2005 Mini Cooper S And S Convertible To Offer Limited Slip And Automatic Tranny

Mini USA announces the availability of a limited slip differential and an automatic transmission as new options for the 2005 Mini Cooper S. In addition, a number of product enhancements and price adjustments across the 2005 model range take effect. Product changes are effective on cars produced January, 2005 and later, with new pricing effective on cars wholesaled after January 1st.

Limited Slip = Performance Grip
The Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Convertible can now be optioned with a new limited slip differential, a performance feature coveted by motoring enthusiasts. The limited slip differential helps to divert more torque towards the drive wheel with better traction, ensuring power is transmitted to the road more effectively. This helps to increase traction under acceleration or during cornering, resulting in improved handling and increased stability.

The unit, manufactured by GKN Driveline, is a torque-sensitive differential that manages torque output under acceleration and offers a 30% slip rate. This means, there is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two wheels is 30 % or less. The system also allows the threshold for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding the system's safe intervention in slippery situations. All of this benefits the enthusiastic driver of a Mini Cooper S at its performance edge. The limited slip differential is priced at $500 and is only available with the manual 6-speed transmission.

Automatic for the (Performance Minded) People
For the first time, the Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Convertible will be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and Steptronic shifting paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the Mini Cooper Continuously Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission has fixed gear ratios which result in quick gear changes and a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the Mini Cooper S' sporty character. This new automatic transmission is built by Aisin and features the following gear ratios: