Forget the Prius: MINI Cooper D to get 72.4 mpg

omarrana submitted on 05/25/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:01 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: MINI, Cooper, D

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MINI

Cooper

Forget the Prius: MINI Cooper D to get 72.4 mpg

Who said Toyota is the only company that has fuel efficiency figured out. BMW will be giving their MINI models technological revisions later this year that will result in increased performance while delivering amazing fuel efficiency; both without the use of hybrid technology.

When production of the new lineup begins in August 2007, all MINI model variants will be supplied with high-tech engine tweaks as standard, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising performance. To achieve this BMW will use technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display. All this will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.

The MINI Cooper D, which currently has a fuel consumption range of 64.2 mpg, will get an amazing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

Can we please have one in the US to?

Press Release:

72.4 mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries required.

MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

When production of the revised models begins in August 2007, there will be no requirement for alternative fuel sources or hybrid technology to achieve these stunning stats. All model variants will instead be supplied as standard with high-tech engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display complete a package that will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.

Brake Energy Regeneration works by using an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, which saves fuel. The IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery.

The Auto Start-Stop Function, available with manual transmission cars, automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. The system may be de-activated at the touch of a button when not required.

Switch Point Display aids drivers of manual transmission MINIs in selecting the most economical gear in which to drive. The engine management system analyses speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates optimum gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the cockpit display.

Even without these technology advancements in place, MINI leads the new car market for year-on-year improvements in clean engine manufacturing. C02 output per car has been reduced in the last year by an impressive 14 per cent. Putting that into perspective, the industry average was recorded at a lowly 0.3 per cent.

To put the icing on the cake for customers, MINI Cooper D owners will continue to benefit from the car falling into VED tax band B. So savings are not only made in carbon emissions, but at the fuel pumps and the Post Office when replacing an annual road fund licence too. Little wonder then that MINI UK is again celebrating a month of record car sales! Read Article

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Rupert - 5/25/2007 2:27:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

That's amazing

BUT

That MPG figure is in British gallons - in US gallons it's 60 mpg, but expect 75 on the highway.

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TheSailor - 5/25/2007 2:31:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

60 MPG would still be just about the best mileage you could get from any car in the US...

1995e34 - 5/25/2007 3:38:05 PM

+3 Boost

hell, anything over 30mpg is amazing to me. good for them.

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 3:53:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

XeroKOOL... it's not a quasi, semi hybrid... It is just a car with some clever systems... And it isn't all down to the tech. The BMW engines are already very efficient. And if you cared to do a little research, you would find that ANY diesel has superior fuel economy due to it's high low end torque... Just give up, this is a battle you've already lost!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/25/2007 4:12:03 PM

-1 Boost

I was about to say the same Sailor!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/25/2007 4:16:09 PM

-1 Boost

Who on earth cares about that stupid Prius? It's ugly, the inside is a plastic mess too and IT DOESN'T DRIVE WELL. It's rubbish for crying out loud!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fdBVwwRgThU

Rupert - 5/25/2007 4:43:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It is better on highways due to the alternator disconnecting when not charging, reducing engine load.

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 5:35:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Full hybrid isn't the solution for anything... A BMW with 70 less horsepower (the new 530i) give the same performance and fuel economy from a gasoline engine as the GS450h... Simply because the GS is so heavy because of all that extra weight it has to haul around... And the diesel BMW 535d for example is both cheaper, faster, handles better and more economic than the GS450h... Hell, look at the very recent comparison posted here where they pitted the GS against the considerably cheaper (they basically only costed 2/3 of the GS)530d, A6 3.0 TDI and the E320 CDI... Despite the additional 100 horsepower, the GS failed to be a single second faster than the BMW and the BMW offered superior fuel economy... The 535d will offer better fuel economy than the GS, similar if not better performance and still be cheaper (and unlike the GS, it has sat nav as a standard feature, which is 8000€ for the GS450h in germany)...
Diesels still have advantage (if not, howcome they are the prefered choice in ALL working applications)?

