http://motoringfile.com/2007/05/25/m...r-2008-models/

I didn't know if this has been posted yet but it's new to me! Sounds like Mini is getting smarter. Great news for all.
Diesel, too?

 

I thought there were no plans-as of yet to release the MINI-D, or MINI-1 in the U.S.? Be nice if they did. The MINI-D is supposed to get around 70MPG on the highway!

 

Gosh Darnit,

I just bought a 2007 and you're telling me it's obsolete. It's just like my computer. The day after you buy one, something faster and better is introduced.

 

Always happens that way doesn't it?

 

Well, I've been just looking around for a Mini and thought the '07s wouldn't hit the used car lists for a little while yet... Might happen sooner than I thought...

 

Maybe there will be an update you can download.

Seriously, though, it's a possibility. As computerized as these cars are, some of the techno-doo-dads might just be a matter of an '08 ECU flash.

EDIT: And unfortunately, the more computerized cars become, the more likely that "this year's model" will be obsolete "next" year.

 

Reading the article makes me glad I just bought a 2007 MCS. The "Auto Start-Stop Function" would very likely drive me out of the car after the first year (or less) of ownership. I can see it now.. every time the car stops, the motor shuts down.. then, every time the light turns green, or..if I'm at a stop sign.. when it's time to go - the car restarts. That'd drive me up a tree..

I wonder what the lifespan of a Mini starter motor is...

Admittedly, part of the reason I bought my Mini was to keep me out of my diesel fuel hungry 4X4 Crew Cab Duramax Silverado, and to conserve $3.00 per gallon gasoline, however me thinks that by driving a 30+ mpg Mini, I'm doing my part for the environment, as well as for my wallet.

My buddy in the UK tells me that although the MC-Ds (already sold there) are fuel efficient, they barely have enough power to get out of their own way. Not for me, thank you very much..

 

Yes, I believe its been talked about and it hasnt' been made clear yet on whether or not the changes will happen in the US spec version of the 2008s.

The factory is supposed to start making the changes I think in the late August production runs for the European market but nothing has been mention for the US, yet.

The Mini-D will not be available in the US with its initial release, it also is not available in an S type model (with the higher HP). It may make it to the US for the 2009 model year.

 

So don't go away with the thought that the 1 and D will come here. A lot of itt sounds more impressive than it is. The regenerative braking is just using the alternator at any time other than under acceleration. I think it drops out now at WOT. Some of the other stuff is nice, like going to the Optima style battery. The "stop the motor at rest" feature is something we all will see shortly. It's not done with a starter motor, it'd done with a combined starter/alternator assembly. Despite this type of change making some uncomfortable, it's going to come out on pretty much all cars over the next few years.

Matt

 

wow..that was a very interesting article..now why couldnt they have made all that earlier..oh well..i still love my mini as is. couple extra mpg's wouldnt hurt tho.

 

Chances are the "shift up" indicator will probably come over.

Come to think of it, I had one of those on my (new at the time) 1990 Cavalier Z24. Annoying little light, I ignored it most of the time.

 

are why God made Electrical Tape!

Matt

 

I have an old Saturn with the Gear Shift Indicator. Pretty annoying but easy to ignore. Would be nice if they made that a feature that could be disabled.

 

Actually, I don't think the Auto Start-Stop Function would affect me very much. I was initially worried about the same thing, then read further and realized that the auto stop only works when the shifter is placed in neutral and the clutch is engaged (i.e., foot off the pedal). Except for the longest of red lights (and never on the road), I always wait at stop signs and stoplights with the car in gear and the clutch disengaged. I suspect I would hardly notice that this feature even existed.

 

The cars I've driven with auto start-stop functions were very nice. I didn't notice the starting of the engine. I did notice the quietness while the engine wasn't running. No delay, no cranking feeling . . . just niceness.

 

it only stops when in neutral, with your foot off the clutch. As you depress the clutch to enguage a gear, it starts the engine. You'll never even know it's there.....

Matt

 

Here in Vegas where the lights last f-o-r-e-v-e-r that would burn out a clutch in no time flat. Unless the light looks like it's ready to change, I always pop it out of gear and coast to the light. Don't step on the clutch until I'm read to move. I would love to have that feature, but alas it doesn't look like it's coming to America.

 

Last I heard, US models were NOT getting the auto-shutoff feature.

- Mark

 

auto off?!? that sucks! i can turn off the engine myself. can you disactivate it or not get that feature?

 

Probably true. Most intelligent Americans wouldn't put up with that nonsense.

 

3M is god?????? Great! My 9th grade psychology teacher --- you know, the bald guy with the curly hair, who stared at balnk walls ---- was right!!!!

 

The very thought makes me shudder. MINI had trouble making a glove box correctly. They don't even know how to sell touch-up paint legally in the US. And they expect us to trust them with auto start/stop technology????

 

Oxymoron - "Intelligent Americans"

 

Whatever. You guys don't even know what BACON is.

 

Whatchoo talkin' aboot???