Exclusive: MINI’s 2013 Three Cylinder Engine Driven

Sections: F56 Hatch May 11th, 2010 38 Comments

Last week we told you about the efficiency aspect of MINI’s new 120 hp engine meant for the Cooper models. However as we alluded, that engine is just part of an entirely new range of engines meant for the next generation MINI line-up.

Based on what we know so far the star of the show will undoubtedly be the 1.5L powerplant that will power the 2013 Cooper S. And we not only have the skinny on the specs but a first-hand account of the way it drives (and sounds).

First off lets talk specs. We expect power to generally remain the same around 180 bhp. Torque could be down slightly but in general performance should be identical to the R56 Cooper S. However that’s where similarities end. Like the 1.5L Cooper engine we reported on last week, the Cooper S will go from four to three cylinder and will leverage a twin scroll turbo and direct injection to produce the same horsepower as the current four cylinder model. The benefit of this downsizing is efficiency and weight. While we don’t have figures on either, we can generally expect the engine’s weight to be down and efficiency to be considerably up.

But how does it drive? Thanks to some well placed sources we have a first hand account of how a current generation R56 platform drives with the new engine. Now it’s worth pointing out that the R56 will not actually get the new engine (it’s only destined for the next generation MINI) and that this drive was part of a testing session held in conjunction with driving the current 2010 Cooper S. In fact the testers were not told which car had which engine.

The testers pushed the cars on a slalom course and generally put them through their paces. According to our source the three cylinder was noticeably louder with a very pleasing rumble on acceleration. Compared to the sound of the current 4 cylinder it almost seemed as if MINI has tuned the exhaust note to make you feel the car is going faster at low speeds than it really was.

After several runs back to back it became obvious to our source that the three cylinder MCS didn’t quite have the initial launch of the four in the current MCS. Specifically it lagged in the middle of first gear just a bit. However 2nd gear reportedly was “great” and the run up to redline was really satisfying (especially considering the sound).

In fact another source (who was at the same test) actually thought the 3 cylinder felt more powerful. Final numbers are still a couple of years away and we can expect the gearing to be completely sorted for production. We would also expect the sound to further refined but full of character that some find lacking in the current “Prince” family of four cylinders.

Look for the next generation MINI to debut in hatch form in late 2013 as a 2014 model. A little over a year later look for the convertible version to follow with a four door Clubman (based on the R60 Countryman) to debut in 2015 or 2016.

Written By: Gabe

Madoc

“Alluded”
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=610504117 Dylan Bland

Wow – another great scoop for Motoringfile. There is a lot to be excited about here from a technology and efficiency standpoint but probably not-so-much for enthusiasts. Still, I like the direction BMW/MINI is heading. It’s great to be able to own a performance orientated hatch that’s also environmentally friendly. Good job _b
hardingsan

it says that weight will be down and power will be the same. that should be a good start for the enthusiasts as well…
Rocketboy_X

The MINI is lacking in torque as is… I’m not sure about this. An engine that sounds good but doesn’t have the umph to back it up is for posers with a fart-can.
bee1000

Woo hoo! Bring on the efficiency, boys! A lighter, 3-cylinder Justa could be just the ticket to convince me to give up my R53 someday. (Well, a lighter, 3-cylinder Justa with a few thousand dollars worth of suspension from Way Motor Works, anyway.)

I wouldn’t be too concerned with off-the-line grunt based on the very early demo described above. Mini has a couple years to work on gearing and tuning.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=618252503 Jaysen Kim

We shall see if this ends up working out for the modders.
cct1

Jaysen, it will not be mod friendly. There is only so much you can wring out of three cylinders AND make it reliable. But it’s more than just that; it’s engine evolution in general–as the powerplant becomes more efficient, there’ less room to grow, and as it becomes more complicated, it becomes more costly to modify as well–the current R56 versus the R53 engine is a case in point.

But the beauty of the whole thing is that the JCW is staying at 4 cylinders; if it’s power you’re after, there is still a car for you in the mini lineup.

Personally I love what they’re doing with the next generation. Three cylinders keeps with the MINI heritage–economical and practical, while still keeping the JCW going as a performance animal.

