Jun 12th, 2014
A few days ago we told you about MINI USA’s plans to release a Clubman diesel in late 2016/early 2017. Today we get an early peak at what will likely be a variation of the engine used. The Cooper SD is the fastest and most powerful diesel ever offered in a MINI. With 170hp and a healthy 266 ft lbs of torque, the new 2.0L diesel should sprint to 60 mph in under seven seconds while returning 59 MPG US (4.0 to 4.1 litres per 100 kilometers). Will we see that kind of efficiency with the Clubman? It’s much too early to tell but we’d expect MINI to aim for something over 50 MPG.
Read on for the full details on the new Cooper SD and the MINI One First that was also launched today. continued →
Jun 9th, 2014
It’s easy to forget that MINI’s largest market doesn’t actually get the full MINI lineup. In particular, the US has never had access to MINI diesels. For years, MINI USA has attempted to bring a diesel model to the US, but poor fuel standards, engineering challenges and finally economic hardships have undercut the business case for diesel MINIs in America. However, that’s about to change. MotoringFile has received news from our sources that MINI is in the process engineering an entirely new diesel model specifically for the US market.
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Feb 9th, 2014
Rounding out the launch models of the F56 will be the MINI Cooper D, One and One D. Let’s start with the One, MINI’s value and efficiency leader across both the petrol and diesel ranges. continued →
Dec 10th, 2013
If there’s one thing offered on MINI’s abroad that’s been coveted by US MINI enthusiasts, it’s diesel power train. With the debut of the F56, many US MINI fans are waiting with bated breath to hear official news of the much-teased Cooper SD power plant making its way to our shores. We haven’t received that confirmation yet, but we do know that MINI USA is trying to make the case. If the numbers line up, we’ll see possibly the Cooper D or Cooper SD become available in the US MINI lineup.
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Jun 17th, 2013
In markets outside the USA, MINI diesel power plants have offered buyers additional options when it comes to saving fuel. From the frugal MINI Cooper D, to the more sporting MINI Cooper SD, the oil burning versions of the MINI have been objects of desire for many a state-side MINI fan. Personally, some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a MINI was motoring up the German Autobahn in a MINI Cooper SD Clubman. All that torquey grunt in such a light, small car made for a very fun package.
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Feb 14th, 2013
It was a little more than a year ago that we broke the first viable rumor that MINI might finally be bringing a diesel engine option to the US market. Than in January, there were a number of gems in the interviews we did with Jim McDowell and Dr. Kay Segler at the North American International Auto Show. Even more recently, MINI product manager, Patrick McKenna, has once again confirmed that MINI USA is very interested in bringing a Diesel option to US MINIs. So what do we make of it all?
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Jan 23rd, 2013
If you want to know the current and future state of MINI, you go to the top. And that’s what we did at NAIAS in talking with Dr. Kay Segler. We spoke to Dr. Segler about everything – there was no subject off limits. We started with JCW and the proliferation of the brand throughout the MINI range. As it stands now there’s a JCW model for every MINI model. But Dr. Segler was quick to point out that that won’t always be the case and they want to build a strong sub-brand by keeping it perhaps a little more exclusive moving forward. Yet they also want to broaden the sales of the JCW style packages across the range – much like M has done so successfully for BMW. There’s also a hint of something interesting to come if you listen carefully.
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