The secret has been out for years now that MINI and BMW will be introducing a new family if 1.5L three cylinder engines destined for small front wheel drive cars. But would MINI be replacing all four cylinders with equivalent 3 bangers? Our sources are now telling us that the three cylinders are just part of the story. According to people internal at MINI familiar with the matter, the next generation of Cooper S and JCW models will be powered by the entirely new 2.0L four cylinder that will be shared across all front wheel drive BMWs and MINIs. Power and MPG are expected to be up as well as potential for tuning. And while both engines represent big leaps for MINI, we believe it’s the the massively more capable 2.0L that will get enthusiasts salivating.
So one new car and two radically new engines. In fact one source has told us that spotting the differences is quite easy – even under the yellow and black swirled camouflage. If you see a MINI prototype with one exhaust pipe it has a three cylinder engine. If it has two in the center, it’s a MCS or JCW with a four.
MINI intends on spreading the three cylinders across the MINI One and Cooper models initially. Sources are telling us that power ratings should be slightly higher than the current range on both the three and four cylinder models. But it’s the efficiency gains and the weight losses that are the big story. We’ve been told to not be surprised to see US Spec Cooper achieve upper 40 mpg figures on the highway. Additionally the engines should be measurably lighter and allow for better weight distribution front to rear.
Ultimately we believe that the three cylinder engines will not only make their way to the hatch based models but also other MINIs as well. For instance don’t be surprised to see the base Cooper Countryman eventually get the ultra efficient power plant in a late cycle update.
Another update will be the packaging. In most markets MINI will be adding a hard plastic engine cover under the hood (or bonnet) designed to insulate the engine and make it cooler and more economically. How it works we don’t know but our sources were adamant that it could be a way for MINI to dress up the engine compartment while reducing noise and adding some level of efficiency.
The four cylinder will be shared across all front wheel drive BMWs and MINI with output ranging from 180 hp all the way near 300 hp in some future BMWs. Yes it will be that capable. Will MINI see those kind of figures? It’s too early to tell but we can expect top-line JCW models to be much more competitive when it comes to power output.
Transmissions
Through sources close to the development of the new MINI, we’ve heard rumors of two different transmissions under consideration. The first rumor points to an Getrag sourced 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The second points towards ZF sourced 8 or 9 speed conventional automatic. Either option would be a huge improvement but we have a hunch we know which it is.
First lets take a look at the rumored 8 speed DCT. For those who know the technology behind the DCT, this is a huge improvement. While the transmission will default to a fully automatic mode optimized for fuel efficiency and drivability, it’s better to think of a DCT unit more like a manual minus the clutch pedal. Gone is the torque converter — the “slush box” that can so readily suck the fun out of a car like the MINI while adding weight, dulling performance and penalizing gas mileage. Instead, a good DCT transmission can give you back some of the control and direct engagement of a manual, but with the convenience of flappy paddles behind the steering wheel.
Then there’s the rumored 8 or 9 speed auto. While this is a traditional auto in the sense that it has a torque converter, it’s much closer to a DCT in the way it changes gears and matches revs. If rumors are correct, this auto will be used for all front wheel and all wheel drive BMW and MINI products in the years ahead. It will likely feature (just like BMW’s similar 8 speed) a full lock-up and will shift as fast as a DCT while offering greater refinement and fuel economy. Given BMW’s reliance on ZF’s current 8 speed auto and the success it’s had not only in increasing performance and efficiency but cutting own on warranty claims, we’d guess that’s the way BMW will go with the new MINI.
Either option give MINI dramatically more gearing and a greater opportunity for efficiency. Depending on the final ratio, that many gears ought to both hold the power band in the lower gears and stretch the fuel economy in 7th and 8th (as is the case with BMW’s current 8 speed ZF automatic). In any case, the final experience will come down to the software than runs the unit. Will it be crisp, instantly responsive and predictable? We’re hoping and expecting so. The cryptic, inconsistent gear change responsiveness of the current unit is our biggest complaint by far.
Manual fans need not fret just yet, either. The F5X/F6X MINIs will still have manual transmissions as standard. Our information is that the changes will be incremental.
According to sources inside MINI familiar with future product features, the US market will finally see an auto start/stop system for both manual and automatic transmissions with the F56. The first version of auto start/stop made a European debut in 2007 and since then MINI USA has been interested in adding the feature to US bound cars.
