AWD MINI Further Away Than Expected?

Sections: MF Feature | Rumor Sep 15th, 2005 80 Comments

Will an All-Wheel Drive MINI Ever See the Light of Day? With the recent Getrag testing of an AWD drive system for the MCS, we seem to get this questions asked every couple of weeks. And while there’s been quite a bit of excitement in some circles over the prospect recently, an All-wheel drive MINI may be further away than many of us would like to believe according to some exclusive information we’ve recently recieved.

First off there’s the issue of the MINI brand. As we all know the MINI was one of the first cars to bring front wheel drive to the masses in a way that endeared itself to both the enthusiast and the commuter. There are some within MINI that believe that an AWD MINI will run contrary to this principle.

Secondly there’s the price issue. At what point does the base price of a MINI move into a different realm entirely. While people in the US may look at the MINI as a small premium car, many in other parts of the world look at it as smart, fun, basic transportation. An AWD MINI would move the base price into uncharted territory when fully loaded.

Finally there’s the question of who would actually buy an AWD MINI? While it’s a safe bet that an option like AWD will interest the die-hard enthusiasts, what about the masses? On the face of it it, the vast majority of those buying the MINI would most likely not be interested in such an option. And even if there is strong enthusiast support, is this group large enough to justify the engineering costs to bring AWD to market?

These are all questions MINI is considering as it looks at the idea of AWD in the MINI line for the years ahead. And from what I’m hearing… we may be waiting for some time.

If you would like to see an AWD MINI in the years ahead, I urge you to let MINI know in the comment section below.

[ Getrag's All Wheel MINI In Depth ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

O(=^=)O Capn

am0eba

I would definitely consider an AWD MINI! As an ex-Subaru owner (1999 2.5 RS – normally-aspirated version of the WRX), I definitely miss the added performance and control provided by a good AWD system.

One of the only things that slowed down my decision to purchase a MINI was the lack of AWD. I love my MCSc without it, but am certain it would be better with it.

Boy, I can’t agree more. The MINI was the car for me. I had everything picked out, until my friend had me drive a WRX STi.

I yelped when the turbo kicked in. He told me the scoop was for looks, the SOB. I hadn’t even given them a second look until then. WOW! 30k, 300 horse, AWD. That was a difficult decision! Eventually, It was the quality of construction, supercharger(power now when you need it, hint, hint), and just shear fun that won out. I still wanted to make it my second car until that ugly body styling came out. yeesh!

I would take an AWD MINI now!!!!!!!!!! I mention it every chance I get.

A hybrid MINI? The tree huggers that have posted in this thread are not your focus group. We need a car that can seriously compete and win! That is after all what John Cooper did. He practicly invented the rear mounted engine F1 racing style. Take a good car, make it better, and won. Could we take a MINI, trick it out and win a rally if it didn’t have AWD? No! Do what it takes to win. Thats what a MINI is, it is a winner!

Stop resting on your laurels from 64 and 67. That was 40 years ago! for crying out loud!

Build it and I will buy it, as will many others who opted for the WRX STi.
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

[AWD would be contrary to the typical Mini FWD].

“Puh-lease. This is just ridiculous. The Mini also brought rubber cone suspension to the masses.”

Right, and as we all know, every small car on the market today has rubber cone suspension, just like it has a transverse mounted four cilinder engine combined with FWD… Puh-lease, as you say.

I can relate to the person who said that Mini is about forward thinking (erm… let’s forget about the 40-odd years prior to 2000, shall we? ;)) so AWD shouldn’t be a problem, but FWD, transverse mounted engine is a very important characteristic of the Mini and it makes sense to give some serious thought into whether it is a good idea to change that. Rubber cone suspension, on the other hand, was just a hiccup in the history of the automotive industry. It only survived until Y2K because the classic Mini survived. Contrary to transverse engine/FWD, which was just a bloody good idea, as is proven by 9 out of ten cars on the road in most parts of the world.
wils

i’d buy a AWD MCS/JCW :D i agree with gabe, i’d even buy a RWD MCS/JCW or even an AWD with RW bias…but i love the FW MINI now…but an AWD MINI would be cool :) however last time we went at it, my mate who drives a subaru 2.5 RS reckons my MINI outhandles his…debatable i know but still it was a nice compliment ;)
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

BTW, AWD Mini’s have been done before. John Cooper himself was in a serious crash once with a car that had two engines, one in the front and one in the back (which is/was the way most AWD Mini’s were done). T

here is also an AWD prototype setup around with a single engine, which was built by the Works rally-department. I think it’s currently fitted to a Clubman model.
http://www.metroplexmini.org Matt

AWD? Yes Please! I’d replace my 2004 MCS tomorrow if AWD was available.
SkAlex

An AWD might be one of the only varients that would get me to trade in my ’03 MCS. MMMmmm AWD…
SrBlanco

I want AWD and will not replace my current MINI until it is avaialble!
Minifritz

MAKE IT, BMW!

