German Car Zone

Earlier today BMW AG have released "MINI Fahrdynamic Workshop" (MINI Driving dynamics Workshop)
"pre-press release" of new MINI. Official press release with detailed info & pics is coming on August 14th (expect "leaked" pics a day or two earlier).

PR includes photos of taped new MINI, chassis & suspension & engines pics.

And data.

Highlights:

A bit bigger inside & outside (e.g. 60mm longer)

Even greater Go-Kart-Feeling.

Evolutionary exterior, revolutionary interior with much better materials and fit & finish - with greater individual upholstery & trim options.

MINI Cooper: 1.6L I4; Valvetronic; 88kW (120HP at 6,000rpm); 160 Nm at 4,250rpm (140Nm available from 2,000rpm on), 12.5% better mileage (EU-test).

MINI Cooper S: 1.6L I4; twin scroll turbo; direct injection; 128kW (175HP at 5,500rpm); 240Nm from 1,600rpm - 5,000rpm; 260Nm at "overboost" at acceleration; no turbo lag.

Both engines having alu block & cylinder head. Both 84x77x85.5mm with 1,598ccm.

Euro4 eco standard met.

Mini One & Diesel coming later.

Both Cooper models have 6-gang manual gearbox.
6-gang automatic (with 5 clutches) optional - with Comfort & Sport modes. Available with steering wheel shifting paddles.

Cooper S coming with mechanical "Super LSD" differential.

EPAS - electro-mechanical Electric Power Assisted Steering" standard.
"Sport" button (ala Z4) for even greater steering & throttle response.

Reworked alu chassis for even greater driving dynamics.

Free sport suspension set-ups optional for Cooper & Cooper S.

Standard: 6 airbags, run flat tyres, ABS, EBD, CBC, ASC+T, DSC+ (with Hill Assist & Braking Assist), TDC, Chip-key & Start/Stop button.

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More pics in blue & silver: HERE

First driving impressions:

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3 (click "Next Article" for more)

Sounds like new little ultimate driving machine...

Is this supposed to be new or is this a "face-lift"? Only the front look new to me.

M

If Eni's title says "New Mini" then be sure it's all new Mini!

It's a new MINI (R56). Mk2 MINI (or better: Mk3).

Styling is evolutionary - facelift-ish if you want - but all the other changes are revolutionary (completely new body, chasis, suspension, engines, safety features etc.). The car is totaly reworked - also exterior & interior dimensions are changed.

Why the design is the same? MINI is a design icon (just like VW Beetle or Porsche 911) so minor design changes are expected. Also people like MINI as it is - its current shape. Perhaps Mk3 will be a bit different.

Not possible.

Anyhow, this is the engine co-developed with PSA right? Sounds pretty good, but the styling disappoints.

It's more gay than ever.

Why "gay"? Just because you don't like the design of the car doesn't mean it's gay.

The twin-scroll-turbo is almost the same design as bi-turbo N54 engine from 335i . So: no turbo lag.

Yes, the new 1.6L engine is a cooperation project with PSA.

But mind that BMW AG was fully responsible for engine engineering & development, while PSA Peugeot Citroen was only responsible for manufacturing, purchasing & logistics.

Eh...the Mini only has one turbo doesn't it?

Anyway, this is a brand-new engine right? Or is it the same one found in the cooking Peugeot 206 models?