Maybe I've missed the latest on this topic, if so apologies up front - I recall that the Tritec contract was gonna be up by the time the 2006 models are manufactured... so where is the next Mini motor coming from?

 

The 2007 (R56) next generation MINI engine will be outsourced from French manufacturer PSA-Peugeot (Go to www.motoringfile.com and do a search on an excellent engine article with all the details for the next generation powerplant). The all new engine has been co-developed with BMW.


Sadly, the Brazilian built, ultra reliable and bulletproof Daimler-Chrysler/BMW Tritec engine will be phased out of the MINI lineup after the summer of 2006. The current TRITEC engine development started in 1994-95 between BMW and then Chrysler Corporation (Long before the Daimler-Benz hostile takeover in early 1998), so since BMW and Mercedes are market Arch-rivals, the TRITEC contract has created a very pronounced "Conflict" of interests. BMW has never been too keen of the TRITEC engine to begin with, but truth be told, the TRITEC powerplants have demonstrated excellent qualities, durability, reliability, economy and ease of upgrade. The MCS Supercharged engine was named among the "Top 10 engines in the world" by Wards Automotive a very well respected auto industry trade publication in 2003.

The TRITEC engine is a global engine made in Brazil following strict "Toyota Manufacturing" principles. These little engines can take the abuse of turners churning out power in the excess of 250-300HP with twinchargers, pulleys, you name it. And they keep going.

The Peugeout engines promise higher technical standards, better economy, more power and refinement, but the jury is still out as to how a French engine will deliver in terms of reliability in North America, a continent that has been hostile to French cars because in the past they have self destruct in our demanding environments. Its been a long time sine the last French car was sold here, so things appear to have changed.

Stay tuned..

 

Tritec will still be used in the 2006 models. 2007 is supposed to get the new engine from Peugeot.

Steve

 

Keep in mind that this new engine was designed and engineered by BMW (long known for their high performance, reliable engines) and will be built in the UK at a BMW owned plant. PSA was is involved mostly at a manufacturing logistics level. They also help give the engine and BMW economies of scale.

The new engine (and the new MINI) will debut in late 2006.

 

Personally, I mourne the passing of our beloved little motor... I have nothing but praise for it and it's grunt. Ton's 'o fun.

Unfortunately, I can't say I've ever had the same experience with anything French (save maybe French women or wine)... especially with anything French AND mechanical

- - michael

 

I owned both a peugot and renault. Unpleasant, unwilling but durable.

 

The only thing worse than an unpleasant car is an unpleasant car which is durable! :smile:

 

I totally agree here in Ireland the market is full of French cars
I even owned one for a short time
a dark chapter in my life I think I was going through some sort of sick phase
never again the french should stick to bread and wine and garlic
leave the engineering to the Germans
that is why I will never sell my MCS its part of a dying breed the Tritec MINI

 

Gosh, I thought the british made quirkly unreliable cars but after reading this thread I see that they really just learned from the french.

In these modern times I would hope that the 2007 MINI will carry on the tradition set by it's forerunner.

When I blow up my engine I'll be glad to replace it and start modding again.
Maybe I'll double the number of mods and blow up in half the time.

 

I'm kinda dumb-founded by some of these comments on this thread... to imply this a "French engine" is really not accurate. You may want to re-read my comments above for some clarification on where the next MINI's engine comes from.

 

Oh, the French have a variety of ways to confuse the English speaking world. Like not incorporating a horn button on the steering wheel, oh no, let's make a person pull the turn signal lever. Voila! Let's also put the ignition lock on the left side of the steering column, how convenient! A stroke of genius!

 

The ignition is on the left because the french are .... er... left handed?
Well, maybe they smoke with their right hand? Predominantly?
Probably the ask tray is on the left too.
Chock it up to "French design".


Gabe,
Thanks for reminding us "it's still a BMW".
A few of us were getting delirious I guess.
Now we can go back to "foaming at the mouth" over news of what's in store for 2007. I think I might be ready for a turbo MC with LSD and getrag 6 speed transmission.

 

Me too

 

Well, the French (predictably) just rejected the EU constitution. This could mean our next engines will come from another country. The Russians could copy someone else's engine, of course, it would be made of cast iron.

 

I'm cringing as I write.....

Matt

 

actually Porsche's (i'm positive on the 911, not sure on the Cayane or Boxter) have the ignition on the left side, it's not on the steering column, but quite annoying none the less. in other words, the french not only don't make since, but take a german idea and change a little thing and call it there own idea... i apologize for my comments, bad experiences in France have given me a great dislike of most things french

 

Except French fries, right?

 

[QUOTE=minihune]The ignition is on the left because the french are .... er... left handed?
Well, maybe they smoke with their right hand? Predominantly?
Probably the ask tray is on the left too.
Chock it up to "French design".

The key on the left side of the Boxster and such is a tribut the the old LeMans days when they did the "Running Start". The cars were parked, drivers ran to their cars, jumped in, started and drove off. Whoever got of first had the lead. With the starter on the left, the driver would flick the key as he got in.

Dave.

 

Oh, C'mon Gabe - What's the matter, now?.... We're not saying anything offensive here are we?

Many of us have first-hand experience with French products, and they we're neccessarily good experiences... so we're just sharing our thoughts.

Gosh, it must be hard to be politically corrct all the time ... Or do you just own stock in peugot and renault??

- - m

 

The Prince engine for the 2nd generation MINI is built in Birmingham England, not France. France is producing the Prince engine for Peugeot.

Sorry to bring back an old thread. I'm in the researching phase on which MCS I'd like to purchase, the R53 or R56.

While at the local MINI dealer over the weekend, the salesman informed me that the 1st generation MINI engine, the Tritec engine, was built by Chrysler, hence his "reasoning" to push a brand new 2008 MCS on me. When he said that the engine was built Chrysler it threw me for a loop. I was totally shocked that BMW would allow their competition to design and build and engine for one of their automobiles. This means the 1st generation MINI has the body designed from the BMW tradition and the soul designed and built from the DaimlerChrysler era. In essence the 1st generation MINI is a street terrier or half-breed. I'm a descendant from German and English heritage with a good portion of Irish in there too, which makes me a street terrier as well, or how I like to label as "Kraut McMuffin". This means the MINI and I are a perfect match, whether it’s the R53 or R56.

 

The engine may have been built by crhysler, but it resembles nothing of the pitiful car manufacturer when it comes to reliability, strength, or efficiency. As we all pretty much know Chrysler makes crap. I worked at a DaimlerChrysler dealership for 5 years and I have seen some pathetic cars roll through the shop. But there's something about this motor that sets itself apart from the disgraced pentastar. Either way....R53 or R56 can't go wrong! It's a MINI

Steve

 

The Prince engine is probably the best 4 cylinder engine ever built. Tritec is probably the next-best... look at the guys on NAM who are pushing 300HP and more out of the Tritec without it blowing up... great engine. Prince has a bit more torque and better fuel efficiency... otherwise not much difference...

 

Well. . . technically the wikipedia entry states that MINI engines are constructed in England BUT the components are still manufactured in France -- and the press release linked by wikipedia states that the prince engines will be built in France.

 

Yes and no. Hams Hall in the UK is responsible for assembly of the Prince engines bound for the Mini (and soon BMW). The engines bound for Peugot 207's, etc., are built in France. All parts are made by Peugot to BMW specs. BMW did this for the economies of scale. They would never recoup the R&D costs of the engine if Mini/BMW was the sole customer. Hence the previous tritec joint venture as well.