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MINI models get a new range of petrol engines in spring 2010 which have lower emissions and better economy as well as having more power and torque.
There will also be a new MINI One Convertible, in addition to a range of unique Rainbow colour options and an extension to the MINI Graphite Special Edition model range to include Clubman models.
A new and improved version of the MINI petrol engine will be fitted to all First, One, Cooper and Cooper S models in the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman ranges.
The MINI First and One models will now be fitted with a 1.6 litre engine, replacing the 1.4, and VALVETRONIC valve operation that delivers more torque and better fuel consumption. All MINI petrol-engined models will conform to European EU5 emissions standards or ULEV 11 in the USA.
VALVETRONIC variable valve timing delivers a five per cent improvement on its own while an on- demand, map-controlled oil pump achieves a further 2.5 per cent fuel saving. An improved, low friction engine vacuum pump accounts for another one per cent and a map-regulated water pump working on a pulsed cycle (rather than simply on or off) saves 1.2 per cent fuel.
The entry level MINI, MINI First, receives a new version of the 1.6 litre four cylinder engine. The extra capacity has been designed to produce more torque which is higher by almost 17 per cent at 140 Nm. Fuel consumption in the EU cycle is 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions 127 g/km. Top speed of MINI First is 109 mph while the 0-62 mph acceleration takes 13.2 seconds.
The new engine enables MINI One to increase both power (by three per cent to 98hp) and torque (by nine per cent to 153 Nm at 3,000 rpm). Fuel economy is 52.3 mpg with emissions of 127 g/km. Top speed rises to 116 mph and zero to 62 mph acceleration takes just 10.5 seconds.
The MINI One Clubman benefits from the same powertrain improvements and offers 0-62 mph in 11.1 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. EU cycle fuel consumption falls to 51.4 mpg and emissions to just 129 g/km.
So far it has only been possible to buy a Cooper, Cooper S or John Cooper Works Convertible, but now you can buy a MINI One Convertible.
The MINI One Convertible shares the same new 1.6 litre VALVETRONIC engine as the Hatch and Clubman, and produces the same 98hp. It also manages 49.6 mpg and 133 g/km CO2.
The open top four-seater has a fabric roof that opens and closes electro-hydraulically at the touch of a button up to 20 mph, and has a rollover bar behind the rear seats that pops up automatically in the event of over-enthusiastic driving.
Even the Cooper S becomes more economical. It’s equipped for the first time with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and fully variable valve control. The variable valve control is based on BMW’s VALVETRONIC system that adjusts valve lift and opening times in direct relationship to the driver’s command on the throttle pedal.
BMW says that a result, it’s now the most efficient hot hatch in its class. It delivers improved EU cycle fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg, an improvement of 3.1 mpg, and CO2 emissions are now 13 g/km lower at 136 g/km.
The 1.6 litre unit produces 9 hp more power at 184 hp while peak torque is 240 Nm, delivered from as low as 1,600 rpm through to 5,000 rpm. This is enhanced by an Overboost function that delivers 260 Nm for short periods when it’s most needed, for example when overtaking. The Cooper S Hatch reaches 62 mph from standstill in 7 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph.
The Cooper S Clubman manages 47.9 mpg with 137 g/km CO2 emissions, and the Convertible achieves 47.1 mpg and 139 g/km CO2.
All three models are equipped as standard with a six speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a six speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The MINI Cooper shares all of the new engine features of the Cooper S except the turbocharger and achieves 52.3 mpg and emits 127 g/km of CO2.
The MINI Cooper Clubman manages 51.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km. The Convertible achieves 49.6 mpg and 133 g/km CO2.
There will be no price increase for the new improvements.
In February 2010 the MINI Clubman Graphite Special Edition model will be available on MINI One, Cooper and Cooper D variants.
And from April 2010 MINI will also introduce three new Rainbow paint options; a water-based basecoat colour produces a rainbow effect in bright sunlight and will be available in Sunlight Metallic, Asteroid Metallic and Nightlife Metallic.
