MINI is geared up for 2013 in seriously sporty mood and with further additions to its model range. The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2013 in Detroit hosts the world premiere of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. The three-door model is the latest offering from the John Cooper Works sub-brand and, with its race-bred powertrain and chassis technology, brings the promise of a high-octane race feeling to the streets of the urban jungle: extreme driving fun meets the extrovert looks of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé in the compact segment.
From 19 – 27 January 2013, at the first major international car show of the year, MINI will present visitors with the most diverse model range in the history of the British premium brand. A line-up of seven MINI models and seven top-class sporting variants bearing the John Cooper Works logo represents the latest state of play in a rigorously pursued growth strategy. And visitors to the Detroit show will also see a focused sporting machine from the very top drawer take to the stage. Developed on the race track, the MINI John Cooper Works GP will be produced in a limited run of 2,000 units, giving it enviable exclusivity to go with its exceptional turn of pace.
The expansion of the MINI model range has been accompanied by constant growth in the brand’s sales figures, with a sustained period of success in the USA making a considerable contribution to the brand’s rude health. Indeed, the US has been MINI’s most important single market for a number of years now. The brand’s most recent growth statistics have been boosted by the popularity of the MINI Countryman which, as the first MINI with four doors and a large tailgate, has won over new target groups to the brand. This commitment to exploring new segments continues with the MINI Paceman, which also exceeds the four-metre mark in length. With two doors, a large tailgate, sports suspension as standard and two individual seats in the lounge-style rear compartment, the sporty driving experience takes top billing.
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman: a powerful presence on the start line.
The latest MINI model has inherited the brand’s sporting genes, and the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman showcases them in particularly concentrated form. As well as its date with the limelight at the Detroit Auto Show, this new elite athlete is also primed for action on the streets beyond. Its 208 hp turbocharged engine and chassis technology tuned precisely to harness this impressive output lay down the perfect platform for extreme driving fun. Added to which, the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman will also serve up smile-inducing agility off the beaten track thanks to its standard ALL4 all-wheel drive.
Powerful proportions and dynamically stretched lines provide a clear window into the sporty driving properties of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. The standard-fitted aerodynamic kit imbues the car with even greater visual impact and optimises airflow around the body. The contrast paintwork for the strikingly designed roof and exterior mirror caps is offered in a shade of red available exclusively for John Cooper Works models, as well as white and black. The distinctively designed interior includes sports seats, a sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in piano black, an anthracite-coloured roof liner, a speedometer and rev counter with dark dials, and John Cooper Works door sill strips.
Continuing growth, inimitable style: the MINI model family.
The consistent expansion of the MINI model range has fuelled the brand’s growth around the world. With their driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and sense of individuality, the MINI models lift themselves head and shoulders above their rivals. And they share an inimitable character that lends further substance to the brand’s status as a one-off in the small and compact premium car segment. The increasing variety in its model range is also allowing MINI to strengthen its leading position in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Hosted by Detroit, America’s “Motor City”, the NAIAS has been an annual event on the international car show calendar for 25 years now. As the traditional curtain-raiser to the automotive year, it will once again point the way for the car industry as a whole into 2013. Over 150 exhibitors from around the world will come together at Detroit’s Cobo Center to present new models, concept cars and other product innovations. In 2012 the NAIAS organisers welcomed more than 770,000 visitors and around 5,200 media representatives to the show.
