MINI Celebrates Success in Detroit
MINI arrives at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit fuelled by innovative and sustainable ideas and an across-the-board focus on driving fun and individuality.
Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the NAIAS witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signalled the beginning of an unparalleled success story.
The MINI brand is represented at the 2011 NAIAS by the most attractive and diverse range of models in its history. Eye-catching design modifications, additional engine variants, a comprehensively updated selection of diesel engines and innovative new equipment items sharpen the appeal of the new MINI family in terms of design, driving fun, efficiency and individuality. With its MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman models, the world’s only maker of independently developed premium small cars will continue to boast both the most extensive and the highest-quality range in the segment.
World premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept
The first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, the MINI Paceman Concept provides a fresh and distinctive interpretation of the hallmark style and innovative character of MINI. 
The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI - its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design - and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI “muscle car”, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.
The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos.
MINI Countryman: fun has no limits
The MINI Countryman is the first MINI to come with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a versatile interior offering space for up to five people.
The Countryman is the first member of the MINI family with a body measuring more than four meters (157") in length and which can be ordered as an option with all-wheel drive. With these features, in addition to the Countryman’s raised seating position and optimised ride comfort, the world’s only premium vehicle of its kind crosses the boundaries of urban mobility to take the trademark MINI feeling into new dimensions and win over additional target groups.
Optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive allows MINI's driving fun to be experienced off the beaten track as well. The ALL4 system is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman. The selection of petrol variants ranges from the MINI One Countryman developing 72 kW/98 hp and MINI Cooper Countryman (90 kW/122 hp) to the 135 kW/184 hp MINI Cooper S Countryman, whose 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the most efficient unit in its displacement class. The petrol models are joined in the line-up by the diesel-powered MINI One D Countryman (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D Countryman (82 kW/112 hp). All variants of the MINI Countryman meet the EU5 exhaust gas standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.
MINI Connected: linking up for more driving fun
Among the other innovations presented at the North American International Auto Show is an all-new and globally unique form of in-car entertainment.
MINI Connected heightens the enjoyment of driving by intelligently linking the driver, the MINI and the outside world. MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer – with MINI Connected – a newly developed USB interface with exceptional functionality designed to maximise the integration of the Apple iPhone into the car’s audio and infotainment system. An application available for MINI Connected comprises a web radio function, the use of Google local search and Google Send to Car services, and reception of RSS news feeds. Moreover, it also enables Facebook and Twitter posts to be displayed on the on-board monitor and allows the user to send standardised text messages.
The additional functions integrated into the MINI are activated and operated via the on-board control system. To use the full range of MINI Connected functions, customers need to specify their cars with either the MINI Visual Boost audio system or the MINI navigation system. Both options use a high-resolution color display in the Center Speedo and the MINI joystick positioned on the center console to ensure comfortable, easy and intuitive operation.