While the MINI’s Tritec engine may not be known for it’s effeciency, it was still enough to best the rest of the US convertible market in terms of fuel economy. Here’s an excerpt from the MSNBC article:
Mini’s Cooper convertible may be leading the automotive industry in cheap thrills. It’s sporty without being at all obnoxious, its droptop allows you to enjoy nice days–and that gas mileage makes the experience guilt-free.
[ Pump Busters 2005 ] MSNBC.com
<p>I don’t understand the opening statement of this article. </p>
<p>“While the MINI’s Tritec engine may not be known for it’s effeciency…”</p>
<p>My enthusiasm for the car is relatively new and though I’ve researched the MINI quite a bit, I do not understand this idea that the engine is somehow inefficient. Efficiency is touted as one of the major draws of the upcoming powerplant, though in my opinion there are some unneeded complications added to the engine to that end. </p>
<p>But as for the Tritec, here’s a high-output little 1.6L engine that still manages around 30-40 mpg highway depending on the configuration of the car and without the aid of variable valve timing. What are we considering efficient? The balance trying to be struck here is an engine that delivers more than adequate power to fuel our need for speed but also gets very respectable gas mileage. You’re either trading in hp for fuel economy or gas mlieage for performance. This engine seems to strike that balance very well. You simply can’t have 180 hp and 70 mpg in the same engine without being a hybrid or something.</p>
<p>Please explain this “reputation” for me, and what you folks would consider an efficient engine.</p>
<p>The tritec is not a modern engine in many respects. It wasn’t designed to take advantage of features that many other engines (notably from Honda and BMW) use. It’s simply not as effecient (or as powerful) as other 1.6L engines found around the world.</p>
<p>This doesn’t mean it’s bad technology mind you. I’ve been following the new MINI since day one and I have yet to hear of any serious engine related issues from anyone.</p>
<p>I agree 100% with Nathan’s comments, and to that end, let me add something else about the TRITEC powerplant: It is virtually bulletproof!</p>
<p>Whether you love or despise its marvelous design simplicity, the truth of the matter is that this compact engine is built to last, with little maintenance while delivering excellent fuel economy, respectable power, rock solid reliability and very acceptable NHV levels.</p>
<p>This engine was withstood the abuse of tuners everywhere: Reduced pulleys, turbochargers, twinchargers, heads, you name it and the TRITEC simply won’t quit.</p>
<p>While I appreciate the benefits afforded by DOHC and variable timing configurations, it is very hard to argue against the efficiency, power delivery and reliability of this Brazilian built powerplant.</p>
<p>In many real world applications, I am not ashamed to say that I prefer engines of simpler architecture such as pushrods and single overhead cams with timing chains (Not rubber timing belts)such as our TRITEC.</p>
<p>I owned Hondas/Acuras for 12 years. All multivalve DOHC engines and some with V-Tec. Great engines but I never felt the extra complexity did anything extremely significant for the way the engine operated. In fact, maintaning a DOHC engine with timing belt and lift valve technology is more expensive than a powerplant with a simpler design. The reason? The less things you have inside that engine, the less likehood of high repair bills.</p>
<p>I am looking forward to the all new PSA French engines, but I will follow them with caution as unfortunately nothing French in terms of automobiles has ever lasted in this country, so this engine has a daunting task to prove that French auto engineering has indeed turned the corner.</p>
<p>BMW has never been happy with the TRITEC engine for many reasons: It doesn’t have the complexity and refinement they really look for. Also the TRITEC engine is the only component in the MINI produced and outsourced outside of the European Union. Third and finally, the TRITEC is produced in a plant owned by BMW’s archrival, Daimler-Chrysler.</p>
<p>So as you can see, BMW has many reasons to let go of the TRITEC engine venture, but none of them actually are supported by inherit problems with the engine itself. Its all related to politics and the bottom line.</p>
<p>Gabe, I have to disagree with you when you say that the MINI Tritec engine is not as “refined and powerful” like other 1.6L powerplants in the world. That statement is a little misleading.</p>
<p>Like I said, I drove Hondas for many years with 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.2L and 2.5L (5 cyl) engine sizes, all with multivalve and vtec technology. Sorry, but the “simpler” Tritec blows all of them collectively out of the water. The Honda engines generate power way up in the powerband, you have to push the car from the get go. I never felt this in the MINI, whether is the Cooper or the MCS.</p>
<p>Comments from people that have driven the MINI is that the car feels like it has a bigger engine than its 1.6 Litres suggest.</p>
<p>When you drive a Honda, or at least the ones I used to own, you really felt the limitations of the small powerplants in certain driving situations and you were constantly remainded that you were behind the wheel of not only a 4 cylinder, but also a car with an engine akin of a sewing machine.</p>
<p>Frank – I agree with much of what you say except for one point:</p>
<p>BMW has made it very clear in it’s latest press release that the next generation MINI engines have been designed by BMW (in Germany). Further the MINI versions of these engines will be built in UK. BMW has partnered with PSA to help develop the production processes but little else.</p>