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 6:15:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

You mean the GS450h which was timed at 6.5 from 0-100 kph? Once again, you fail to compare apples to apples.. The BMW 535d have been timed, by the same magazine, at 6,6 seconds:

http://www.autobild.de/test/neuwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=7508

Diesel technology is already at the same economical efficiency grade as gasoline hybrids and unlike gasoline engines, they still have some potential left in them... We get up to 55% efficiency with our main engines... No gasoline engine, even with a hybrid system will ever get much higher than 40%...

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 6:18:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Ohh, and I almost forgot, you guys are still hanging on to that old 530i engine... If you read my post, you'll see that I am refering to the new efficient dynamics model with 272 hp... It gets better mileage and better performance (5.9 secs from 0-100 kph according to a danish motoring magazine)...

Rupert - 5/25/2007 6:21:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Xerokool - you're telling me cars don't have alternators? How might they get electricity or charge the battery then?

And your 530i performance figures are way out, the figures I have for the new efficient dynamics one give 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, compared to 0-60 in 5.7 for the GS.
And the 530i gets better fuel economy! Why buy the GS?

TheSailor - 5/26/2007 6:07:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

The new efficient dynamics 530i was tested in a danish magazine not to long ago, and they mentioned that it was quite remarkable how a 3.0 I6 could keep up with the GS450h in both fuel economy and performance... I'm still waiting for an english or german comparison or just a testdrive of the 530i which will translate properly into english (Danish to english turns into complete nonsence)... But don't worry, as soon as I find one, I'll post it!

M35MT - 5/25/2007 2:37:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

As simply an A to B car it works, but, most of us need somewhere to put our stuff.

Awesome technology, but I'm still waiting for an alternative fuel *ahem* hydrogen *ahem*.

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Lexus - 5/25/2007 3:00:00 PM

-1 Boost

Actually you lose again Mini Cooper, the new Prius will goes on sales this fall or early next year will have 100 mpg.

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Lexus - 5/25/2007 3:01:08 PM

-1 Boost

correction, it will get 100 mpg.

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Carboy - 5/25/2007 3:17:37 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

This maybe my first car when I'm 16.

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1995e34 - 5/25/2007 3:40:46 PM

-1 Boost

i hope your parents buy you a used car. the last thing a new driver needs is a new car.

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 5:09:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

LOL... That is the lamest I've seen for a long time! The prius is purpose built to be as economic as it can... It is built of light materials and it has tires with extra low rolling resistance and it is special everything... All those attempts to prove that the Prius is better than everything german is all very cute, but why don't you try and do a proper comparison, like say... Curb weight... The Mini is only 100 kg lighter and yet, it offers an additional 5 MPG (US)... How will you explain that? And it isn't even built with aerodynamics in mind (unlike the Prius)

And what does the Camry hybrid have to do with anything? Your little attempt to show just how much more effective hybrid drive just show how desperate you are in your attempt to prove that hybrids are better than diesels (which is a bit pathetic actually)... Did you forget that they de-tuned the 2.4 gasoline engine in the Camry hybrid to get better fuel mileage from the system? Instead of the 158 horsepower in the regular Camry 2.4, it only has 147 hp (which basically makes your comparison useless)... And you also have to remember that diesel engines are already way more efficient... So they don't need to get the same efficiency boost to achieve superior fuel mileage to a hybrid... So even though hybrid drive might improve the mileage more than a diesel with efficient dynamics does, there is still a long way before the hybrid will "beat" the diesel... But yes lets all wait for the Prius (Could you please specify how long we all have to wait please)...

