MotoringFile has just returned from a F56 product briefing wherein MINI revealed some key facts about the highly anticipated F56. But before we go into detail about the big picture technology under the hood, we thought we’d talk about some of the more long-awaited details first.
Power
Horsepower:
– Cooper: 134 bhp (up from 121)
– Cooper S: 189 bhp (up from 184)
Torque:
– Cooper: 162 ft lb (a 30% increase, up from 114)
– Cooper S: 207 ft lb (up from 191)
These final numbers aren’t a surprise, as MotoringFile reported these predicted numbers last spring. Considering an all-new engine platform in cahoots with BMW, there’s nothing shocking here in the power department. What is rather impressive is the torque figure for the Cooper. In short, the Cooper is going to feel a lot more powerful. At 162 lb-ft, the F56 Cooper will make the same torque output as the venerated R53. Look for 0-60 times to decrease significantly since torque is now so high and available at only 1,250 rpm. Look for a significant difference in real world, usable power.
Transmissions
Our sources were just plain wrong on this topic. Or more likely, ahead by a few years (more on that later). MINI is keeping the six speed Aisin automatic in both the Cooper and Cooper S, which came as quite a shock when we learned these details. Yet with some mechanical tweaks and a complete rethink of software, we’re expecting it to be a much more impressive piece of kit. According to MINI, the F56 automatic will be faster than the manual 0-60 when equipped with the optional Sport Automatic ($250) and Launch Control. Operated by pull/pull paddles (rather than the confounding push/pull arrangement in the current MINI, the new automatic MINI promises to be most engaging two pedal ever version of the car ever.
The manual is also a carry-over for the most part. Mechanically it’s been slightly tweaked but remains a six-speed unit. However the big news (and very welcome) is that it will now automatically match revs on downshifts. The technology was first seen in the Nissan 370z and has since made its way to the manual BMW M5 and M6 (and the forthcoming M3/M4). It’s worth noting that this technology is nowhere to be found in BMW’s line-up outside those M cars. Well, M cars, and now the new MINI.
For a more detailed view on the new engines and transmissions, head over to our full report.
<p>No 8 speed? Keeping the Aisin? That’s a major disappointment. The HP and torque numbers are promising though. I find my 07 R56 cooper is powefull enough, but a bump now to 134 would be welcome. That much extra torque sounds great. (Your units of torque are wrong, I assume you mean ft-lbf.</p>
<p>The lack of an 8 speed is a disappointment.</p>
<p>No double clutch !!</p>
<p>already outdated</p>
<p>I don’t see MINI going for double clutch any time soon. It’s just too expensive (and possibly adds weight?) when most MINI buyers already go for the automatic and don’t care if it’s single, double clutch or torque converter. There are plenty of cars that have excellent torque converter transmissions – so long as MINI get the software fixed – I hate the current transmission as-is. Glad to see they are fixing the paddle control – that was just a weird setup.</p>
<p>Very cool to see the base Cooper have so much torque. That will be great fun. Wonder what the JCW numbers will be like?</p>
<p>Double clutch has been rendered obsolete in most applications by ZF’s making 8 speed automatic which weighs less and has the same performance benefits.</p>
<p>I was going to say the same. With the Sport Automatic option it is almost as good. Plus on my experience with the BMW side most consumers don’t care as much about the DCT unless buying an M car.</p>
<p>Have you driven a DSG/S-tronic/ PDK to dare to say that the automatic transmission is as good ?
Apparently not…</p>
<p>I have driven both as I work for MINI and BMW. Its good enough for most peoples purpose I guess I should rephrase my statement. Truth be told very few of cars sold with DCT see the track. Yes it feels better to have a true dual clutch transmission but most of them are driven in automatic</p>
<p>Two quick things:</p>
<p>Where is the full report? and the torque figures are quoted in bhp, presumably right numbers for lb ft?</p>
<p>Everything not involving the word Aisin sounds awesome.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to see the JCW’s figures. I hope they get it to 220 hp. Love to torque an launch control. So excited for the newcars</p>
<p>The Ford Fiesta ST is getting 200hp and 214lb-ft from it’s 1.6l turbo 4 cylinder engine. These new specs from Mini are a disappointment…</p>
<p>MINI usually is conservative with numbers as is BMW. It probably gets more to the crank like the current engines.</p>
<p>But a 2.0L Turbocharged engine sounds like a lot of potential in the MINI tuning community. Besides, the MINI was never about putting down power, it’s about the total drivability of the car!</p>
<p>Bingo.</p>
<p>This is still no excuse for such a lack of power and torque from the new S model. Moving up from the 1.6L to 2.0L with a 5hp gain is disappointing. I hope the torque curve is much more appealing at least.</p>
<p>Long live the R56 LOL!</p>
<p>Long live your R56… behind my R53 GP ;)</p>
<p>Can we shut the auto nonsense off? I just tried it on Friday at the track with the new Stingray Corvette. It’s neat for sure….but I’d want to be able to shut it off like on the vette.</p>
<p>Very dissapointed with the rev matching manual trans. Does not allow me to use the engine torque to help reduce speed. Should be able to be turned off. Otherwise the F56 is a great all around fun car. Just not as viseral as the R56. The price of progress?</p>
<p>You can turn it off.</p>