MotoringFile Exclusive: As we mentioned last week the MCS will be going on a thorough diet when the next generation rolls out in a few months. However until now we’ve only heard rumblings of what the final figure would be. We can now report that the next generation MCS will weigh at least 180 pounds lighter than the current car. We’re told that a healthy portion of that savings will be from the new aluminum block – the best place to take weigh considering vehicle dynamics. That figure, combined with the increased power (175bhp) and better weight balance, should give the car a noticeable performance boost over the current R53.


The Cooper will see less of a weight reduction since it’s coming from a lower weight than the current MCS. However expect it to have a similar percentage of weight shed.

We’ll be rolling out new facts and figures on the next generation MINI everyday for the next week on MotoringFile. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more. And for expanded coverage of the new car browse MotoringFile’s R56 and R55 sections.