PS.: the BMW 520d (a somewhat larger car) will give you the same performance and fuel economy as the Camry even though it is down by 21 horsepower, how do you explain that? And the new efficient dynamics 530i (272 hp)gives you the same performance and fuel economy as the 1/3 more expensive GS450h... How do you explain that? And what about some direct competitors to the Camry... Lets look at the Passat, which comes in a 2.0 TDI version offering roughly the same performance and fuel economy as the Camry, then there is the 3-series, the Audi A4 and the C-class... All offering similar performance and fuel economy... I wonder why Toyota haven't bothered importing the Camry hybrid in Europe... Hmm

The only way to fully utilize the potential of all that fancy technology in cars like the Prius is by using diesel engines... Until then, they'll continue playing the second violin to diesel cars...

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enthusiastx11 - 5/25/2007 6:13:28 PM

+3 Boost

that's true that it's a small car xero.
but many of us spend most of our time driving alone...to and from work, around town, errands. and many of us have more than one car. so this would be a great car for day-to-day driving. and it looks good and is fun while the prius is immensely boring to drive!

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Will_ - 5/25/2007 7:59:37 PM

0 Boost

But having "fun" in this car would mean a decrease in mpg. And you can't tell all Prius owners that they don't have fun behind the wheel. What a one-sided, simplistic argument.

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1995e34 - 5/26/2007 8:29:28 AM

0 Boost

just cause you don't have to tell prius owners they can't have fun behind the wheel doesn't mean you can't.

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Will_ - 5/25/2007 6:07:41 PM

-3 Boost

No French car is considered "good-looking." Groundbreaking design, sure, you can say that. BMW likes to say that too, and French cars, just like BMW are not "good-looking."

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Will_ - 5/25/2007 6:02:58 PM

0 Boost

This is impressive!!! Although one should point out that though the Prius is a light compact car, the Mini is nearly half it's size!

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Will_ - 5/25/2007 6:04:51 PM

+1 Boost

Looks like XeroKOOL already pointed this out, but Hell, it certainly doesn't hurt to repeat things around here so that people understand...

TheSailor - 5/25/2007 6:21:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

But they weigh about the same... The Prius is larger sure, but that doesn't mean anything... Weight and aerodynamics matter... The Mini has considerably worse aerodynamics than the Prius... And it doesn't run on those special low resistance tires!

enthusiastx11 - 5/25/2007 6:06:52 PM

+3 Boost

that's freakin' amazing! 72MPG in a good-looking car that's a blast to drive.

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EnnNorak - 5/25/2007 6:48:48 PM

0 Boost

King Hybrid is dead. Long live King Diesel !!!

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izfuney - 5/25/2007 6:53:41 PM

-1 Boost

What everybody forgot to ask .. is what kind of performance does the diesel get ? The Prius is not only economical it also peppy enough to makes sense for users using the higway etc.

Diesels may make sense in the EU but they are a loosing proposition going forward. Horrible emissions and particulate problems make then unsuitable for the States. (Espeially in California where they contribute to an Air quality problem)
Hybrids represent the best way forward ..... So much so that BMW / GM / Chrysler/ VW are working their butts off to catch up with Toyota...

Of course the day BMW launches its hybrid all the propeller heads will on their knees singing Hallelujah and extolling the virtues of Hybrids .. Till then .. I guess they will weep and moan about how great Diesel/Coal/Turpentine or whatever fuel they are sniffing is so great ...
K ... Rant done ... Have a great weekend

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Rupert - 5/26/2007 8:01:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

This Mini does 0-60 in around 9 seconds.

huu76 - 5/25/2007 6:56:55 PM

-4 Boost

Hey Sailor, he enthusiast. It's me. Should I start dusting off my links and old posts or did you just want to save us all some time and zip it?

If this car ever makes it over here, and by the time it does get here, it'll be going up against the Prius 3. Welcome to 2003 BMW. 72mpg isn't so impressive compared to the next Prius' reported 113mpg.

And yes, the Prius is Suburban-sized compared to a Mini. Why not just toss my 148cc lawnmower motor into the Mini and take out 2 seats. Imagine the mileage then.

