The next-generation Mini will get a raft of new high-tech engines, codenamed Prince, which will be built at the company’s Hams Hall engine factory near Birmingham. The big news is that BMW will drop the Cooper S’s supercharger in favour of a more conventional turbocharger, while also offering an environmentally friendly stop-start system.

Unlike today’s car, the Mini Mk2 will have the option of both 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units, most of which feature variable valve timing (badged VVT). According to Autocar’s sources, the two entry-level engines will have slightly less power (88bhp and 104bhp) than today’s models, but are expected to be torquier, more frugal and much cleaner.

The next-generation Cooper, however, should get a new 1.6-litre VVT unit good for a healthy 140bhp, a 25bhp lift over the current model. This engine line-up suggests a new intermediate 104bhp model between the Mini One and Cooper.

At the top of the range is a 1.6-litre unit with direct injection and a turbocharger. According to insiders, this powerplant is capable of up to 200bhp. Today’s supercharged Cooper S engine manages 170bhp in base form and 210bhp in Cooper S Works spec. There’s no news yet on a replacement for the Mini D’s Toyota-sourced diesel engine.

The move to state-of-the-art supermini engines will greatly enhance the appeal of the second-generation Mini, which is expected in late 2006. The current car’s biggest weakness is its Brazilian-built and Chrysler-sourced Pentagon engine. Although the unit has been well polished by BMW engineers, it cannot completely disguise its budget origins.

From Autocar Magazine....

 

Great info. Thanks for the post

 

Thanks, Cheese. Very interesting article!


Clover

 

its a shame they cant put this new engine in without drastically changing the front end.

 

Nothing really new here. I have seen this info being posted from months ago.

 

I like my little screamer.

 

Ditto.

-mike

 

I think my car was just insulted, and I'm a little mad. I like my engine just fine thank you, or I wouldn't have bought the car.

I must say that I prefer a super charged engine over a turbo charged engine, at least in concept. I wonder if it will be possible to drop the new engine in a current generation MINI. I also wonder if it won't become impossible to find replacement engines for the current generation MINI.

 

The days of cars remaining the same for years on end are over.Marketing,emisions,fuel savings,all drive the current auto industry.
As long as BMW keeps the MINI close to the classic,in looks,relativly cheap,FUN,great handling,then I say change the power plant.
In the mean time I plan on motoring in my MC for many years

 

My brother in law used to be a car insurance claims adjuster, and knows a lot about cars. He once told me that a car manufacturer is required to produce (or make available) all car parts for a period of 10 years (I suppose from when you bought the car), unless that part becomes available from an aftermarket supplier. In that instance, the car manufacturer could cease production or availability of the part before the 10 years runs out. However, if that aftermarket supplier then ceases to make the part before the 10 years runs out, the car manufacturer is not liable to produce or obtain the part. Hopefully, we will be able to get engines and parts for a long time, since Chrysler is using the engine overseas in some of their cars. :smile:

 

I'm fine w/ the engine changes...just so they don't introduce that horrible bulge in the bonnet. I'm thinking that MINI was just a mule....or else a bad dream.

 

I'm ready for the 140 HP Cooper now. Bring it on.
Turbo in the MCS up to 200HP? Fine.
Wouldn't hurt to trim some weight in the process.
Lighter wheels would be nice too.

 

Isn't the next generation MINI going to be longer?

 

Me too.Turbo a MC and I,m trading in,first in line

 

Well you can already get a 15hp boost with an ECU mod for less than $200 on the current Cooper engine. =)

Doesn't make much sense to me to swap out my engine for a new one that only gives me marginally more horsepower.

 

i remember reading on Motoringfile.com that the next gen MINI is going to made with lower quality materials to increase their profit margins. BMW has not been making enough money with our cars but they have established the brand now in the USA. i think i may have to keep my MCS for a while. or at least until i see and drive the new one but i don't have much confidence in the coming model from what i've read besides just the motors.

 

Logically you'd be able to take the newer MC and someday add an ECU mod like the MTH for another 10+HP boost for even more fun. It never stops.

The other point is any MC with the ECU mod would void the warranty for the "engine" since the ECU controls just about all engine functions. Being able to return the ECU software back to stock would be the fallback option.

Having a new MINI with 140 HP with warranty intact would be a plus for some owners that didn't want to risk the ECU mod and still wanted good performance. Personally if the vehicle weight can be kept low the 140 HP should be quite good for performance. Hey, and a getrag 5 speed transmission wouldn't hurt either. Wonder if they are even thinking about an LSD option for the MC. That would be killer. More power and LSD in a lighter MC with good transmission. Duh?

As for build quality? Even if done cheaper, I've replaced so much stock stuff that we should be able to redo just about anything by that time. You could even think about ordering your MINI with a minimum of options and just add to it on your own. You can use higher quality materials than might be available. Ever seen the TV show "overhaulin"? Not much of the stock car left but you can see how customized a ride can be.

 

A couple of clarifications:


Autocar should know who is making the diesel engine. PSA as well as BMW has had a few press releases relating to this. The new diesel will be designed by PSA and built by BMW. Actually all of these engines will be shared between Peugot and BMW. We will actually start seeing the petrol version in Peugot cars starting first quarter of next year.

Everyone rips on the Chrysler powerplant. But come on. Peugot isn't a real winner either. Especially for diesel engines. My personal belief is that BMW is getting out of the Chrysler engines because of Chryslers new linkage to Mercedes. They decided to go with PSA because of the fact that PSA has extensive experience in outsourcing development and working with car manufactuers on engine designs. None of the Peugot engines I would say are considered stellar or are a of a unique design.

The Chrysler engine on the other hand is a very strong engine. I am not sure what their gripes are on it's weakeness. Could you crank it to 400hp? No, but the power outputs are consistent with other hot hatches around the world. I think the supercharger design does a lot for this car. I think the turbo will not feel as good. You will definitely see turbo lag on this engine and with the VVTi technology it will probably be a little more anemic down low, just as the Celica and Honda brands do. The turbo will definitely play into the ricer crowd. But the supercharger is really unique especially for this price segment. I for one am extremely happy that I am getting a Chrysler supercharged engine.

 

The aftermarket parts market will be interesting with the new engines and nothing to relate to (as opposed to Chrysler). It means technology to be imported at higher costs to enthusiasts, not to mention back-to-the-drawing-board aspect for established suppliers in an already weak market.

 

i think that the Neon SRT-4 is a pretty impressive enough CHRYSLER built motor. i have only positive things to say about this motor, even more so after my 15% pulley upgrade. if i'm not mistaken i believe that some of the same engineers from the current MINI's engine program also were instrumental in the development of the SRT-4's motor so we know the power and potential is there. i enjoy the sound of the supercharger and look at what Helix/Psi-Fi and SPI have done with their respective twincharger kits, how fun is all that. if i were to go with the new turbo motor eventually, i can easily figure out a way to blow the same amount of money on a turbo upgrade kit (which is inevitable) that i would on a twinkompressor kit. the turbo would almost certainly make more power than the twin kit, but possibly at the expense of torque and of course lag. the twin kit however, is unique and different and offers the best of both worlds and i believe can be a very reliable and viable mod, given the R&D that our previously named tuners have dedicated. i like that my MINI's different.

minihune-
by cheaper materials i think they are referring to dashboard and other tactile parts. things we will see and touch all the time, i for one do not want to replace the dashboard on a new car. i honestly hope that this cheapening no matter what it may entail doesn't happen in any way, shape or form.

 

I agree on all counts.

For myself, I was attracted to and purchased the MCS (in part) because it was supercharged, not turbocharged.