2005 Mini Cooper Review

Specifications

Stronger, Better, Faster MINI Works is the Ultimate Hot Hatch

When MINI decided that it would launch the all-new convertible in 2005, company officials figured the timing was right to usher in a set of revisions for the standard hatchback model. The entire lineup, including the One, One D (unavailable in North America) Cooper, and Cooper S models each received updates featuring increased power, minor exterior and interior styling modifications, as well a revised specifications list. With the award-winning MINI formula well-preserved, the update seemed to be a closed case, but for the wildest of the MINI family, the S Works.

Although the evidence may make MINI appear to suffer from amnesia, the delay on the new Works model can be traced to the John Cooper Works Garage, developer of the tuning kit. Of course theres a valid reason behind the postponement. With a reputation such as the Works Garage, founded in MINI racing and rallying decades ago, time was needed to create and then perfect new components for the next generation tuning kit.

Working with the recently revised production models, the Works engineers adapted their techniques to the more powerful Cooper S motor. The kit now includes a supercharger capable of higher engine speeds, a modified cylinder head, a new free-flowing air-filter with auxiliary air valves, more powerful fuel injectors, revised mapping for the engines ECU and a sportier stainless steel exhaust system. MINI claims that fuel consumption is hardly affected from the previous model, which stands at 27 mpg.

The gain in output from these new components amounts to 210 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which is a 40 horsepower gain over the recently upgraded 170 horsepower stock Cooper S. Compared to the older Cooper S Works, the new model sports 10 additional horses, and the net gain from the old package to the new one amounts to 3 horsepower. In any sense, the ability to extract 210 horsepower from the petite 1.6 liter SOHC inline-four is very impressive.

Improved power ratings help the Cooper S Works achieve a zero to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, improved from last years 6.6 second time. Incidentally, the cars top speed has been upped to 143 mph, a slight improvement over the 200 hp model which ran out of steam at 140 mph. Improved gear ratios featured with this years makeover to the Cooper S six-speed transmission, make for quicker in-gear acceleration. Specifically, 50 to 75 mph acceleration takes only 5.4 seconds in fourth gear.

To go along with the new engine components, the Works garage will also be offering a series of high-performance accessories to improve the cars on-road dynamics. New struts with sport springs lower the car by 0.4 inches and increase the Cooper S cornering abilities, while fan-shaped 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber provide additional grip. Towards the years end, the Works garage will introduce an upgraded brake package consisting of larger ventilated discs with red-painted calipers.

Should your budget allow for aesthetic improvements, the Works garage can cater to your whims with a variety of exterior and interior treatments. Additions include sports seats, available with two-toned leather and sculpted bolsters for front and rear passengers. If desired, carbon fiber trim can be added to the dashboard in lieu of the standard alloy-finish or lacquer patina. A chrome-trim delete, and grille-mounted fog lamps give the sporty MINI a tougher look, while the vast lineup of hood and roof decals is also available almost guaranteeing that each Cooper S Works will be unique.

The logistics of acquiring the Works kit has remained the same; it can be purchased and installed at your local MINI retailer. The Works package is also available as a kit for do-it-yourself types, and it takes roughly 10 hours to install. Regardless of which method is chosen, the kit is 100 percent compliant with the factory warrantee. Despite the impressive array of new components included in the kit, MINI maintains that the price will not increase and has been announced as E4400 (the equivalent of $5,400 USD) for its launch at the Paris Auto Show.

With 2005 models already on dealers lots, the Works kit will be the perfect booster shot to bolster the launch of the updated lineup.