New engines for new Mini (Turbo) The next-generation Mini will get a raft of new high-tech engines, codenamed Prince, which will be built at the companyÂs Hams Hall engine factory near Birmingham. The big news is that BMW will drop the Cooper SÂs supercharger in favour of a more conventional turbocharger, while also offering an environmentally friendly stop-start system. Unlike todayÂs 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 AutocarÂs sources, the two entry-level engines will have slightly less power (88bhp and 104bhp) than todayÂs 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. TodayÂs supercharged Cooper S engine manages 170bhp in base form and 210bhp in Cooper S Works spec. ThereÂs no news yet on a replacement for the Mini DÂs 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 carÂs 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.
I would not be surprised if the new turbo was not any faster. The supercharged versions were underated and I have seen stock minis putting down 163hp at the wheels.
Mini is de-engineering the Cooper S because it is currently too expensive to build. I hope they stick with the supercharged version. I have one, and I added a simple pulley and airbox and gained 25 HP!!!
I like the minis, they're really good and I wouldn't mind having a cooper S Works version (and I'm not a real fan of small cars either).
Lets be honest, folks, Mini's aren't straight line cruisers, for the price of a Mini, you could buy a 600 hp Mustang, but Mini's can turn like nobody's business. So what if the new Mini is a tenth of a second or two faster or slower, YOU'LL never feel it, just don't touch that driving experience!