Getrag, the manufacturer of Mini's manual transmissions, was caught spy testing an AWD version of the Mini recently. You can read more at Gabe's MotoringFile here... http://www.motoringfile.com/ . MMMmmm....sounds pretty tasty! Future World Rally car?

 

Yummy!!!

 

Well, if that thing comes out to the public, I'm on board and trading in my '02. Schwing.
Cheers,

 

my sentiments exactly...

 

Wouldn't AWD add in a little understeer?

 

The MINI is too short for WRC, but this could be so awesome. I'd been hoping to hear something like this for awhile.

I swore I'd never buy another MINI again, but a RWD-biased, AWD MCS could be tempting enough for me to entertain the thought.

 

 

The current MINI is too short... I bet this test was to sell them on a next gen MINI 4wd system. Maybe there will be a new MINI variant for wrc.

 

This is a no brainer in my book. An AWD Mni Cooper would be awesome. I heard a rumor the next generation Mini Cooper will be increased slightly in length to meet the standard for WR racing. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

 

Its easy to speculate on a 4wd MINI. I'm sure Getrag has the mind power to engineer around it, but that is center exit exhaust... on a mule

As for WRC, the MINI will need to lose the supercharger to a turbo to be a contender. Let alone 4wd.
I don't see any of that happening in wake of the 1 series.

 

Hasn't it already been pretty well understood that the next-gen MINI will have a turbo? I remember seeing this on MotoringFile but can't remember if it was confirmed information.

-mike

 

So how long would a MINI have to be to for WRC? And why?

 

If I'm not mistaken, it's 4m. The new engine is said to make the MINI longer, not to mention the turbo talk... seems plausible.

 

OK, so the ultimate Cooper is one that is twincharged and AWD.

 

A better F/R weight distrubtion would be nice. This new engine, while bigger, should be lighter, and that would also help, especially at higher speed maneuvers. The MINI would need to be about 14" longer, I think...

I personally would prefer more of a mid-engine mount, and RWD (not for WRC though). AWD should add fair amount of weight, not to mention the driveline losses involved. The added weight could balance the car rather nicely though. I can see it happening, or at least some serious consideration...

 

Isn't AWD in a car the size of a Mini kind of a HEAVY and useless option as a street car?

 

Would MINI do this to enter the WRC or to appeal to a larger market?My guess is that a broader market would be the clincher for MINI/BMW.

 

4WD would probably only add around 300 lbs, or so (at least based on Audi curbweights with & without) and since traction won't now be an issue you could drop in a 250 bhp (or more ) turbocharged engine to beef up the power-to-weight ratio.....voila an STi or EVO beater.

 

This is all well and good,the turbo would be great,but does MPG tank with this kind of set-up?

 

I think there is not much doubt that this can be done to the MINI, and I would bet that it probably will happen. However, I'm not totally sure I want to see it happen, as much I would love more traction, and a better weight to hp ratio...

Many enthusiasts think that our new MINIs are already too big, for what a Mini was. And at over a foot longer, it will be hard to call it a MINI. As said above, gas mileage will suffer with such a transformation. But even more important to some is that it will not be the small, light-weight nimble car that has been its trademark. I'm not sure I'd want such sacrifices or compromises simply to have one more choice for an AWD turbo ride...

A MINI at 13+ feet, and 3,000+ pounds is hardly a something deserving of the name. BMW will have some tough decisions to make. Not only will they have this concern, if they were to make such a "MINI," they would have to be careful not to cannibalize the sales of their more expensive rides...

 

Audi's quattro usually adds 500-600 lbs, not 300, gr8britwjh. At least that was how it was on the B5 A4's.

-mike

 

All depends on the AWD system in question. Most modern systems are probably closer to 300 but it will vary.

I agree with tony though, an evo-ized mini is not something I want to see. In fact I'm selling my WRX to buy a MINI And if they were to do it with the aim of entering the WRC it would be a HUGE investment on their part if they wanted to be competitive.

Giving the mini awd and more powerful engine to complement it would make it much more popular in some circles, but there is such a thing as being too(!) fast too furious :/ (*cough*) A relative light weight, awd, and a turbo charger is always a recipe for a fast car, but they'd be throwing much of the mini's character out the door as well. Although if they could keep the cars size down, and add a relatively light weight awd system, that might be bareable. Still not something I'd like to see though.

 

If they do go with the new power plant,does the car need to grow that much in length?If it does it will not be a MINI any longer.I bought this car because it was close to my classic,not as small, but as nimble,quick,not fast but quick,and tight to the road.
It would be hard to find a car that feels like a sports car,goes great in the winter,huals dogs and tools around,and does not break the bank

 

Also interesting that when you click on this site and then go to the Dutch site and go to photos the getrag decals disapear in the second photo.

 

Well it is spy sh$t