With the roof down, the vehicle's luggage capacity has been slightly increased to 23.10 cu.ft / 170 lt (+1.93 cu.ft or +5 lt). Like its predecessor, the new MINI Convertible again comes with an Easy-Load system. With the rear lid down, the entire lid also serves as a storage tray able to carry a load of up to 176 lb or 80kg.
MINI said that even though it has improved the new Convertible's body stiffness over the former model, it has also achieved a reduction in vehicle weight by 22 lb or 10 kg. In terms of safety, the 2010 model has gained a new single-piece rollover protection bar behind the rear seats that spans the entire interior width of the car, without obstructing the driver's visibility, and moves into position automatically in the event of a potential rollover
The new MINI Convertible will be available in two engine variants: the Cooper Convertible equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 118HP at 6,000 rpm and the Cooper S Convertible powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection delivering 172 HP at 5,500 rpm. It is most likely that MINI will enhance the Convertible's range with a diesel variant in late 2009.
Both the Cooper and Cooper S will be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with optional six-speed automatic transmission.
The British firm also said that the 2010 model will be offered with a wider range of paint colors, roof colors, wheels, and upholstery and interior trim choices
Orders for the MINI Convertible in the U.S. are being taken now with the price for the MINI Cooper Convertible set at $24,550 and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible $27,450, including the $650 destination and handling charge. Delivery of the first MINI Convertibles in the States will begin on March 28, 2009.
MINI Cooper S Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 172 hp at 5,500 rpm.
Max torque: 177 lb-ft from 1,600–5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0–60mph: 7.0 sec Manual, 7.2 Automatic, Top speed: 138 mph Manual, 135 mph Automatic.
MINI Cooper Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 118 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Max torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration (0–60 mph): 8.9 sec Manual, 10.2 Automatic, Top speed: 124 mph Manual, 119 mph Automatic.
The Dodge Challenger made its way to Europe and the Essen Motorshow thanks to suspension manufacturer, Eibach which readied a mildly tuned version of the American muscle car. The SRT8 was imported for Eibach by USCars24.de and converted according to the applicable German lighting and licensing regulations. While retaining the SRT8's stock 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that produces 425HP, Eibach equipped the Challenger with the Coil-Over Suspension System Multi-Pro-R2 from its US product portfolio as well as a set of Botticelli III 22-inch alloy wheels from O.Z. wrapped around in Toyo Proxes T1R tires for improved handling.
