18 Feb 05 14:57
BMW is planning a limited-edition lightweight MINI Cooper S, reports independent website mini2.com. This would appear towards the end of the current car's life-cycle, probably late 2006, and a small production run of around 4000 cars is expected. The car is thought to have a very basic specification, in order to keep the weight right down, and many unique carbonfibre components. Though the engine's power output may remain the same, top speed and 0-60 time would be improved thanks to the weight savings.
Mini2.com also reports that gearbox/transmission specialists Getrag have developed their own four-wheel-drive MINI Cooper S, featuring a part-time 4WD system which is primarily rear-wheel drive, but distributing power to the front axle if a loss of traction to the rear wheels is sensed. Apparently, BMW engineers have shown an interest in the Getrag test car, though there is no news on whether a production model is planned.
BMW has, however, released details of the new generation of MINI engines, which will replace the Chrysler-sourced petrol and Toyota diesel currently fitted. These have been co-developed with PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Two petrol units, a normally-aspirated 1.6-litre with variable valve timing (115bhp) and a 1.6 direct-injection, turbo-charged 1.6 (143bhp) are on the way initially, and we can expect also a new, more powerful diesel, also a PSA joint project. Engines for the MINI will be built by BMW at Hams Hall, England, and the range will ultimately include units developing from 75bhp to 170bhp. This new engine 'family' features single-belt drive for all ancilliary components, a fully-controlled oil pump and self-disengaging water pump, and BMW/PSA claim much-improved fuel consumption and emissions over their current similarly-powered engines.
The new engines are expected to make their debut for the 2006 model-year (cars built from autumn 2005), though the all-new Mk2 MINI range is not due until 2007. This new range is said to include roadster and station wagon variants as well as hatchbacks and cabriolets, and will have revised suspension and slightly-tweaked front-end styling. BMW is working on a so-called 'flexible platform' which can be adapted for all the variants.
