What kind of transmission is it? I hope it's similar to the VW DSG. That's a direct shift gearbox with no torque converter and very efficient.

 

From the official press release

 

Five Clutches? And I thought two clutches was nice with DSG, this is the next step up I guess. So by this then shifts should as quick as DSG then and as efficent.

 

All I can say is.........they better offer a non-metallic black color option in 2007.

 

Thanks, It looks like the automatic ought to be as economical as a 6 speed manual if the final drive ratio is the same. One other question here: Will there be a manual gear selection option available? My VW with the DSG is a blast to drive and quite economical when shifted on demand for maximum fuel economy. You can have it both ways but not at the same time. The DSG is a perfict fit with a small dislplacement motor. I hope this new Mini set up is the same and if not then the manual will be my choice.

I can hardly wait for the test drive.

 

If that's indeed accurate, that'll be the most compelling new feature of the R56 (at least for me).

 

The key words are "Torque Converter." DSG and SMG have no torque converter. This auto will be a typical steptronic.

 

Bit of a n00bish question, but what exactly is a Torque Converter? My guessing it converts the torque to either of the wheels to give the best traction or something?

 

Here's a good description of a torque converter:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter.htm

It sounds to me like you're describing a limited-slip differential:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Interesting stuff, IMO.

 

A torque converter is a fluid coupling device that connects the engine to the driveshaft. The connection is via a viscous fluid - hence the losses that are commonly associated with auto trannys. Greater efficiency comes when you have a means of "locking up" the connection - i.e. making it equivalent to a manual tranny, once the vehicle is moving.

The auto tranny on the new MINI supposedly has 100 millisecond shifts between gears. If this is true then the performance should be quite good. Whether it's comparable to DSG remains to be seen - the DSG system is quite a nice one.

 

Very interesting stuff. Thanks guys.

I always wondered why Auto trannys always had that power loss at the wheels compared to manual trannys, but now I know. And because DSG does not have a Torque converter and uses two clutches, shifts are almost instant and there's also almost no power loss just like a manual tranny, hence quicker shifts no matter how good of a driver you are.

As you know, my knowledge towards cars are not completely up to date, but I've been working my way through it.