DSC determines the intended trajectory of the car and compares it to its actual course. If necessary, it can adjust the dynamic stability of the car by applying braking forces to individual wheels and controlling throttle inputs. If it detects oversteer, DSC applies the brake to the outer front wheel. If the driver is already braking, the computer increases the braking pressure on this wheel and reduces the pressure on the inside wheels. In the case of an understeer, DSC applies braking force to the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. If the driver has already started braking, the braking pressure on the wheel on the inside of the curve is increased, while the pressure on the outer wheels is reduced.

2006 MINI Cooper is fitted as standard with a tire monitoring system that helps alert the driver in the case there is a potential problem with one or more tires. Due to a rotational difference when a tire loses pressure, the driver is alerted to a loss of pressure before the tire is damaged and causes a potentially unsafe condition. It works on the following principle: if there is a loss of air pressure, the rolling radius of the tire is reduced. As a result, the speed at which this wheel rotates increases. The system measures the rpm of the wheel via the sensors in the 4-sensor-ABS system and compares it with the diagonally opposite wheel. If a mismatch is sensed, a warning light comes on, urging the driver to check the tires appropriately.


Passive Safety

2006 MINI Cooper also sets new standards of passive safety. Front driver and passenger "smart" airbags detect the strength of an impact and the presence of a passenger. Additionally, two side airbags are concealed in the outer cushions of the front seats and help to protect the driver and passenger against thoracic injury. All the airbags are linked and controlled via common crash sensors, providing optimum use of the airbags in any situation.

In the event of a side impact, 2006 MINI Cooper comes with a head airbag system (AHPS 2 = Advanced Head Protection System), providing both front and rear passengers with a high level of protection against head injury. The system is comprised of an inflatable tubular airbag that deploys in conjunction with a sling-like curtain and is concealed in the roof liner edge stretching from the A pillar to the C pillar. AHPS 2 protects the head against side forces and against objects penetrating into the vehicle. In the event of an impact, the airbag deploys between the occupant's head and the sidewall of the vehicle. To further improve safety, this airbag remains inflated after activation to protect against secondary or tertiary side impacts, common in vehicle-to-vehicle accident situations, or in the event of a roll-over. Three-point safety belts offer protection for all four seats, with the front seats also featuring belt pre-tensioners, belt-force limiters and height adjustable upper mountings.

2006 MINI Cooper's comprehensive passive safety is due in part to its robust body structure. The rigidity of the body shell, at 24,500 Nm/degree, is two to three times higher than that of other small cars and means that if a torsional force of 24,500 Newton meters were applied, the body itself would only twist by one degree. This also reduces vibration in the body and guarantees excellent handling in all conditions and with all driving styles. The body structure also makes the passenger cell extremely tough during impacts. Special crumple zones help to absorb energy and are extremely effective in the event of an accident.

The relative positions of the front seats and the transverse engine give optimal occupant protection. The stiff body shell and front bulkhead ensure that the passenger area is well protected. The power train has been specifically designed to transmit impact energy away from the passenger cell and through the floor.


2006 MINI Cooper Suspension
Street-Legal Go-Kart

The body of the MINI Cooper is exceptionally rigid, offering two to three times the torsional stiffness of other cars of the same size. In addition to enhanced crash safety, the benefit of a rigid chassis is that the suspension can be fine tuned to handle the demands of cornering and challenging road conditions without needing to compensate for excessive chassis flex. This helps give MINI Cooper it's precise and exceptional go-cart like handling and also helps to minimize body vibration.

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