Cooper S-drivers want 4WD!
http://whitemaleconsumer.com Zeke Wright

I agree with these points. An AWD version would drive the cost even further. And how expensive can a MINI really get? They’re already pushing it, in my opinion..
erwino

YESSSS! MAKE IT, BMW!

IÃ‚Â´ll buy the first awd-mini!
Chuck

FWD is what keeps me away from a Mini.
http://www.mth-usa.com Pat

I only leased my current ’05 Cooper because I wanted to hold out for the new model, since some people hinted at an AWD variant. An AWD MCS would be a force to be recconed with.
Chuck

I will add that the new Turbo engine should be fun to upgrade.
Chuck

But its going to need AWD to put serious power down.
Chuck

And I’ll take a sequential gear box while we’re dreaming. :-)
Chuck

And a widebody. ;-)
http://goofytruax.blogspot.com/ GoofyTruax

AWD with All wheel steering and JCW. Turn on a pin head and sprint across ice.
Morgan Moore

AWD Speedster. Roll cage.
Larry

Offer AWD across the range, including the new pullman version! I’ll buy one.
Thomas

I’m all for AWD and diesel in the Pullman/Traveller/Countryman (for less money than a 325ix).
Paul

hey z4mini. 10%better.
Dan

If SUVs have proved anything, its that people don’t buy what they need, they buy what fulfills their self image.

AWD is sexier, portraying power, performance, and safety. And its not about getting existing customers to pay extra for a feature they may not even want, its about getting people already living AWD lifestyles to get a mini AWD instead. If the new design shaves enough weight so the finished car gets the same or better mileage, its a home run.

Lexus and Subaru live by racing-in-mud commercials. Imagine the PR if Mini beat both of them in an actual race.
Casey Erickson

I live in the Mountains above Los Angeles, at 5,000 feet, where it snows…..and would buy a Mini AWD in a heartbeat if they made one. Then I could get rid of my Peice-o-Junk AWD Honda Element. Please make me one!!! pleeeeeese!!
Pingback: MotoringFile » Archive » Driving the AWD Getrag MINI
paul h

Why do u think Element AWD is piece of junk…I am thinking of buying one? Thanks….
Hugo

I want AWD on mini
jon

AWD mini…if the engine kept up with the extra weight and it had a john cooper workz…id get it…definetly
vince b

i’m a canadian and with our winter i will be great car with an awd transmission . i’m sure there will be a lot of people like me , my position right now is i want a smaller car that run below the 11L/100km but with a awd . if the awd will be able to buy i will sell my subaru wrx to buy one , my be that mini awd will take some part of people who by subaru for the awd !!!!
MYTMINI

cannot wait to order mine…was thinking of going with a used evo IX but i think i’ll wait for the mini AWD…we have two mini copper s models already and love them both…one already has 156,ooo miles on it
victor

I own an 06 mcs. with a few after market addons I love my mini but hate that its front wheel drive. mostly because of the traction lost at every stop light. my mini has 10k miles on it and the front tires are completely baled. an awd system would give me the grip I need. and I believe no matter the weight it adds it would be soooo worth it. I would like to at least see the availabilaty of an aftermarket add on awd if not too pricy id buy one. just imajin 400hp awd mcs no wheel spin. you could market it as a safty option and im shure people that buy other awd cars like the suzuki what ever its called would rather a mini awd. I have been actually considering it myself just for the awd option but would hate to get rid of my mini for some cheap suzuki. but I know the suzuki awd with some performance parts would be fun. may be if everyone traded their mini for an awd suzuki they would concider making an awd mini. naaaa that car just not the same thing. MINI should work with suzuki they already have the cheapest awd car on the market. at least in the U.S. maybe M7 can make an after market bolt on awd??? WELL IF ANYONE IS LISTENING I WANT ONE. 2009 MINI cooper s rally sport awd turbo with 250 plus hp hmm that do sound good. just think you in your mini going 80 mph on a dirt road around a corner not going streight. please MINI PPAPAPPAALEASE make an awd.

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