MINI2 has some further information on the next generation range of engines destined for the R56 (next generation) MINI over the next 2-3 years. While most of what is discussed isn't necessarily new info there are some bits that are eyebrow raising. Here are some excerpts from the MINI2 article:
All the new engines are reported to be “significantly” lighter than the current Tritec units, which will also help terms of performance and economy, as well as overall front/rear weight distribution.
It seems the configuration of the new MINI Cooper engine is still not set in stone. The Cooper looks set to be offered with a 1.6 litre DOHC engine, producing either 125 or 140 bhp. It would seem BMW are not sure HOW much more power the next generation Cooper should get, but the good news is whichever they decide, they're heading in the right direction!
Next up is the Cooper S, which looks to be a 1.6 litre DOHC Turbocharged unit, with a power output of between 170-180 bhp. Rumour has it BMW are planning on using the unique advance Multi-Stage Turbocharging technology in the new Cooper S engine. This technology, recently revealed in the BMW 535d, has been developed to eliminate the usual “turbo lag” sensation associated with acceleration in turbo charged vehicles.
Further rumours suggest BMW may offer a 200 bhp “super hot” Cooper S from the factory, as well as a high performance diesel model.
You can read the entire article here
Again most of this information has been mentioned before and we've certainly seen the turbo MCS talked about in previous MINI2 and MotoringFile articles. What seems to be obvious, at least according to this article, is that MINI isn't quite sure where to put the Cooper in terms of the HP range. I'd imagine that they would want at least 40hp between the Cooper and the Cooper S but we really won't know until the final specs are released.
Also interesting here is the mention of the new multi-stage turbo that BMW has been developing for several years. BMW is planning on use the turbo in their own cars so it would seem natural for it to look to use it elsewhere as well. This would give the Cooper S more power from a lighter engine without any real turbo lag. Now add a 200hp version and you've got yourself one fast MINI. And that's without any JCW tuning involved.
So what we have here is a MINI with potentially better weight distribution and much more power out of the box. It'll be an engine that's designed and manufactured by BMW (with PSA's help in initial development) to standards most likely much higher than the current, pre-merger, Chrysler designed Tritec engines. Plus it'll be an engine with a turbo – something that is generally much easier to tune. Sound exciting?
<p>This sounds quite a bit better with the new tidbits. Of course, If I ever get a new MINI, it will be in edition to the one I already have (I just couldn't part with my first MINI, esp. with it being made in the first production year), so I guess it's a moot point anyways…</p>
<p>As long as the quality and reliability is there, these seem to be good improvements. That is, of course, remains to be seen.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my solid and reliable TRITEC powerplants.</p>
<p>turbo lag notwithstanding (assuming it is eradicated) don't turbos bring maintenance requirements over and above a supercharger, like more frequent oil changes, and a “cooldown” period after driving it hard? Or is also in the past? Guess the tradeoffs are lighter weight and all. </p>
<p>I drove a newer Saab recently and given the years they've been putting turbos in their cars, still had a lag…..tho' they have improved (decreased) the torque steer that even the more recent generation had (badly).</p>
<p>Unless the turbo has a separate cooling/lubrication system (I think the 911 Turbo had/has such a system) you need to let the turbo “spin-down” after a spirited drive. Otherwise, the non-circulating engine oil in the turbo will heat-up to the point of breakdown and coke the inside, eventually leading to turbo failure.</p>
<p>You can mitigate that by using a turbo-timer or similar device.</p>
<p>:-) Reasons I'm not a huge fan of forced-induction. Put me down for a Cooper w/140hp, aluminum block, and a 6-speed Getrag, please.</p>
<p>Oh, and BMW, could you make those 15″ wheels on the cooper 15×6's instead of 15×5.5's? (For us autocross guys…)</p>
<p>FYI. This is from VW's website on how they reduced turbo lag from their 1.8 liter engines:</p>
<p>“The enemy of all turbos is something called “turbo lag.” In a situation where a driver decelerates and then immediately tries to accelerate there can be a delay, or “lag” in the activation o the engine’s turbocharger.</p>
<p>The big brains at Volkswagen figured out a way to minimize turbo lag. On the 1.8T, a bypass valve has been installed on the compressor side of the turbocharger.</p>
<p>This nifty little valve allows air to recirculate during idle and deceleration situations, leaving the turbine and compressor to spin freely. It also means the compressor uses the recirculated air to maintain a higher speed (and a quicker response time). The end result? Minimal turbo lag.”</p>
<p>Where would be a good place to get a description of the supercharger versus the turbocharge? </p>
<p>With regard to the cool down time does that have to happen with a supercharger? Someone once mentioned that I should let the car idle for about 3 seconds before shutting down, though he might not know the difference between the two, either.</p>
<p>Has anyone read this on miniusa.com (go to “Contact & FAQs”, then to “Vehicle Questions”)…</p>
<p>Here's what it says:</p>
<p>(Q )”Will you offer a turbo?</p>
<p>(A) “Turbo, shmurbo. The MINI Cooper S is supercharged. In large part, because the lag often experienced with turbochargers was not acceptable to us.”</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see how they handle a 180 degree turn on this stance…</p>
<p>They will prob just claim that their “faboulous new technology” eliminates all of the down falls of a turbocharged engine. Could they be right? Possibly, but I'll hold judgement until I drive it.</p>
<p>Either way, an alloy DOHC and an engine putting out more power can hardly be bad. But more cams and aluminum cost money, so I'd expect a price increase along with the new engine.</p>
<p>If MINI offers a turbo version, I hope they keep it fairly simple. My Supra had a two stage turbo, and there are additional mechanical parts–opportunities to fail–in the solenoids/sensors that kick in a second turbo (if this is what MINI has in mind). Let's hope BMW doesn't do this. Plus there is added cost to consider.</p>
<p>As for lag, there is no eliminating it. The techniques for reducing it–a smaller turbo with a smaller intercoolder–also reduce power.</p>
<p>Most street turbos do not need a turbo timer. But after aggressive driving, a cool down is a very good idea. BMW ought to build a timer in, because most people are going to drive their cars hard. Let's watch this.</p>
<p>All in all, a turbo would offer many opportunities for major power additions with mods, but there are many downsides.</p>
<p>GJR.. It just reminds me on how the center mounted speedo is sporty, but somehow, the speedo mounted next to the tach behind the steering wheel is also just as sporty, depending on what ad copy you're reading…</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>