One of the worst kept secrets of the MINI world has been the Cooper SD. We reported on it almost a year ago and have even shown you pictures of the engine. Now MINI has been caught red-handed by Worldcarfans.com with a pre-production model out on the streets of Munich.

First some facts. This engine is a modified version of the 2.0 turbo diesel found in the BMW 1 and 3 Series. We expect that it will produce around 141 hp (143 PS) and 221 ft lbs of torque. That’s around 20 ft lbs more than a JCW. Most news outlets are reporting that it will have some unique bodywork. We believe (based on photos and sources) that there will be no difference in the way this car looks over the standard Cooper S with the exception of the lower plastic grille. In an effort to allow for more cooling MINI has opened the mesh pattern up further. Otherwise the little “D” badge on the back will be the only way to tell the two apart.

Like all other flavors of MINI diesels, don’t expect this one to make it to the US.

Source: Worldcarfans