???
Auto stop/start doesn't work w/ automatics?

Switch point only suggests the best gear to drive in, but doesn't force it. Kind of like how current drivers can choose to drive conservatively or not.

Regenerative braking uses another battery, eventhough the heading says no batteries needed (insinuating that you don't even need a car battery).

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TheSailor - 5/26/2007 1:33:41 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Ahhhh yes... you're imaginary 100 mpg Prius... sure, tell us all something about that!

Bill - 5/26/2007 6:25:24 AM

+8 Boost

The next Prius is "reported" to get 113 mpg. There is a difference between reported and actual. Wasn't the LS600h "reported" to get better fuel economy than it actually achieves? See my point?

Autophile - 5/25/2007 8:32:21 PM

+6 Boost

Seriously you people need to get jobs...

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BminiW - 5/25/2007 8:56:08 PM

+6 Boost

Prius Lovers:

I can't believe that "green" thinking people do not realize the horrible environmental impact that mining all that nickel has. This has already had terrible effects, and will continue to plague the planet for centuries.

Also, please don't forget that the Hybrids also still use GAS, and you can modify this MINI motor easily to run on Bio-Diesel, solving that issue.

Toyota and the like, congrats on great marketing, but this is not the car of the future. This MINI is a step in the right direction.

Here is a website that explains the environmental devistation that mining nickel for Hybrids has caused.

http://clubs.ccsu.edu/recorder/editorial/print_item.asp?NewsID=188

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huu76 - 5/25/2007 9:12:38 PM

-3 Boost

minime,
What about lead and sulfuric acid? You know what has those two things right?

Wow, another article referencing CNW. And your type complains about my UCS article indicating diesel takes 30% more oil to make than an equivalent volume of gasoline.
News to you. Sudbury has been mining nickel long before hybrids came along, and they'll be doing it long after gas-hybrids leave.

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BminiW - 5/25/2007 9:37:05 PM

+3 Boost

First of all, your still talking about oil. I would use Bio-Diesel.

Secondly, 30% more oil for diesel.....lets do the math the MINI Cooper gets 40mpg Highway using gallons not Imperial gallons the diesel gets 60.3 mpg that's a 66.3% improvement. I think that is still better even if you use real Diesel.....

Anti_Bangle - 5/26/2007 4:18:22 AM

+2 Boost

Great stuff!! I'd much rather have this than a dimmickery hybrid.

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BigShow50 - 5/26/2007 9:48:54 AM

0 Boost

Diesel tech has been in the game for at least 50 years or so on...actual hybrid tech implemented with combustable engines in the real world auto market...10 years only and running strong. So why did all the companies now start trying to improve its' diesel tech today??? B/c hybrid is far more advanced, let alone not enough manpower knowledge to support such a creation, along with lack of R&D funding. And the simple fact of the evolving threat of hybrid tech. Therefore they are left with no choice but to improve what they can only understand and have been doing for decades. As for Toyota, they have now mastered the hybrid technology and it will get better, but they have to pace themselves after all they probably have something extrodinare in hybrid tech sitting on their shelves and choose not to release as of yet b/c of the majority they are selling, is into corporate America, where our bloodline is "oil", otherwise we all be collecting food stamps at the end of the day. We all know it and some will not admit to it and that of coarse is fine. And since diesel tech is far much easier to engineer, it's no problem for Toyota to understand and engineer to mate one to their hybrids. Again only a matter of a short time. As for the rest, they are now working on mating their diesel tech to a "Mild Hybrid" system. So all I have to say based on your comments on this post, you may or may not be a hypocrit but over 99% of us do drive petrol oppose to diesel, but for sure the auto companies that support diesel are the hypocrits...so let's not shoot our mouths off too quick kids, and don't get me wrong I too praise and give credit to diesel tech, but this is just the begining of the hybrid generation and for sure will not be it's last b/c if you think about it, in the long run the hybrid system is a universal component that can be mated to any engine, whatever way you look at it, therefore it's a win/win situation...simple truth of the matter Toyota/Honda has that upper hand.

