A further feature of the automatic transmission required for setting off smoothly and easily is the torque converter, with the converter clutch being engaged immediately after the car has started to move in order to combine superior comfort with a sporting, fast and dynamic gearshift.

Activating the sports switch, the driver is able to enhance the highly dynamic qualities of the car to an even higher standard by shifting gears even faster in this special Sports Mode. A further benefit is that the driver is now able to shift gears manually by means of paddles on the steering wheel, like in Formula 1. In other words, the driver is not required to take his hands off the steering wheel when shifting gears and is able to fully concentrate on the process of controlling his car especially in an extreme situation.



Limited-slip differential for maximum traction

The six-speed manual gearbox comes in two different configurations: In the MINI Cooper S the two first gears are synchronised by means of a double-cone, while the MINI Cooper features carbon friction plates.

As an option the MINI Cooper S is also available with a mechanical limited-slip differential referred to as the Super Differential preventing the drive wheels from spinning by feeding engine power to the wheel with better traction.

The gear wheels themselves have helical gearing on both versions, and it almost goes without saying that all gears - including reverse - feature full synchromesh.

This configuration with six transmission options significantly enhances the agile and sporting character of the new MINI, with the individual gear increments perfectly matched to the power and performance of the engines. The reduction of gearshift forces, finally, ensures even greater efficiency in changing gears.



Go-Kart Feeling in a new Dimension

The Chassis and Suspension of the new MINI

From the start, the new MINI naturally offers that very special go-kart feeling which has characterised the brand for more than 40 years. Front-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity, long wheelbase, wide track, short overhangs front and rear, a stiff bodyshell, and firm suspension - these are the ingredients that give the new MINI its superior driving behaviour. "We have given the new MINI a particularly agile set-up on the suspension", states Uwe Gaedicke, the Driving Dynamics Project Manager for MINI. "And the result is an experience in driving pleasure quite unique in this class."


Electromechanical power steering with sports switch

The outstanding agility and nimbleness of the MINI is largely attributable to the new EPAS Electric Power Assisted Steering offering the driver a very natural feeling at the wheel and ensuring direct contact with the road. Power assistance related to road speed ensures low steering forces for example when parking and a direct response at high speeds on the Autobahn or other fast roads. This serves to further enhance the car's high standard of active safety, particularly at medium and high speeds.

The new EPAS power steering not only reduces fuel consumption by approximately 0.1 litres/100 kilometres, but also offers the driver two different set-up control maps. The normal map maintains a smooth balance of steering characteristics throughout the car's entire speed range, while the power steering becomes even more sporting and "go-kart-like" as soon as the driver presses the sports button, in the process also modifying the electronic gas pedal control map for a more spontaneous response also from the accelerator.

The foundation for the MINI's famous go-kart feeling and, in particular, for the agility of the new MINI is set by the kinematic and elastokinematic configuration of the front and rear axles.

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