Mini today announced pricing and specification for the 2008 line-up. Pricing for Cooper Clubman will start from $20.600, for Cooper S Clubman from $24.100, for Cooper from $18.700, for Cooper S from $21.850, Cooper Convertible from $22.600 and Cooper S Convertible from $26.050.

The new MINI Cooper Clubman, an expansion to last year’s introduction of the second-generation of the modern MINI, mirrors the latest MINI Cooper hardtop – both inside and out, in terms of equipment – from the radiator grill to the B pillars. This means the new variants share the 172-horsepower turbocharged engine of the MINI Cooper S and the 118-hp, naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplant of the MINI Cooper, both driving the front wheels, as well as dashboard, seats (with the exception of some upholstery colors and materials as well as interior trim colors), comfort and convenience features and switch gear. And they share the chassis components, as well as the soul, which have earned the MINI accolades on its fun-to-drive, go-kart-like handling characteristics.

The body of the latest generation MINI – introduced last year – boasts evolutionary development from the iconic 1959 Classic Mini, while the interior, including styling cues are evocative of the original and contain the latest technological advances found today. And powering either the 2008 MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S are a pair of four-cylinder engines resembling the original MINI’s in cylinder number and placement, transversely over the front axle, but far more efficient, cleaner and powerful.

Performance plays a major role in providing driving fun and the four-cylinder engines of the MINI hardtops deliver. The turbocharged 1.6-liter version in the Cooper S produces 172 horsepower, eclipsing the magical “100-hp-per-liter” measure revered by enthusiasts. This translates into zero-to-60-miles-per-hour acceleration in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 139 mph. The naturally aspirated engine in the Cooper, also 1.6 liters, features variable valve control and accelerates this agile two-door athlete to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, with top speed of 126 mph.

The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible bring the fun of open to motoring to the MINI brand. The authentic four-passenger convertibles have been engineered from the ground up to be fun-to-drive cars while offering a high level of safety and practicality.

Popular option groups like the MINI Convertible Sidewalk package and John Cooper Works kit remain for 2008. The Sidewalk package offers an exclusive look, featuring special light-alloy wheels, an attractive interior surface trim and leather upholstery developed specifically for the package. In addition, the package offers English leather sport seats in malt brown and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics. And the steering wheel comes wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather.