Hi yall,

There are 2 new MINI variants on their way and should arrive mid-2011. These two new models are expected to be faster and lighter with shorter windshields. The "Coupe" and the "Roadster". The "Coupe" will have an aluminum top. Both feature MCS powertrains.

We also have 2014 to look forward to when MINI gets radical and serves up a makeover and new designs.

Don't know if the Clubman will be replaced yet, but the hatchback and convertible will be all new with three-cylinder turbo variants.

BMW will be sharing the production costs as they develop their new front wheel drive models.



See the March 2011 Motor Trend magazine for more info.

 

Wow, that's surprising news!

 

not thrilled about this....3 cylinder turbos? im interested to see the power output they hope to get out of this.

IMHO, the clubman isnt going to survive the new model refreshes. The paceman is going to take its place

 

MINI says the 1.5l(3cyl) turbo will output more power than the current Prince engines.

I still want a Coupe! That thing should haul! And I definately want to slap an ALTA AP tune (and some other stuffs) in one of those things. haha, 250 tqs in a car that weighs just over 1 ton.

 

The displacement is still going to be 1.5L, so not much smaller than the current 1.6L engines. They are supposed to make more power, weigh less, get significantly better mileage, and have a very cool exhaust note. If that's all true, who cares what number of cylinders it has?


I dont think the Coupe is going to weigh THAT much less than a comparable Hardtop. Certainly not 500lb less in order to put it "just over 1 ton". It will still be lighter, lower, and more performance oriented, but probably not tons lighter than the regular hatchback.

 

Sure, but what will the life cycle of the engine be like? We're seeing the modern 4 cylinders pushing numbers for HP that v8's of 15 years ago were lucky to post - but they don't last nearly as long...

While I know higher tech and tighter tolerances account for a large part of the gain for smaller engines, I just don't think I'm going to sign up for a 3 cylinder just yet.

 

Like I said above, the specific output isn't much higher than with the current engines, so I don't really see what the concern is.

 

Yeah, saw that... we were posting at the same time.

 

Figured that might be the case.

 

That's all great!
FInally, my 2008 Clubman will be a "classic"....

 

Three cylinder huh? Two words: Chevy Metro.

'nuff said. Though it didn't have a turbo.

 

Nissan GTR has a V6... so does a Dodge Caravan. 'nuff said. :D

 

I think you're right. Glad I have mine, I love the barn doors!

 

im really excited about a 3 cyl turbo. Sounds really interesting and just another thing that gives these cars character over alot of other cars.