Is This MINI’s Dual Clutch Transmission?

A dual clutch transmission MINI is coming and this is likely what it’ll look like. According to sources the image that recently snuck out via internal BMW documents is a good look at the shifter unit for MINI’s forthcoming DCT. But lets back up. If you’ve been following MotoringFile over the past few years you’ll know that, beginning this fall, you’ll be able to order your F56 Cooper S with a DCT (dual clutch) transmission. Over the past year we’ve written about the upcoming 2018 refresh (or LCI in MINI speak) and even broke the story on it including a DCT transmission. We can now confirm that they are coming and are expected to coincide with MINI’s 2018 model year refresh.
For full background on the refresh, check out this recent MotoringFile story. Here’s the executive summary:
– The Refresh should begin later this year. We’ve heard two dates; September 17 and March 18 production. The former would make more sense but we know the latter is tied to several key updates as well.
– The update will include a revised family of newly refined engines that will produce slightly more power and be slightly more efficient (Confirmed for the Cooper and Cooper S)
– Exterior changes will include new lights bumper and wheel designs along with three new colors.
– Interior changes will include new trim and leather options
– Apple’s CarPlay will become optional for the first time along with MINI’s new touch iDrive
It’s shaping up to a rather massive LCI even before you get to the new transmissions. As we’ve reported MINI is prepping the launch of a dual clutch transmission option in the small car range. While we don’t yet know details of what models they’ll be found in, it’s a safe bet we’ll see the DCT option in the Cooper S and JCW models (if not more). The benefits of this change will likely be quicker responses when changing gears and overall a quick sprint from 0-60.
Moving from a torque converter automatic to a DCT is an interesting change of direction for BMW – a company that has thus far eschewed the use of dual clutch transmissions outside of M models and a few rare series models. The reason is that costs for dual clutch transmissions are typically higher given the complexity in design and manufacturing. The only way VW has been able to do it in mass is the sheer volume they can leverage. What appears to have happened is that BMW and MINI found a willing partner ready to bring costs down in order to battle the increasingly popular 8 and 9 speed automatics from ZF and Aisin.
This change will also have the benefit of further differentiating the smaller MINI offerings from the larger four door products that will continue to use the (very good) 8 speed torque converter automatic form Aisin.
What’s a dual clutch transmission and why should you care? Lets head to wikipedia for the formal description:
A dual-clutch transmission, (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission or double-clutch transmission), is a type of automatic transmission or automated automotive transmission. It uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. It can fundamentally be described as two separate manual transmissions (with their respective clutches) contained within one housing, and working as one unit. They are usually operated in a fully automatic mode, and many also have the ability to allow the driver to manually shift gears in semi-automatic mode, albeit still carried out by the transmission’s electro-hydraulics
Ok that’s a bit dry. What it’s really saying is that dual clutch transmissions use two clutches to allow for much more responsive, crisp gear changes. DCTs (as they’re known) shift quicker, and yet are nearly as seamless as the new breed of 8-9 speed torque converter automatics. They also offer similar MPG figures to the best automatics out there. In other words they offer more the performance without too much of a downside.
Does this change make you (re)consider an F55 or F56? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want more info on MINI”s 2018 refresh, head back to our original report.
8 Comments
<p>“differentiating the smaller MINI offerings from the larger four door products”</p>
<p>Wait. So does that mean we’ll never see a DCT in a Countryman or Clubman? :o/</p>
<p>When I read your first article, I was very excited about all the elements and changes, especially the DCT option. Now that I see this butt ugly image of the potential shifter, I’m not so sure anymore. Hopefully, this is a prototype image and the final product will be more streamlined in keeping with MINI’s design aesthetic.</p>
<p>It looks like range rovers gear shifter. I’m not a fan of it but if performance really does improve and the the 5 door gets better bumpers I may be swayed to get it rather then a jcw clubman/countryman. Excited to see what this refresh holds.
The only thing I worry is the fact it is minis first DCT granted it’s a BMW but still.</p>
<p>Looks like a design variant of, but functionally identical version of a BMW shifter.</p>
<p>a DCT shifter does not include any additionnal “magic” button compared to those present on the classic one</p>
<p>This is exciting but every time I see the 2013 concept tail lights they look comically huge. I know they are supposed to make the car look like it has smaller proportions but they are ridiculous.</p>
<p>Yep, a DCT as part of the LCI makes me REALLY interested. I now have a 2014 F56 Cooper with the 6-spd auto and it’s a fine transmission but a bit boring. I’d be really excited to order a F56 Cooper with the DCT and no weight-adding options other than 17″ wheels/tires — a lightweight updated 3-cyl turbo/DCT combo would be just about perfect for me.</p>
<p>a DCT transmission is more “boring” than the actual 6spd auto, and a lightweight transmission just consists in a manual transmission</p>