It’s going to make the JCW more distinct, about the only downside is the S, if it’s offered only in three cylinders, will not be mod friendly.
Michael

I currently drive a tarted up BRG R52, and I wish it got better fuel economy, but I love the way it feels and drives. When I drive a newer MINI S, I feel that it is too smooth, too refined, too much a BMW. It has lost what I feel is the feel of a British Motor Car. Now BMW is coming out with a 3 cylinder engine. How can they achieve the smoothness of a 4, a 6, a V8, or a V12? I think this will be a very bad choice. If BMW can make an engine that is as good as my Pentagon Engine, my hat is off to them, but I don’t think it is possible with 3 cylinders.
txdesign

That’s quite a long run for the current Mini, 07-13.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707695212 Gregory Kaufman

Hopefully they’ll bring back the “burble”.
DavidB

3 cylinders – we must be going back in time :(
Whiter%6

I’ll, stick with my R53 thank you very much!!!! A proper British engine should power the MINI!
Fazzster

With competitor Audi focusing on lighter vehicles perhaps BMW will focus making the next generation Mini a much lighter car to further help the performance of a 3 banger.
cct1

How are three ultra-efficient cylinders going back in time? That’s like saying the step back to four cylinders from six, or to six from eight (OK, I’m dating myself here) was going back in time, when, with forced induction added to the weight savings of a smaller engine, in reality marked a huge step forward.

Think outside of the box a little bit; this is potentially a big step forward.
rkw

Iâ€™ll, stick with my R53 thank you very much!!!! A proper British engine should power the MINI!

The R53 has a Chrysler engine made in Brazil.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1320962183 Matt McDougall

Look for the next generation MINI to debut in hatch form in late 2013 as a 2014 model.

Really? Well hell…

I’ve been reading 2013 as “2013 model year, probably launching in late 2012″.
DavidB

cct1 it was a joke relating to the 3 cylinder engine going into the 1992 Minki project Mini…
Zero

“”Iâ€™ll, stick with my R53 thank you very much!!!! A proper British engine should power the MINI!” “The R53 has a Chrysler engine made in Brazil”"

I was thinking the same thing, I had to laugh

It’s okay, one thing I’ve realised is that people struggle with any change even if it’s for the better. Soon the R56 owners will be complaining like the R53 owners are now. Just have to expect it, as there’s nothing Mini can do to get away from it.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1610114987 Shawn Dillon

To cct1: Ditto to your entire reply. I couldn’t agree with you more…
Brian

OK, so what about the part of the article the says FOUR DOOR CLUBMAN? Pictures? Does that mean the current Clubman body is out after this run?
Greg W

Well call me old fashioned… but I am one of the older generation who could quite easily listen to the sound of a 4 cylinder 1275cc Cooper S engine with LCB three-branch extractor system and Weber 45DCOE carburettor with a lumpy 649 Camshaft going through the gears. There is something about the sound of a Harley engine and also the boxer engines of Subaru and BMW that don’t appeal to me. And then there is the sound of a race Mazda rotary engine idling – maz-maz-maz-maz-maz

3-cylinder burble?
BilboBaggins

Boxer engines from BMW?
goat

Great scoop for MotoringFile… nice work! The drive impressions cited match what I had suspected when the I3 news was first announced: a turbo I3 in the MINI… with well managed NVH (which sounds like will be the case)… will restore a MAJOR dose of character to the car that has been missing IMO since the last Tritec was fitted to an R52 in 2008.

The early indication from news here on MF is that the gen3 car will be a great marriage of BMW’s “EfficientDynamics” technology and what what I like to call “QuirkySturdySporting” character. Also, since the I4 variant will presumably be part of the new modular engine family, future JCW cars would likely benefit from both the kind of visceral character described by the double-blind I3 testers along with a VERY healthy dose of power.
Hans

Pretty cool, but I’m not sure I’d go for one of these. I’m planning on trading my R56 S in for the last MY of the JCW (come on GP-esque final model) which will hopefully have all the Prince specific quality issues worked out by then. I’m afraid a new MINI engine will be as troubled with quality issues as the current one.

I really do look forward to new innovations from MINI, but they’re so bad about fixing existing known problems (cold start rattle, fuel pump, sunroof, ect) that I’d prefer to avoid buying a completely new product.

As for mods and power, rest assured that Jan at RMW will be on top of developing a great ecu tune for the next gen MINI as he’s done for the R56 (which will add burble if you want it).
http://www.facebook.com/VioletDC Audrey Abernathy

Hmmm … from 4 2 3 cylinders? Interesting … 1der if they’ll change the future Coupe’s and Roadsters, as well?
Jim W.

My choices are now falling into place based on the roll-out of the new engines. I would love to have one (the 3 cylinder) in the first release of the Coupe, but it may just work out that I can get the Countryman in 2011 and then wait out the Coupe for the 2014 model.

