I know the R56 has electric steering, but does it also have electric A/C? It would be interesting if it does because the regenerative braking would seem to be a natural evolution on the '08's. The idle-stop feature and shift point indicator, IMO, are much less useful than the regenerative braking in regards to fuel efficiency. It is, after all, the reason hybrids like the Prius get better gas mileage in the city than on the highway. Plus, think of the energy it takes to brake from 60 MPH compared to letting your engine idle for 1 minute...pretty substantial difference. Although not 100% efficient, it should still produce enough to replace the alternator which frees up some acceleration power.

Anyway, has this been confirmed that August '07 build R56's will get these features? Thanks for any info.

--future R56 owner

 

A true hybrid like a Prius also has an electric motor to propel the car. So it captures energy during braking, and is able to use that to accelerate the car.

The MINI system is like a µhybrid. There's no electric motor to help propel the car, so most of the benefit of a true hybrid does't exist. It only plays with when the battery is charged.

 

Agreed, hence the slight increase in MPG vs. a true hybrid. Every little load off the engine helps fuel mileage (A/C--anybody?, steering, alternator). Basically, the electrical system (which is substantial in today's cars) no longer saps power directly from the engine, rather the energy that would otherwise go off as heat through the brakes.

Anyway, I thought I'd pass this along to you guys that are waiting for the '08's. I got this from International Mini in Milwaukee when I asked about the new systems:

"08 orders will be taken in December. As for the improved fuel economy upgrades, those only apply to the Euro versions of the MINI. No modifications to the US version are planned right now."

 

91 gas is $3.18 (87 is $2.99) for me. I'll take 31-34 mpg. I dumped a Grand Cherokee that got about 17 combined. Fuel savings for me is $90/month. More than offsets the increase of $60/month for insurance and registration. And repairs will be nil for about 3 years too.

 

Fixed for you.

 

Is MINI Canada bringing back the old style body with the new motor?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...24#post1555724
http://motoringfile.com/2007/06/03/m...sic/#more-5858