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TheSailor - 5/26/2007 12:38:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

First off... Combustable engines? The last car to have a combustable engine was the Vdub Beetle (the real one, not the tacky new one) with it's aluminium-magnesium block... and that isn't a good thing... You are thinking of the Internal combustion engine...

As to all your talk about hybrids... They are just a band aid solution for the US market, because Toyota realized that the US needed a economic car that wasn't a diesel because diesels are so hard to get approved in the US. They don't offer anything better than the "old" diesel technology... They don't offer better mileage, they don't offer better performance and they definately don't offer lower prices! And I aren't just talking out of my a**, unlike some people... Diesels have a way better efficiency than a gasoline engine, I'm not even going to prove that because only a complete idiot would try to deny it, so if Toyota had really wanted to build the most fuel efficient vehicle possible instead of a band aid solution for the american market, they would have used a diesel engine. And I really don't know how the EPA do those mileage estimates, but they aren't that precise, because I have yet to find a review where they achieved the EPA estimates... Real world numbers are closer to 45-50 combined

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2006/10/prius_mileage_1.html

Even Edmunds only got 54 mpg from it... I can show you four or five diesel euro-hatchbacks which will do that... But at 2/3 the price and with better material quality, better handling and better performance. And they won't flip over in a breeze either!

Look, hybrid is a good technology, but coupled to a gasoline engine, it makes no sence since gasoline engines are so much less efficient than diesel engines! It isn't about how much you can boost mileage, but what mileage the thing actually achieves, and the fact of the matter is that gasoline hybrids offers nothing new! Just that we are having this discussion is proof enough. If gasoline hybrids were truly better than diesels, nobody would be able to argument against it and people wouldn't be able to come up with diesels which do just as well! Hell, even pure gasoline cars are catching up (look up the new efficient dynamics 530i BMW, with 272 hp, if you don't believe me).

And you seriously must be joking when you say that they have some technology hidden away that they won't use because they care about the poor oil companies! If Toyota had anything to increase the mileage further they would do so in the blink of an eye! They don't care if they ruin a few oil tycoons if that means they can make more money (Which they would if they could up the mileage)

huu76 - 5/26/2007 12:08:59 PM

-1 Boost

BminiW,
That's 50% improvement.

Guess what. Hybrids get the same mileage but they only use 1/2 the gasoline of a comparable gas car.
Got any real world numbers? I know for a fact the Prius outmileages the TDIs. Go here and look up how many barrels of oil each vehicle consumes, you will be surprised with the Prius/TDI figures.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2005findacarf.jsp

You do the math. 50% more mileage for 50% LESS oil vs. 50% more mileage w/ 30% more oil.

Amazingbimmer,
Poor ppl who can only afford $50,000 SUVS but not $34,000 BMWs right? The story now is that if you can't afford a Lexus, you'll have to settle for a BMW product.
Mini buyers just show there are still a lot of stupid ppl out there, and most of them are European.

Bigshow,
HSD3 and the next Prius/hybrids. Europeans only hock diesels because its more profitable for them, less R&D money required.

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BminiW - 5/26/2007 5:50:05 PM

+1 Boost

The whole point is Bio-Diesel...

