The BMW Group unveiled its equipment and design improvements for the 2011 MINI, which will be introduced in the fall.

The 2011 MINI will feature more customization options and upgraded four-cylinder engines.

Exterior Updates

• All 2011 models will have new bumper fascias, tail lamp assemblies and larger fog lights.

• There is a new Adaptive Xenon headlight option ($100), and black headlight housings are newly available for Cooper and Cooper S (no charge option).

• Sunroof glass tint will change from 10 percent in the previous model to 30 percent on 2011 MY vehicles, further reducing sunlight penetration.

• The 2011 hardtop and convertible models will be offered in a Spice Orange paint finish. All MINI vehicles will also be available in British Racing Green II, Eclipse Gray metallic, White Silver, Ice Blue and Velvet Silver.

Interior Updates

• All interior items that were previously covered in silver paint will be matte black. The steering wheel will have a chrome trim ring in the middle and a light beige headliner will be standard (replacing the gray headliner).

• The interior lighting comes in five colors from warm orange to sporting blue.

• The range of seat upholstery, interior colors, trim elements and color lines for all models is revised. The selection of available colors and materials is set out on a model-specific basis.

Engine and Technology Updates

• The MINI Cooper and the Cooper S models are equipped with an improved 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and fully variable valve management, which is based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines.

• The MINI Cooper makes 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, while the MINI Cooper S makes 181 hp and 177 lb-ft (or 192 lb-ft with overboost).

Safety Equipment

• The MINI models come six standard airbags to enhance occupant safety. The MINI models also have standard anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, as well as Automatic Stability Control + Traction control standard on the MINI Cooper S with on/off control.

Performance Tires

• The MINI Cooper comes standard with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65R15 performance tires. The MINI CooperS, in turn, is equipped with 16-inch light-alloy rims and 195/65R16 runflat tires.

• Even larger 17-inch rims running on 205/45R17 tires are available as an option. Every 2011 MINI is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) that permanently monitors air pressure and informs the driver in the event of an emergency.

Entertainment and Navigation System

• HD Radio and Sirius satellite radio will both be standard for all 2011 MINI models (previously these options were priced at $500 each); and customers will receive a one-year subscription for SIRIUS.

• MINI Connected will be an option on all 2011 models. It will add a new 6.5" hi-resolution screen, Comfort Bluetooth with Smartphone prep, voice recognition, and a joystick controller to access all features.

• The third radio option will be MINI Connected with Navigation that also features real-time traffic information. The new NAV system uses an internal hard memory card and maps can be updated through a USB port in the glove box.