2008 MINI Cooper

A redesigned version of the MINI Cooper was introduced for the 2007 model year. The car is the second-generation MINI built under BMW ownership. The retro hatchback is inspired by the original Cooper, which was manufactured between 1959 and 2000. The new MINI is built at Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine producing 118 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 114 pound-feet of torque at 4250 rpm. It features Valvetronic technology for an added edge over the previous model. The engine is mounted transversely and power is transmitted to the front wheels.

The MINI Cooper comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. It can be ordered with an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to the first-generation MINI, the new model has a lower center of gravity, wide track and the wheels moved to the extreme corners. This helps ensure go-kart like handling and increased safety during spirited driving. The EPAS Electrical Power Assisted Steering helps to make the MINI even more nimble and agile on the road, speed-related assistance ensuring low steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds.

While the 2.76-inch-longer exterior is mostly evolutionary, BMW describes the new interior as "revolutionary." For increased safety, curtain airbags now protect all passengers.

Despite the car's increased size, its weight has been reduced by 181 lbs for the Cooper manual, and 49 lbs for the Cooper auto.

The Cooper comes standard with six standard airbags, plus a number of electronic safety features. Anti-lock ABS brakes are standard, as are Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is optional. A new Hill Assist feature for manual gerabox models maintains brake pressure for up to 3 seconds after the brake pedal has been released and before the clutch has been engaged.