Hybrid Mini?

[MeenieMini]

Any thoughts on a hybrid mini? Seems like a perfect fit for the 115hp base mini. I'm not saying that there's one in the pipeline or anything, just that I'd like to see it happen.

Anyone else?

[gabe]

The Diesel ONE effectively takes the place of a hybrid. Unfortunately it's note available in the states.

[Pepper'D]

think their are some hydrogen test models
http://www.mini2.com/news/news.php?id=80

[kapps]

I drive a MCS and a Honda Insight hybrid. The MINI would never make a good platform for a hybrid because of it's weight/drag characteristics. The Insight has a .25 Cd while the MINI is around .36. The Insight weighs 1800-2000 lbs while the MINI is over 2500. The diesel version is your best bet for economy (if not emisions).

You just can't make a normal car into a hybrid. It must be designed from the beginning as one. You may get better acceleration from a smaller ICE but you will never get the economy. Also, there is a learning curve for driving a hybrid. They cannot be driven the same as a regular car. You have to be very "in touch" with your car like a professional racecar driver but in a different way. Many people don't have the time/patience to learn how to drive for maximum efficiency. I've been able to get great economy in my "S" by using the same techniques as I use in the Insight - things that are just not noticable in a regular car.

[Malin Dixon]

Quote: Originally Posted by kapps

I drive a MCS and a Honda Insight hybrid. The MINI would never make a good platform for a hybrid because of it's weight/drag characteristics. The Insight has a .25 Cd while the MINI is around .36. The Insight weighs 1800-2000 lbs while the MINI is over 2500. The diesel version is your best bet for economy (if not emisions).

The CO2 emmissions are directly related to fuel economy, so the diesel is far an away the best for CO2 emmissions.

As for the nitrous oxides and particulates, the diesel is probably worse than a petrol car, but the modern diesels are far better than older ones, so the difference is not that big.