Looks like the boys over at GoAuto have been reading MotoringFile over the past few months. They rattle off several exclusive scoops we’ve had at MF recently and give us even further insight into what to expect in the years ahead for the new MINI.
>A Mini insider has also revealed that, for performance versions that might exceed about 300Nm, BMW will most probably resort to using four-wheel drive.
>The reason why is simple. Since handling balance and finesse are a Mini cornerstone, BMW will not allow this to be compromised by having too much torque going through the front wheels.
>It also sees the possibility of a 4WD version of the Traveller breaking into markets with alpine ski areas, in much the same way as Subaru has managed with its all-wheel drive model Impreza and Liberty/Legacy models.
They also tackle the question that we’ve eluded to for awhile, what to expect in the R58. As we’ve said in the past, MINI is very interested in a AWD derivative of the new MINI. The question really is how to position the model along-side the other cars in the showroom. We’ll have more on the R58 (and confirmation of it’s final form – AWD or not) in the months ahead)
[ New Mini family aims for maximum effect ] GoAuto
Okay, I’ll break into my piggy bank for that – an all wheel drive Clubman with JCW kit.
Wow. 184 ft-lbs for the performance diesel? As good as the new 3 series D? Nice! I would be in line.
Too bad we won’t see it in the states, thanks to CARB and bmw’s 50 state policy, unless diesel emission tech improves vastly.
the new cleaner diesel gas went on sale in the states yesterday…we’ll see if it has an impact on what cars start showing up over here.
Glad to hear about a late-in-2008 R57, rather than in spring of 2009; that’s 6 months less to wait.
>Glad to hear about a late-in-2008 R57, rather than in spring of 2009; that’s 6 months less to wait.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Cleaner diesel indeed… But it costs 2.65 in my area, compared to 1.84 for gasoline. Cost wise, a diesel would have to get better than 57MPG, everything else being equal.
Hey glad to hear from Gabe! 🙂
Gabe who? (j/k – hey Gabe!)
Hey somebody actually named New Zealand as a RHD market but not Australia?
If the fuel filler is so hard to relocate why bother with one extra door? Just make it like the concept vehicles. Stick with two side doors and two rears.
Oops – sorry Australia was named.
Australia / New Zealand are a bit like Canada / USA, sibling rivallry.
A MINI to compete with the STi’s Evo’s and mazdaspeeds of the world?
I’m in.
All righty then! How fast can we get to ’08! This is exactly what I have been waiting for, AWD MINI!!! Just PLEASE give it 225-250HP and around a 6 sec 0-60 time. quicker would be nice, but I do not believe they can do it.
tick,tock,tick,tock
Is it ’08 yet?
GMG