turned, This reduces the need for the engine to constantly drive the hydraulic pump via a belt, thereby adding to performance and reducing fuel consumption.

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