DSC improves the stability of the car all the way to the absolute limit physically possible above all in dynamic manoeuvres, at the same time offering additional safety also in spontaneous load change reactions or with a sudden change in road conditions. DSC Dynamic Stability Control comes as a no-cost option on the MINI Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP Kit.


High-performance brake system with 16-inch discs

Thanks to its direct steering transmission, the MINI Cooper S featuring the John Cooper Works GP Kit offers ultra-precise handling in every bend. And since this very special MINI not only has a particular engine, but also sports suspension with firm springs and extra-strong dampers, supreme agility is guaranteed under all conditions. Indeed, in judging the car's behaviour in bends, it is quite appropriate to compare this new top performer with a go-kart. But at the latest when accelerating out of a bend, it becomes quite clear that the MINI Cooper S with its John Cooper Works GP Kit is destined for far longer race tracks and a much higher level of power and performance.


The supreme dynamic potential of the car is handled safely by special sports brakes developed by John Cooper Works: Featuring 16-inch brake discs inner-vented at the front, the most powerful MINI offers particularly impressive deceleration for short stopping distances at all times. Brake callipers on the front wheels finished in red bear clear testimony to the great effect of these special brakes. Extra-large brake pistons and special brake pads, finally, make sure that the high level of brake power is reliably maintained also when the car is pushed to the limit.


A whole range of electronic systems naturally featured as standard guarantee optimum distribution and ideal dosage of stopping power. These include ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and CBC Cornering Brake Control. EBD serves in particular to prevent any over-braking effect on the rear axle, which might otherwise occur when, under brake power, the car's centre of gravity moves to the front. Under such conditions rear wheel lock may make the car unstable, since the rear wheels are no longer in a position to convey side forces.


While EBD therefore provides the right distribution of brake power between the front and rear wheels, CBC controls distribution of brake power between the two wheels on each axle: When applying the brakes slightly in a bend, a dynamic shift in the centre of gravity may build up greater brake force on the outer side of the car in a bend. In that case CBC provides an appropriate counter-steering effect, optimising the car's stability on the road.


Low-profile tyres measuring 205/40 R 18 82W RSC with a runflat function fitted on 18-inch light-alloy rims developed especially for the MINI Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP Kit also come as standard on the new model. Particular fortes of these wheels are their very low weight and outstanding looks. The black rims are finished in an additional production process giving the outer rim circumference and parts of the four double spokes a contrasting metallic effect. Thanks to their slender spokes, the rims have a very "open" look and provide a clear view of the brake callipers finished in red. Interacting with the dark sections on the wheel, the rims serve in particular to provide a very attractive optical highlight. And it almost goes without saying that these light-alloy rims offer functional benefits, "pumping" cooling air to the brake discs while driving and preventing heat from building up in the brake system also with the car at a standstill.


Taking motorsport as a role model: lightweight construction to the last detail

Other features also prove that the creators of the MINI Cooper S featuring the John Cooper Works GP Kit have received their inspiration from motorsport: Apart from extra power, lightweight construction was an essential goal in developing this new top-end model. And precisely this is why the MINI Cooper S with its John Cooper Works GP Kit weighs some 50 kg or 110 lb less than a "regular" MINI Cooper S with the usual range of features and equipment. To optimise the weight of the car, the engineers have worked quite radically on the technical features of this most powerful MINI: Making a wide range of individual improvements - some of which save only a few grams - John Cooper Works have achieved an ideal weight level guaranteeing particularly effective conversion of engine performance into agility and dynamism.

previous page | go to page 5