It’s gonna kill me to have to wait for the 2-seater though…. keeping my R53 forever too!
Alex S

Personally, I believe this is one way for BMW to boost sales of the JCW while creating a firm distinction between the next generation S and JCW. I believe that this is necessary considering that many people cannot tell the difference between an S tuned JCW and a factory JCW (of course we know better :)). This also makes it possible for BMW to create a slight price increase over the current JCW. Personally, I expect the new JCW will fly while being more efficient. Conversely, I expect the new engines to be lacking a little bit of character. I wonder if there will be a JCW kit for the new S that could fix that?

I think I’ll be sticking to my S (soon to be tuned with JCW kit)
dr

Sorry, I just can’t accept three cylinders. At this point it seems as though MINI will not have a product for me when I am ready to replace my R53.
Neil S

Kinda funny when you think about it. Two articles ago, everyone was complaining about how big the MINIs have gotten, especially compared to the original.

So now they’re developing smaller engines, and half of the comments are complaining about this being a bad thing.

Big is bad. Small is bad. Any votes for medium being bad too?
cct1

I doubt the three cylinder will make it’s way into the 2 seat coupe; that car is the R56 generation, and I doubt the R56′s will ever see three cylinders. Wouldn’t make sense for what the coupe is supposed to be.

As for Jan tuning these, and this is purley conjecture, I suspect these engines will be so efficient (they’ll have to be), that there will be very little to gain–doubt it will be worth the cost. If you’re looking for big(ger) numbers, the four cylinder engine is still going to be there, and that, from a “bang for the buck” standpoint, is going to be the way to go….
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1134606899 Dean Cory

Mixed feelings. I jumped on the MINI bandwaggon early in 2002. Finally got one in 2005. Then the death of the super charger. Good news came at the death of the prince engine and an all BMW plant was the future. Then MINI anounces no oil burners for the USA. B( Then a 3 cylinder… B(

I now know what fans/owners of Minis fealt when BMW said it was bringing out the MINI! Betrayed that perfection was being SCREWED with yet again by the Bavarian overlords!

I hope my Ex burns for the divorce and subsquent sale of my R50 MINI In Black. And the Bavarian Overlords can join her!
that.guy

Geo Metro FTW!!
Evan

Seriously? MINI is making a lighter, more efficient engine with the SAME power specs, more character, and people are upset? The Tritec is a reliable lump, good sound, not refined. The Prince is smooth, less character. If the driving dynamics are the same or improved, the engines are equally powerful, and MINI is working towards Mini characteristics like efficiency and fun, I don’t care how many cylinders are underhood. If anyone can design and build an outstanding 3-cylinder engine, it’s BMW, especially if it’s based on the best I6 engines in the world.

I’m stoked for this. I’m even more curious to see how people will take to the next gen 3er with turbo 4cylinders… and even these 3-cylinders making the cut for that car as well. Now use a few light-weight carbonfiber based components, get weight down to 2200lbs, add stop-start and get that MPG to 50…
bee1000

I don’t understand people dismissing based on the number of cylinders a car that hasn’t even been developed yet. Sure, a Geo Metro was a junky car and it had 3 cylinders, but that’s correlation, not causation. A Metro with 4 cylinders would just be a junky car with a heavier front end and some more power.

On the other hand, a fun-to-drive Mini with 3 cylinders should be like a fun-to-drive Mini with 4 cylinders but with a lighter front end. Do you really think BMW won’t be able to create a good, 3-cylinder engine? It may turn out that the engine is a total dog, but to say today that you won’t buy a car 3 years from now is just silly, unless you were one of the people in the story who has actual first-hand experience with one. And even then, give it 3 years and see what you think.
http://deleted cct1

I agree with you 100%. Here is something innovative, a little outside the box…

Doesn’t that define what the MINI is all about, and why it’s beloved by so many?
Greg W

@bilbobaggins. Yes, BMW make boxer engines and they are fitted to all R series Motorcycles.
marksmith

With BP’s free-flowing Gulf of Mexico oil leak in the news it’s all too clear we need to collectively agree to do everything to challenge the status quo . A three-banger Mini brings us a small step closer to a better place. Kudos to Mini for keeping most of the fun-factor in tact. I would gladly trade my R56 JCW for a new-gen Mini when the time comes. FYI cake & eat it story: My new VW Jetta sports wagon TDI is a lot of fun to drive & gets an impressive 47 mpg highway.
STEVE

ANOTHER OVERPRICED MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANOTHER OVERPRICED MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANOTHER OVERORICED MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW MUCH WILL THEY WANT TO CHARGE US FOR THE 3CLY TURBO STARTING PRICE 25K IF SO SCREW MINI IN AMERICA! (LOADED MINI COOPER S 22K) WEBSITE HAS THEM STARTING AT 24,200 THATS WAY OVER PRICED!

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