Next Generation Mini Breaks Cover -- Almost

By Motoring Channel Staff - 2/Aug/2006

Netherlands — Fans of the supercharged Mini Cooper S may be disappointed to know that the new model will do away with the supercharging, but will replaced with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. As parent company BMW explained, the full reveal of the next generation Mini is less one month away, but here we have a preview of the new car’s mechanical package.

The reborn Mini has been a complete success for BMW: in five years, more than 800,000 units have been shipped and now the next generation Mini will arrive powered by brand new British-built engines, featuring for the first time turbocharged induction, and a carefully, but thoroughly revised interior.

Outside, the instantly recognisable silhouette and bulldog stance are retained, albeit in a subtly refined manner. The company has also revealed that every part of the powertrain and chassis has been thoroughly revised or updated, which should result in an even more dexterous vehicle than before. Engines and transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes and safety systems are new from the ground up, which BMW claims will result in Mini at its best, whatever that means.

The first of the next generation Mini models to reach the international market will be the Mini Cooper - equipped with a more powerful 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine that develops 88kW, which is extremely powerful for a sub 2.0-litre engine. Also making its debut at the same time will be the turbocharged 128kW Mini Cooper S, which now features an ‘Overboost’ slingshot torque feature for super fast acceleration, says BMW.

The Mini One and Mini One Diesel will follow later in international markets. A diesel version is not currently planned for the Australian market.

New Engines

The new Mini Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S are powered by the first representatives of a new range of high-technology engines. Both have dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder driven by a chain. The engine block and cylinder head are cast from a special aluminium alloy and feature a motorsport-derived bedplate design. The engines set new standards in the class for innovation, power, performance and efficiency (including complying with the strict Euro IV emission standard). Many of the high-technology features have previously only been available in far more expensive or larger vehicles. These include a volume flow-controlled oil pump, and a water pump that switches itself off when not required, saving fuel.

Mini Cooper

The new engine fitted to the Mini Cooper develops 88kW @ 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque @ 4250rpm, both surprisingly high figures for an engine so small. It has a 6500rpm red line and delivers 140Nm of torque @ just 2000rpm. Fully variable inlet valves are controlled by the unique and highly-acclaimed BMW Valvetronic system. This allows the engine to breathe freely, without the traditional restrictions imposed by a throttle butterfly.

Valve lift and opening times are infinitely controlled electronically, combining superior fuel economy (reduced by more than 12 percent over the EU test cycle), zesty responsiveness as well as strict emission control.

The Mini Cooper is fitted for the first time with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a conventional, though advanced technology 6-speed automatic as an option. This features an almost immediate locking effect of the torque converter at step off, to ensure peak performance.Activating Sports Mode, gear shift time is reduced, enhancing the car’s highly dynamic qualities still further. Formula 1 style steering wheel-mounted paddles allow slick, manual gear shifting of the automatic transmission.

Mini Cooper S

The even more powerful engine fitted to the new Mini Cooper S is a turbocharged power unit featuring the added benefit of direct petrol injection. While the much-admired supercharged 4-cylinder engine is no more, the new forced induction system uses an elaborately designed twin-scroll turbocharger fed with a separate flow of exhaust gas from two cylinders each. This helps the turbocharger to respond from very low revs, almost completely eliminating turbo lag.

The turbo blows at a relatively low 11.6 psi (0.8 bar), with pressure building from just 1400rpm, delivering almost instantaneous acceleration. Spooling quickly to its maximum 220,000rpm, the compressor blows air fed from intercoolers into the intake manifold. An auxiliary electric pump sends coolant to the turbocharger even after the engine has been switched off, to prevent excessive heat-soak.

The Mini Cooper S engine delivers an exhilarating 128kW of power @ 5500rpm and a muscular 240Nm of torque from just 1600rpm to 5000rpm. Under enthusiastic acceleration, torque is boosted briefly to 260Nm by a short increase in turbocharger pressure. This “Overboost” function gives the Mini Cooper S even more dynamic performance.

The engine output is a substantial and satisfying 110 bhp per litre.

Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger, and direct petrol injection the new Mini Cooper S will be fast and frugal. It has a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and the option of a 6-speed auto.

Chassis Tweaks

Further enhancing the Mini's legendary agility and nimbleness is the work of a newly developed EPAS Electric Power Assisted Steering. It delivers natural feedback, a direct response at high speed and low steering effort when parking. The EPAS also reduces fuel consumption, and has two modes, one for regular driving and one for sportier motoring. This second mode also increases the responsiveness of the electronic throttle.

Front suspension is via McPherson struts and equal length driveshafts, and at the rear the central arm axle has weight reducing aluminium longitudinal arms which save 9kg.

Just like the current Mini, safety is always a priority, and the new Mini comes standard with the following features: ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and CBC Cornering Brake Control. In emergencies, the Brake Assistant builds maximum pressure very quickly, while a new feature, Hill Assist working with DSC, prevents the car from rolling back by briefly applying the brakes when setting off uphill.

Switchable ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction is now standard on both Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S, and DSC Dynamic Stability Control – which ensures extra safety in critical situations - will continue to be available as an option. Also as with the current Mini, all next generation models come with six airbags as standard as part of a supplementary restraint system. These are dual front units, thorax airbags fitted into the side of each front seat, as well as extra-large curtain airbags that also protect rear passengers.

Evolving Interior

BMW explains the new Mini body has been designed not only to evoke even deeper passions, but also to be stronger and safer. Maintaining the trademark compact overall dimensions, the new Mini is only 60mm longer, retaining the perfect proportions and stance of the previous highly successful model.

Also retained are the many characteristic Mini design cues: the instantly recognisable grille, large ovoid headlights, the diagonal shut line between the bonnet and the side direction indicators, which pay homage to the original weld seam of the Classic Mini. The upright tail light clusters are retained as well. Wrap-around glazing and the typical wheel-at-each-corner stance (emphasising the minute overhangs front and rear), accentuate the sporty stance of the Mini.

"Evolution of the exterior is supplemented by revolution in the interior," says Mini's chief designer, Gert Hildebrand. The Mini formula aims to provide “maximum car in minimum space”, so the interior of the next generation Mini looks even lighter than before. The dash itself is sportier, more technical or more elegant depending on which of the many trim and colour choices are specified by customers. Just as before, an optional, now 16-part interior chrome pack adds shiny highlights inside.

The most notable change to the dash is the enlarged centre console which houses the speedometer, even for Australia this time. The console also houses the entertainment, and where applicable, navigation functions while the slender centre console ensures even more space and roominess within the footwells.

Traditional Mini metallic toggle switches live on in the centre console, and are repeated in the roof lining for specific functions. The conventional ignition key has been replaced by an electronic signal transmitter and this allows the driver to start the engine simply by pressing the Start/Stop button, after having inserted the round chip sensor into the slot next to the steering wheel.

The high levels of customisation available on the current Mini will carry over to the next generation Mini in a range of all new trim and surfaces finishes. We'll have more details on the launch of the new Mini in September '06.