Every car keeps getting bigger.

Longer, wider, taller

The all-new MINI has been officially revealed, following a leak from several hours ago.
Despite being called a "MINI", the new model is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the outgoing generation, while its wheelbase has been stretched by 42mm to 2495mm. In addition, the track widths have been enlarged by 42mm front / 34 mm rear. As a result of the increased dimensions (3821mm length, 1727mm width, 1414mm height), the new MINI not only offers more interior cabin room but also 211 liters of cargo capacity, a significant increase of 30 percent.
MINI says the new model is "completely new from the ground up" yet its design hasn't been changed that much compared to the previous model, albeit with a few hints of the Rocketman concept. Upon launch it will be available with a choice of three turbocharged Euro 6 compliant engines featuring stop/start technology.
The base Cooper is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.5-liter outputting 134 bhp (100 kW) and a peak torque of 162 lb-ft (170 lb-ft with overboost). In this configuration the new MINI returns 62.8 mpg UK (52.2 mpg US or 4.4 liters / 100 km) with 105 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Up next is the 1.5-liter diesel producing 114 bhp (85 kW) and 199 lb-ft (269 Nm) in the Cooper D which will return 80.7 mpg UK (67.1 mpg US or 3.5 liters / 100 km) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 92 g/km.
The Cooper S makes use of a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 189 bhp (141 kW) and 206 lb-ft (221 lb-ft with overboost). In this configuration, the new MINI will return 49.6 mpg UK (41.3 mpg US or 5.6 liters / 100 km) and have 133 g/km of CO2 emissions.
These engines will send power to the front axle through a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic. There will also be a sport version of the auto with quicker shift times and paddle shifters.
Engine offerings will be expanded sometime next year with the introduction of the lower-spec One and One D, as well as a more powerful diesel in the Cooper SD and the flagship JCW derivative.
The new MINI will be available with optional Variable Damper Control which will offer two settings: Comfort and Sport. 15-inch alloys will be standard on the Cooper and Cooper D while the S gets 16-inch rims. For more money clients can configure their car with various alloys in sizes of up to 18 inches.
Riding on BMW's UKL1 platform, the 2014 MINI is the first car in its segment to have full LED headlights and taillights. The upper-spec versions pack a generous 8.8-inch infotainment system operable via a choice of two controllers similar to BMW's iDrive. The cabin has gained better materials and can be optionally fitted with lots of assistance systems and a tilt adjustment feature for the 60/40 rear bench.
UK pricing kicks off at 15,300 GBP for the standard Cooper, continues to 16,450 GBP for the Cooper D and ends at 18,650 GBP for the Cooper S. The initial range consisting of three versions is scheduled to hit the market next spring.


Source: MINI

 

meh... i still prefer the R53's.

 

Diesel-powered 2014 MINI could make it stateside, plug-in hybrid confirmed

As a response to an increasing demand

Brand product boss Pat McKenna told AutoGuide the all-new MINI could be offered with a diesel engine in the United States.
There seems to be an increasing demand in the United States for a diesel MINI but the automaker is "still exploring" this option which would be "in the realm of possibility with this car." The popularity of diesel engines has started to grow in the United States in recent years and according to Pat McKenna it is important for people to overcome any perception that such an engine isn't suitable for a MINI.
If there will be a diesel for the U.S.-spec MINI, chances are it will be the 1.5-liter turbodiesel from the Cooper D which offers 114 bhp (85 kW) and 269 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. The frugal MINI can return 67.1 mpg US (80.7 mpg UK or 3.5 liters / 100 km) and has CO2 emissions of 92 g/km. U.S. customers could also get a more powerful diesel engine from the upcoming Cooper SD.
Before a diesel engine will cross the ocean, MINI will launch a plug-in hybrid variant of one of their models but Pat McKenna didn't specific exactly which one. He did admit the company is taking into consideration bringing the car to United States since he believes there is a real market potential for such a model.


Source: autoguide.com

 

meh... i still prefer the R53's.

 

I like the original with a VTEC

 

^^ yah, that is very cool. :)

 

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