As has been reported the next generation engine for the MINI, dubbed “Prince” by BMW engineers, is scheduled for gradual release over the next 2-3 years. We've heard some info about general dates and numbers but haven't really seen much real data yet. Until now.
Recently, a fairly reliable source over at MINI2, posted something very interested that I frankly never saw until just now. If the information is correct, and it seems to be, it confirms a lot of what had been assumed and conjectured for sometime. It's a production list (not sales dates mind you) of new engines and configurations for the MINI in the years ahead. Something to keep in mind the R50 refers to the current MINI and the R56 refers to the next generation version:
2006 1.6l 140hp 6-speed R50
2007 1.6l 110hp 6-speed R50
2007 1.6l 110hp CVT R50
2007 1.4l 75hp 5-speed R56
2007 1.4l 90hp 6-speed R56
2007 1.4l 90hp CVT R56
2007 1.6l 110hp 6-speed R56
2007 1.6l 110hp CVT R56
2007 1.6l 140hp 6-speed R56
2007 1.6l 170hp 6-speed R56“All of these Petrol engined variants would also appear in a Mini Roadster as of End 2008.
Also interesting is that all engines apart from the 75hp have the 6-speed gearbox.
All of the petrol engines are DOHC but I don't have torque figures for any of the Petrol engines (probably because they are not yet know).
And, of course, the 170hp engine is Turbocharged.”
You can check out the post over at MINI2 here.
This is fascinating information that, while not yet official, does appear to tell us quite a bit about the timeline that BMW is working with. From this it would appear that the Cooper may be moving to around 140 HP, CVT Cooper will remain in the same 110 HP range and the Cooper S will be moving to around 170 HP. I'd gather that actual sale dates would be at least six months after the productions dates have commenced. For further reading about the new engine check out this post from this past September.
<p>Hopefully by then we will all be picking up the latest Cooper's!!!!</p>
<p>Daniel</p>
<p>The nice thing about this is it is not a radical departure from the current MCS. My fear was that a new engine was going to come out that would totally blow away what we have now. It looks about the same with only 7 more hp. I also prefer the supercharged over the turbocharged so at least I won't feel the urge to go out and buy the new one. My investment is protected, at least in my mind.</p>
<p>i particularly like:
“The Cooper JCW is more fun than a pants-full of ferrets”</p>
<p>A 250-300 horse factory version with a Quaife differential has been rumored in the past. Can the lack of that kind of engine on that list mean that it would exclusively be a Works upgrade? </p>
<p>I would certainly think about giving up my beloved '03 S for that kind of machine ;)</p>
<p>I would assume anything in that range would be a JCW kit of some kind. And btw I've also heard rumors of a 300hp monster MINI being engineered by JCW.</p>
<p>Scary. I guess I'd better start saving now. I'm sure that won't come cheap :(</p>
<p>That the new MCS motor in 2007 will be turbocharged will make it much easier to wring power out of that the current SC model. </p>
<p>For the sake of comparison, a VW 1.8T that is 180hp stock can get +23hp and +85 ft lbs tq with just a chip! Adding a new turbo and other things can drive these motors into the 265hp range.</p>
<p>So if the MCS uses a 1.7T, I'd expect that you could go from stock 170hp to 200hp with a chip and perhaps to 240hp+ with a modified turbocharger. Now that'd be fun!</p>
<p>Jason</p>
<p>I was under the impression that you could get so much more out of the VW 1.8T with just a chip because VW had them “tuned down” so they didn't get too close to the performance of their V6 which is much more expensive. Do you think there would be another 30hp hidden in this new MINI that could be found with only a chip?</p>
<p>Personally…i just like turbos because of that sound of the blow off =)…im not a Mini Finatic…and I just got my License…but I'm thinking of getting a Mini Cooper…should I get THe MCS thats out right now? Or wait for the Turbo? Someone explain which is more efficient, and which one would be better (with the fact in mind, MINI/BMW might work out the glitches)…</p>
<p>They keep the 1.8T slightly detuned so it doesn't put egg all over Audi.</p>
<p>I came across a company in the UK that claims an increase to 195bhp/255nm torque for an MCS via an ECU upgrade only. Here's the link <a href="http://www.chiptuninguk.com/chiptuning/frames.asp" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.chiptuninguk.com/chiptuning/frames.asp</a>. Check out the FAQ section for details such as improved gas milage. It claims to be invisible & thus not void the warranty. Has anybody had an experience with this? New to your site, Gabe. Thanks for all the great info.</p>
<p>As the owner of my second Mini, and a never ending passion for more power. I'm excited of the introduction of an all aluminum DOHC Turbo. But dissapointed that the base line HP remains close to the same as current modles. But a 300 HP monster Mini would peak my interest.</p>
<p>Here in Canada I just read a 2007 model report and it stated that the base petrol engine would have 140hp, and the new, yes turbocharged, engine would be pushing 170hp. Also significant changes including the hood/bonet. The hood now would open like a regular car, and the one piece bonet would be retired. If I can find the report I will post…</p>
<p>Adam – if you take a look at more recent articles (this one is a year and a half old) you’ll find much more information about the car. In fact I’d say that you’ll find more information on MotoringFile about the 2007 MINI then anywhere else.</p>
<p>Forget the HP numbers. The new turbo engine will have loads of torque that will blow the current lineup away. :)</p>
<p>I get chills just thinking of the 2007 turbocharged mini cooper. I have been wanting to get a mini S for a few years but now that I know the 2007 will be turbocharged, I think I am going to have to wait another year</p>
Will the 2007 models still have the cvt for cooper/s or just regular auto, and I’m also getting the feeling that they won’t make an auto for the cooper s, which is a good thing for me that way I can decide to get the MCS auto now.