Refreshed 2011 MINI Lineup Officially Unveiled

MINI has just officially taken the wraps off its refreshed 2011 lineup of models and while we’re sure the MINI-faithful will debate the changes for months and years to come, were not sure most folks will notice the difference. It’s a good think the original design of the car is timeless.

Notable updates include the new ducts on the front of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, as well as LED tail lights on all MINIs. A new option for 2011 are the black reflector headlamps from the 50th anniversary Camden model. Slight changes to the bumpers on all models help the cars meet new pedestrian protection requirements. New wheel designs and paint finishes will also be offered. In particular, we love some of the options shown for the JCW models.

More notable updates can be found in the cabin, with an optional LCD screen located inside the ridiculously huge speedometer. This screen scan show video from an iPod or other device.

As for what’s under the hood, MINI announced several months ago a new 122-hp base engine for Cooper models, while the Cooper S gets just over 180-hp. Two new 1.6-liter diesel engines are also offered in Europe, making 90-hp and 159 ft-lbs of torque in MINI One D form, or 112-hp and 199 ft-lbs of torque in Cooper D form. Both are touted to get almost 62 mpg on the European test cycle. In addition, MINI has added one new model to the range, a MINI Cooper D Convertible.

MINI is expected to announce its 2011 lineup changes in the U.S. shortly, with, as we’ve reported, the more powerful engines set to join the lineup this year.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

The new MINI family.

MINI is giving its model family fresh impetus to continue its history of success in the small car segment with eye-catching design modifications, additional engine variants, an all-new selection of diesel engines and innovative new equipment features. The changes introduced for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible underpin both the unique premium character of the brand and the leading position in the marketplace of each individual model in terms of driving fun and efficiency. The range of typically MINI customisation options available for the cars – which are each built precisely according to customer specifications – is more appealing and extensive than ever.

The global market launch on 18 September 2010 will see a brace of all-new diesel engines joining the portfolio alongside the extensively upgraded petrol engines already available for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible. The four-cylinder diesel units stand out with their greater pulling power, efficiency and smoothness – qualities developed on the back of the BMW Group’s outstanding expertise in the field of engine development. Added to which, far-reaching MINIMALISM technology helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The new MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and new MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) set a new benchmark in efficiency with average fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp) in the EU5 test cycle and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. The variety within the model range is broadened further by the new MINI One D Clubman and the new MINI Cooper D Convertible, the first ever open-top MINI with a diesel engine.

The modified design of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible accurately showcases the increased sporting potential of the three models through a number of details. At the same time, a selection of clever touches, together with new wheel variants, paint finishes and optional extras, accentuate both the elegance and premium character of the MINI family. The new geometry of the front bumper on each model allows them to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements even more effectively. All models come with LEDs for the rear lights and brake lights, as well as the dynamic brake light function.

Inside the cars, the newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by extremely harmonious colours and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and Colour Lines has also been extensively updated.

An array of new exterior paint finishes and wheel designs is available for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible to complement their refreshed styling. Chili Red is now available – exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman – as a contrast colour for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Meanwhile, three “design worlds” – Rally, Classic and Scene – have been introduced to underpin configurations tailored to the customer’s personal style. Each comprises a carefully coordinated combination of body paint finish, roof colour, wheel design, upholstery, trim elements, Colour Line and other visual features. The design worlds represent a recommendation from the MINI design team and lend the car an extremely coherent character. Additional – and almost limitless – customisation can be achieved by varying the individual components of each design world and by adding further equipment items and accessories to the mix.

All models come with innovative equipment features aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and the trademark MINI personality. For example, the optional xenon headlights can be ordered with black headlight reflectors or the Adaptive Headlights function, while an automatic dimming function is available for both the rear-view and exterior mirrors, and the optional ambient lighting uses a trio of LEDs to provide a broad spectrum of colour. The MINI Clubman is now fitted with a new retractable roller-type luggage compartment cover.

The new audio and navigation systems and the integration devices for external music players and mobile phones both offer top-class entertainment and communications capability. All the radio systems come with an MP3-compatible CD player and an AUX IN connection, while the MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system team up with a high-resolution colour display in the Centre Speedo and a Bluetooth hands-free system complete with USB audio interface. This allows video files stored on a compatible Apple iPod to be viewed on the on-board monitor. If the customer has ordered their car with the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation including USB interface, both systems can be hooked up with compatible mobile devices to allow functions such as audio streaming via Bluetooth, album cover artwork display and innovative office functions.