Mini Cooper / Clubman S Diesel Spotted at testing site

[cheswick]

From Autoblog:
Spy Shots: Mini working on "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman? — Autoblog


Spy Shots: Mini working on "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?


Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to not only benefit from a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension, but also a boost in performance. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.

[markjborg]

It looks nice nice black

[Leedz]

You don't see those standard Cooper S alloys very often do you?

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by Leedz (original)

You don't see those standard Cooper S alloys very often do you?

You don't!!! But I have to say I do like them!