Also, as you get to highway driving, the biggest difference between the current hybrids and any other car for gas mileage is aerodynamics and rolling friction of the tires, as they are the dominant energy waster at freeway speeds and the hybrids are being driven by thier IC engines. The hybrid “wins” efficiency at low speed start/stop driving because then it can use the electrical drive, and regenerative braking. BTW, regenerative braking doesn’t use the brakes. It uses the electric motor as a generator, charging the battery and providing drag to slow the car.

Light hybrids (like the Saturn View) used a special Alternator/starter that did this, as it didn’t have a true hybrid drivetrain.

Matt

Sounds like the regular Cooper will be turbo, too. Now to go from 37mpg to 50 mpg highway will require reductions in aerodynamic drag and weight loss along with the more efficient engine. The windshield will probably be raked like the upcoming roadster, and I’ll guess at least a 300 lb drop in car weight. Maybe they will use flaps that will cover parts of the lower grill opening at higher speeds, and have an aerodynamically cleaner underbody. The R50/R53 change to the R56 is small compared with what is coming.

OK yes, but the starter is not a MINIMALISM component per se. It is a heavy-duty version designed to take more use, but does not in any way contribute to lower consumption or emissions.

@Glangford: the alternator does have a clutch – on the US version too – but this only comes into play at high revs to avoid taking too much power from the engine. Technically it’s not a MINIMALISM component, but could be considered as such.

The starter motor is different. Also, start/stop is only for manual transmissions. Most of MINIUSA sales are now auto transmissions, so the feature would have only a small impact in the US.

The EPA has what used to be called the Urban Driving Cycle. It specifies acceleration rates, speeds, time spent at a given speed, etc. The test is always the same, so you can compare across different models, different manufacturers, etc. There was a change in the methodology a few years ago. It seemed the the current results don’t match the mileage that cars really get as well as the previous version of the Driving Cycle.

My former vehicle was a 1994 Isuzu Trooper that I bought new. It ran right on the EPA ratings of 15/19 (no combined). No, with my 2009 JCW Clubman, living in the same place, going to the same places, etc. my mileage is usually around 24mpg. The 2010 model is rated at 33/25/28 (I think the 2009 carried the same ratings). Since my driving is usually 80% to 90% surface streets I should be closer to the 28 figure.

I don’t race all over but I am a bit heavy on the gas. Overall I would say I’m getting better than average. It’s a drop from my Civic Hybrid I used to have (50mpg routinely) but the relatively small hit was more than made up for in driving fun.

I never get better than 18 mpg when driving mostly within the city limits of San Francisco with an occasional freeway trip to the suburbs. And Sport mode only drops it about 1 mpg. I get around 32 mpg on trips with an average speed of over 75 mph. My automatic Clubman is rated 26 mpg for city driving and 34 for highway.

My guess is San Francisco is rather unique due all the hills and a majority of the intersections are 4-way stops. Also you can rarely drive over 40 mph (legally) on most city streets.

What I think is going to be interesting is if the next generation Mini D is developed on a three cylinder format.

I agree MINIme that the US bound Polo could have a impact on the brand here. Many small cars coming to the states that are taking a bite out of MINI sales. Still the saddest part of watching the European market is the lack of MINI being in anybodies hot hatch list for quite a while. Think this car could help set them up to compete for efficiency very well but I am really hoping to see them doing something with the performance side of the brand.

Can anyone from the US confirm whether they have option number S1CDA (or 1CD) on their factory sheet or dealer order form?

Anyway, back on-topic: I think this is a great step for MINI and engine technology in general. I personally would consider one.

Also, Gabe, you say “With ….. CO2 standards where they are…” Can someone explain what US standard says that 104g/km is unacceptable? Or have I misunderstood something?

Cheers!