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BigShow50 - 5/27/2007 12:55:44 AM

0 Boost

Hey Sailorboy, maybe you should stop wearing those tight nut hugging sailor suits. It seems to be creating lack of circulation to your pigeon brain of yours. All I have to say remember what I said now and I can assure you what will happen in the next 2 years as hybrids(mainly coming from Toyota/Honda) will con't to make changes for the better. And it's not only about oil tycoons, simple political crap that we all have lived to know about. And Toyota is right about possible political back lash towards Japanese Auto. Better to be safe than sorry. Also part of that is keeping the U.S. economy afloat. Like I said if diesel is the true solution based on technology, efficiency and economical scale, then please give a true quality answer as to why they attempt by spending millions of $$$ in R&D creating a half-ass mild hybrid into the mix? Whatever your answers are, obviously MB, BMW, VW, Porsche, SAAB,(just to name a few) don't seem to see eye to eye with your answers at the end of the day, b/c one way or the other they are creating some sort of "HYBRID". Isn't diesel good enough? Like I said only a matter of time kids, only a matter of time!!! LMAO!!!

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TheSailor - 5/28/2007 11:08:05 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Hey bigboy... Can you actually prove any of what you are saying or are you just talking out of your a**? Because you have yet to give me actual proof that Toyota is hideing technology or that hybrid efficiency will improve...

I never said that the european car makers are not looking towards hybrids, but if you look at companies like Mercedes and Peugeot, they have chosen to go for diesel hybrids because they can see that that is the best solution. The only european company who is developing gasoline hybrids is Porsche and that is because they have said that they think diesel engines doesn't fit into their concept but have realised that they need to offer better mileage than they do now without selling out on their core values, and then a gasoline hybrid is better than doing nothing at all... If hybrid technology is coupled to a diesel it will achieve a similar efficiency boost meaning greatly increased mileage! And unlike a gasoline hybrid, that would mean that we would experience mileages not yet seen in any car... and the high torque of a diesel engine would mean that the weight of the hybrid drive would have way less influence on performance.
I never said hybrid technology is bad, I said that the present implementations of hybrid technology is bad because all the potential is lost to that inefficient gasoline engine! It is just about the best proven fact in the entire engineering and automotive world that diesel engines are way more efficient than gasoline engines... Therefore, it is clear to all with half a brain that the only reason they chose to fit it to a gasoline engine was because Toyota wanted to take advantage of a market where diesel engines have a very hard time for no logical reason!

Even you must be able to see the logic in that! If Toyota had strived for the best mileage possible, they would have chosen a diesel engine, NOT a gasoline engine!

So all that is left is to ask you to prove any of the crap you let out, because I know that I can prove my statements

BTW: If less oil consumption will bankrupt the USA, howcome your politicians have begun looking into alternative fuel sources that won't take crude oil to produce? Are they just trying to explore just how much they can ruin their own economy? Hardly!

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BigShow50 - 5/28/2007 8:22:16 PM

+1 Boost

LMAO!!!....Sailorboy, you are a piece of work my little friend. But hey!!! You either believe me or you don't. Like I said, remember this now, and look what will happen in the next couple of years! It will get very interesting in the Hybrid segment especially what Toyota and Honda will be doing in the future and pulling out of the hat. I really have nothing to prove, and no point of doing it now...let the actions speak for themselves. Only a matter of time! Wow!!!... I can't for you guys to see this!!!

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gregsfc - 6/1/2007 7:11:25 PM

+1 Boost

I'm getting an average of 44 mpg using B20 in my 2006 VW Jetta TDI. The new TDI, coming in 2008, is supposed to up fuel economy by five, city/hwy combined; increase hp by 40 and torque by 59 and, like all diesels, can accept any blend of biodiesel in the tank.

Whether or not this beats A hybrid or ANY hybrid or any other advanced technology is irrelevant. The diesel cost the consumer $2,000 more and gets that back just in resale value; and the diesel saves lots of fuel, both petroleum and/or any liquid form compared to the same car with a gas engine.

The new diesel will garner an almost 100% fuel economy advantage of the gas Jetta, while providing consumers a secondary advanatage of the best alternative fuel currently on the planet. Biodiesel has the highest net energy balance of any liquid fuel; it is non-toxic; non-hazardous; and can be piped and trucked right along with petro-diesel fuel. To beat all of that, it goes into the most fuel-efficient, ICE known to this world.

End of story. Diesels rule!

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