The reason for the delay is two fold; there’s been little incentive since the EPA doesn’t recognize such systems in an overall efficiency index and the bigger concern is that the system isn’t free. Again, according to those same sources it adds over $200 per car, thanks to the beefier starter motor, the added electronics and programming. MINI USA couldn’t absorb that cost and didn’t want to pass it on to the consumer. But as BMW has moved to add the technology to almost it’s entire fleet, that price is rapidly decreasing as volume of the system is increasing. Likewise things are changing in the US that make the technology more relevant to the way the EPA measures efficiency- there is an added benefit to automatic transmissions with the current EPA test procedure. This makes a much stronger argument for bringing the system stateside.
We expect the system to debut with the next generation MINIs – the first (the F56 hatch) set to debut in the fall of 2013 as a 2014 model. After that MINI will roll-out other derivatives (the five door hatch, the convertible, Clubman etc) that will all share the technology. Other MINI models such as the Countryman should see the system added over the lifecycle as well.
The system will work identically to the current set-up, which is the second generation of the system. On the manual the Auto Start/Stop function switches the engine off automatically when the car comes to a stop, such as at intersections and in traffic when the car is placed in neutral. When the clutch is depressed to shift into a gear the engine reignites. The manual setup will also feature a shift point display in the cluster that advises the driver of the most efficiency-enhancing moment to change gear and the proper gear to be selected.
On the automatic, the system engages (ie the engine turns off) when the driver comes to a complete stop while in “D” and pressure is applied to and remains on the brake. To start the car again the driver simply lifts their foot off the brake (as they would normally) and the engine seamlessly engages.
The system protects the engine by not allowing the start/stop function until the car is up to proper operating temperature. Likewise it won’t engage if the ambient temperature is too hot or cold or if the demands of the climate control are not being met. The system is able to be turned off manually, detects stop and go traffic (disengages) and can be overridden by turning the steering wheel or relaxing pressure on the brake pedal.
It seems all a bit backward to US that the EPA hasn’t had the forsight to change it’s system of measuring to include such systems. It’s pretty clear that auto start/stop saves fuel (and potentially a lot of it) in commuting situations. It’s nice to know that MINI will finally be taking the initiative (as BMW has). We have long term experience with the European version of the system and have seen the fuel economy gains.
Power and MPG figures won’t be know for quite some time but expect modest increases in power and torque across the range. However in terms of efficiency MINI is ready to finally live up to its name with the new 3 cylinder.
<p>When we moved to London last year we sold our Mini (to my father), but the first time i drove in the UK it was in a VW Jetta ZipCar w/ the auto start stop. It starttled me! I thought i stalled, but couldn’t figure out why. After a few more times I realized what the car was doing. It is very cool tech. I look forward to it when i return to the USA.</p>
<p>Any definitive updates about alternative powerplants, like hybrid / electric? In other words, how far along are BMW in their research efforts, and when might they share such tech with the MINI line?</p>
<p>When are we going to see this beauty debut? All the recent information about the F56 makes me think that there is something on horizon.</p>
<p>It’s in the article: We expect the system to debut with the next generation MINIs – the first
(the F56 hatch) set to debut in the fall of 2013 as a 2014 model.</p>
<p>Well, when are we going to see the F56?</p>
<p>What part of Fall 2013 are you having trouble with?</p>
<p>I think he’s asking when we’ll get to <em>see</em> images of the production F56, as opposed to its on-sale date. I’m curious, too.</p>
<p>Late summer.</p>
<p>Les, don’t pay any attention to ulrichd, apparently he is having trouble understanding your question. We will see the F56 during summer 2013 at the very latest. And per the article, it will be ON SALE during fall of 2013.</p>
<p>His original question was when the car would debut, which is stated in the article to be Fall of 2013, likely at the Frankfurt auto show. So it’s highly unlikely that it will be on sale at the same time.</p>
<p>A 2 Litre engine is long overdue for the MCS. Will this engine be a derivative of the current BMW N20 4 cyl Turbo used in the F30 3 Series, et al?</p>
<p>Is this a new 2.0T or a revised N20? Like and N20tau?
