“Conflicting” Reports, Decisions Not Yet Made?

Reading through reports online and in print, it’s very hard to tell what the future holds for MINI and it’s new BMW PSA Peugeot Group engines. What cars will have what
sized engine, and how much will the power ratings be changed.

Will the S be a 1.6, 1.8 or even 2 litre car, and is it true the Supercharger whine will become a thing of the past?

Well it seems, from information we’ve been receiving at MINI2, that even BMW may not have finalised how the new MINI range will pan out, although we are aware they are testing several configurations of the new “Prince” engines.

The MINI One, current supplied with a 1.6 litre “de-tuned Cooper” engine in most countries will instead be offered with a 1.4 litre DOHC unit with BMW engineered variable valve timing technology. Despite the smaller capacity the new engine is expected to offer just as much power as the current unit, and is expected to be very smooth, as well as offering greatly improved economy.

All the new engines are reported to be “significantly” lighter than the current Tritec units, which will also help terms of performance and economy, as well as overall front/rear
weight distribution.

It seems the configuration of the new MINI Cooper engine is still not set in stone. The Cooper looks set to be offered with a 1.6 litre DOHC engine, producing either 125 or 140
bhp. It would seem BMW are not sure HOW much more power the next generation Cooper should get, but the good news is whichever they decide, they’re heading in the right direction!

Next up is the Cooper S, which looks to be a 1.6 litre DOHC Turbocharged unit, with a power output of between 170-180 bhp. Rumour has it BMW are planning on using the unique advance Multi-Stage Turbocharging technology in the new Cooper S engine.

This technology, recently revealed in the BMW 535d, has been developed to eliminate the usual “turbo lag” sensation associated with acceleration in turbo charged vehicles.

Further rumours suggest BMW may offer a 200 bhp “super hot” Cooper S from the factory, as well as a high performance diesel model.

Test units are being produced at BMW’s Hams Hall engine plant in the Midlands, UK, and reports indicate BMW are keen to produce the MINI engine in house, and not at the PSA Group plant in Douvrin, France where the engines were initially due to be produced. This will give BMW, who are in overall control of development, greater quality control and flexibility in the production of the unit for the MINI range.