MINI Convertible
The body of the R52 is designed in such a way as to make it possible to dispense with the B-pillar. Many body components (front end, floor assembly, doors, etc.) have been adopted from the R50/R53.
A series of design measures ensure a high degree of torsional rigidity. The dynamic rigidity equals 19.5 Hz. The static rigidity is 9000 Nm/degrees.
To reduce steering wheel vibration and to increase the torsional rigidity, front suspension braces are bolted on the left and right between the engine support and modified MacPherson strut tower.
A high strength steel (boron steel) reinforcement tube is integrated in the A-pillars and in the windscreen cowl panel.
The heel plate has been reinforced by an additional sheet metal plate. This sheet metal plate is welded at a distance of 35 mm from the actual heel plate.
The external shape of the sills remains the same, however, the sheet metal has been reinforced (3 mm thickness). Stiffener plates are welded between the inner and outer sheet metal panels of the sills in order to increase the torsional rigidity and to prevent the sills bending in the event of frontal or side impact.
V-struts, tunnel struts and a reinforcement plate are installed on the floor assembly to further increase the torsional rigidity and to support the rear axle. The V-struts are bolted to the sills (stiffener plate). The rear cross member has also been reinforced (from 0.8 m/1.2 mm to 2 mm).
The R52 is not equipped with an active rollover protection system. The double roll bar is shaped from high-strength aluminum section and is bolted as an assembly component to the body mounts (4 bolts left and right).
The A-pillars and roll bars are designed such that they can withstand approximately 1.5 times the vehicle weight without collapsing in the event of the vehicle rolling over. The head restraints for the rear seats are mounted on the double roll bar.
The double roll bar is clad with trim covers, thus also enabling different trim levels (chrome, etc.).