Photo: Automedia
As we're getting ready to welcome the third generation MINI Cooper into this world, the guys from the British company are keeping themselves busy releasing all sorts of new info about the upcoming model.
After telling us that 3-cylinder engines will show up on the new line-up, now the lightweight construction came into focus. According to the official press release, the new MINI Cooper will benefit from reduced weight and increased safety.
New, second generation high-strength multi-phase steels will play a key role in the building process of the 2014 model. Parts that are of particular relevance to structural rigidity will be made of micro-alloyed steels too, whilst hot-formed steels will be used in the safety-related zones.
Welded and rolled sheet metal joints will be widely used for the fist time on a small vehicle segment when the 2014 MINI will enter production. Furthermore, the B pillars will be reinforced with a coating of galvanized, hot-formed steel that will allow other weight-increasing measures to be dropped.
Despite becoming lighter, safety will be increased at the same time, due to a mix of materials used in the front, rear, roof and side frame. This way, the passenger cell will make sure that the right conditions are maintained as a survival space in case of an accident, even if the car ends up upside down.
New, second generation high-strength multi-phase steels will play a key role in the building process of the 2014 model. Parts that are of particular relevance to structural rigidity will be made of micro-alloyed steels too, whilst hot-formed steels will be used in the safety-related zones.
Welded and rolled sheet metal joints will be widely used for the fist time on a small vehicle segment when the 2014 MINI will enter production. Furthermore, the B pillars will be reinforced with a coating of galvanized, hot-formed steel that will allow other weight-increasing measures to be dropped.
Despite becoming lighter, safety will be increased at the same time, due to a mix of materials used in the front, rear, roof and side frame. This way, the passenger cell will make sure that the right conditions are maintained as a survival space in case of an accident, even if the car ends up upside down.
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