MINI Motors More Mighty

Three- And Four-Cylinder Engines In The All-New, Third-Generation MINI Hardtop Increase Power and Driving Pleasure

The all-new, third-generation MINI hardtop, now on sale at Braman MINI of Palm Beach, provides a perfect balance of past and future.  The new MINI is a contemporary evolution of classic MINI design, with improved features and technology previously limited to luxury vehicles.  It also provides a stage for the debut of new ground-breaking three- and four-cylinder engines, new comfort and safety technologies and state-of-the-art connectivity and premium technology including new driver assistance equipment.

It’s interesting how technology, in the process of advancing, looks back at old ideas.  By way of historical example, in 1992, a project considering possible improvements to the Mini was started.  Codenamed Minki (“Mini” plus K-Series engine), it included a redesigned dashboard, a two-piece rear door or tailgate instead of a boot, fold down rear seats, Hydragas suspension and a 3-cylinder version of the K-Series engine with a 5-speed gearbox.

The launch of the new MINI sees a change of generation in the area of engines. For the first time both 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines are used, all featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. In the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S this includes turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS) and variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The result: a further boost to driving fun along with increased efficiency.

With output increased by 13 horsepower to 134 bhp between 4 500 and 6 000 rpm — and a maximum torque of 162 ft-lbs. (170 ft-lbs. with overboost) now available at 1,250 rpm — the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine in the new MINI Cooper also enables much sportier driving performance than the previous model. The new MINI Cooper sprints in 7.4 seconds (automatic: 7.3 seconds) from standing to 60 mph, while its top speed is 130 mph in each case.

For more spirited driving, the new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a peak output of 189 bhp which goes on stream between 4,700 and 6,000 rpm, delivering its maximum torque of 207 ft-lbs. at 1,250 rpm. Torque can even briefly be increased to 221 ft-lbs. by means of an overboost function. As a result, acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes just 6.5 seconds (automatic: 6.4 seconds), while the top speed is 146 mph (automatic: 145 mph).

For more information, or to arrange a test drive of the all-new, third-generation MINI Hardtop, visit Braman MINI of Palm Beach.