It’ll be awesome to have that power in the MINI line. And I’m sure fuel economy will be very good. As it is, my dad gets mid-40s in mixed driving with his 2009 R56 Cooper manual. Far better than my low-30s mixed driving in my 2004 R50…</p>
<p>And for those not into details, the news of the new 2.0T in the Cooper S and JCW is certainly new!</p>
<p>This is a great review and updated info week for the F56! Even if I’d probably be going for the F55 5-door.</p>
<p>I drove a BMW 328i F30 not long ago and found the auto stop/start system to be pretty intrusive. The car shudders when the engine starts again in a traffic light. The system definitely needs further refinement. This also has been noted by many reviewers as well.. Sure you can turn it off via the dash button, but it can not be fully defeated as it is programmed to activate every time you start the car. MINI, make sure this system is ready for prime time before you start annoying MINI owners with it.</p>
<blockquote>MINI, make sure this system is ready for prime time before you start annoying MINI owners with it.</blockquote>
<p>MINI has already been “annoying” owners with it for years in Europe. It doesn’t seem to be a big topic on the Euro-centric MINI forums.</p>
<p>I too find the MINI stop-start system very easy to use, and you can control when it comes on by whether you take your foot off the clutch or not. In 5 and a half years I don’t think I’ve ever had to turn it off.
But, in fact, MINI has reduced the models which they fit it to in recent years. In the UK, its no longer fitted to the One.</p>
<p>I’ve had the Stop/Start for five years on my MINi and after
a few days you don’t even notice it. Never felt the need to switch it off. Anyone
who thinks its intrusive have not lived with it in my view. Still bordering on old
news I had read all the same. We need something juicy, something new. My source
in MINI is big Ina who works in the cafeteria,makes a great cup of tea. I think we share the same source as she knows sod all about the new F56 Mini as well as Motoringfile ;)</p>
<p>any word on how BMW/MINI will resolve the carbon buildup on the valves. This has been plauging direct injection engines for a while now…</p>
<p>Drive faster.</p>
<p>Word is that carbon build up is not that much of an issue on forced induction DI engines. The intake ports will definitely carbon up, but there will be relatively little loss of power. For some NA DI engines, however, the power loss for the same amount of build up is much more significant. I just had a cleaning done on my Audi FSI 4.2 at 70k miles and picked up a good chunk of power.</p>
<p>Driving faster does not help in this case, unfortunately. We’re not talking carbureted Italian twin cams here…</p>
<p>We have a ’08 Clubman S with the N14 and carbon build is a definite issue.</p>
<p>Meaning what, exactly? Power loss? Throwing codes?</p>
<p>I recall reading somewhere that around 2011, they made a design change to something in the head that all but eliminated the carbon build-up issue (which they never publicly acknowledged!). In the mean time, about once a year I give my ’10 MCS a helping of Seafoam into the vacuum hose and smoke up my neighborhood.</p>
<p>If MINI and BMW are sharing 2.0T engines, does that mean that the power output on the F56 Cooper S will be similar (or identical) to the 320i’s 180 hp / 200 lb ft?</p>
<p>I would love to get an answer to this too.</p>
<p>BMW and MINI are already sharing engines- the Prince is in the 1er. The update will be across the board- slightly different power curves and a slight variation in output in certain models.</p>
<p>Gabe’s info varies a bit from mine as I have heard from some sources at BMW that the 3 cylinder will be replacing everything up to the 20i (not including) in the BMW lineup with the switch beginning this fall.</p>
<p>Let’s hope the JCW cars get the DCT.</p>
<p>The auto would be the one you’d want. Trust me.</p>
<p>via mobile</p>
<p>Because…?</p>
<p>Hmmm 2.0L JCW putting out around 230-240HP? I’d be very into that. Make it AWD and get me a 0-60 in the low 5s and I’ll sell my M Roadster and my JCW Coupe for a JCW Roadster.</p>
<p>The only way you’ll ever see those kind of horsepower numbers would be in an AWD package. Take hear though, as MINI spokespeople have implied on numerous occasions that they intend to make performance-oriented AWD part of the F56 platform, and with it, open up the brand to higher power numbers. We’ll believe it when we see it, but it’s the consistent answer when we ask about more power.</p>
<p>BMW VIN database has three F56s at the moment:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cooper, B38 1.5L 100kW</li>
<li>Cooper S, B48 2.0L 140kW</li>
<li>Cooper D, B37 85kW</li>
</ul>
<p>Interestingly enough, all of them are listed as equipped with AUT in the gearbox field, and then some have 205 Automatic Transmission option. Most likely, this means DCT is standard and a regular automatic is an option.</p>
<p>As other options go, the most interesting one is availability of LED headlights.</p>
<p>That is regular auto and “sport” auto as is offered on current BMWs with the ZF 8 HP- programming and slight converter differences.</p>
<p>You’re thinking about 2TB Sport Automatic Transmission. 205 is regular automatic.</p>