Start-stop MINI due in September, diesel version to match CO2 emissions of Prius
According to suppliers quoted by Automotive News, soon after the MINI press conference concludes in Frankfurt, buyers will be able to get their iconic runabout complete with regenerative braking and start-stop features.
Both gasoline- and diesel-powered models will be equipped with the new technology, supplied by Bosch, and the oilburning offerings will emit 104 g/km of C02, a 12-percent decrease from the standard model. As a comparison, the 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid Prius produces the same amount of C02, something that should be noted by both consumers and legislators alike. Sales are set to begin this September.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
brian 10:44AM (7/24/2007)
These features will not be available in the USA.
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Guenther 5:58PM (7/24/2007)
Since I couldn't read the AN article... What makes you say that? Is this a starter/generator flywheel or belt driven starter?
Peter 10:27AM (7/24/2007)
There never should have been legislated advantages for Hybrids, the advantages should be based on results, not on the specific technology used. If you get 60MPG who cares how it is done, just that it is done.
Likewise a V6 based hybrid Accord that goes like a rocket but doesn't really get good gas mileage should not get an incentive merely because it is hybrid.
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James 10:44AM (7/24/2007)
I've been saying that for ages! A Ford Escape Hybrid 4x4 doesn't even get 30 mpg (city or highway), yet has a tax credit simply because it's a hybrid. Doesn't make any good sense.
If I could get a Mini Clubman in British Racing Green with this technology, I'd be the first in line.
The Other Bob 11:02AM (7/24/2007)
"There never should have been legislated advantages for Hybrids, the advantages should be based on results, not on the specific technology used. If you get 60MPG who cares how it is done, just that it is done."
I totally agree. Polticians do not have the ability to pick specific technologies.
NeoteriX 11:09AM (7/24/2007)
As I understand it, the tax incentive is for an initial production of cars. For example, Toyota is no longer eligible, having exceeded the # of cars in the legislation.
This makes sense to me--if you're introducing a 'new' technology, even if it is better and more cost effective, it may not necessarily initially succeed on its own merits. This is the problem with societal inertia. When hybrids first came out, the public wasn't sure if you needed to plug the cars in, if there would be higher maintenance costs, if the cars were more prone to break down, etc.
With this kind of customer trepidation, there may not be enough of an incentive for customers to make the first leap into the unknown. Furthermore, given that, there may not be enough incentive for automakers to make that risk.
Now that the public better understands Hybrid technology, the incentive may be arguably unnecessary, but that's a far cry from "never should have been"
why not the LS2/LS7? 2:21PM (7/24/2007)
Agreed. I sometimes see a Geo Metro XFi at the gas station near me.
He gets 60mpg highway while the Prius gets 53mpg (yes, both are only ratings and neither may actually reach these numbers). And yet a Prius owner could get a sticker to go solo in the carpool lane and this guy couldn't.
What a joke.
BryanC 11:10AM (7/24/2007)
2007 Prius: 96.2 ft3 interior volume, 16.1 ft3 cargo volume
2007 Mini: 76 ft3 interior volume, 4.7 ft3 cargo volume
These cars are in different classes entirely, so this comparison is misleading. If anything, the Mini should be ashamed that even with start-stop and diesel it hasn't surpassed the Prius, which is more than 25% larger.
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Barney 12:33AM (7/26/2007)
The Prius is indeed a medium size car and bigger then the Mini. I would like to see the Mini compared to the Smart.
Hello 11:26AM (7/24/2007)
Yeah, but will this be sold here in the US? And can you get a MINI S with this feature? I'm wondering about added cost as well...
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Aaron 11:43AM (7/24/2007)
ahahaha I was hoping to get in before the hybrid apology..
Either way this is an interesting glimpse into that is coming down the pipe. I'm excited to see the new diesels come to North America (not this one per say but the next gen).
Here in Canada we have many diesel smart cars now.
And think, no environmental disaster that is battery production, and recycling..
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deja 12:17PM (7/24/2007)
The question is which is more effiecient. Diesel or petrol hybrid. You can use bio diesel in an diesel car. But in petrol-hybrid you can only use that type of feul.
On another note in realtion to the hybrid vs diesel talk. can you all be nice and feel out my simple survey. Im doing a project on if the people want diesel car or hybrids. Just click on the link below
http://yhybrid.wufoo.com/forms/hybrid-survey/
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tbyron 12:28PM (7/24/2007)
When GM introduced similar systems on Saturn's and their pickups, the coverage was frequently dismissive because these were only "mild hybrids." Now that BMW/Mini makes a similar move, and there is nothing other than this puff piece. *sigh*
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mike-1-2->7 8:15PM (7/24/2007)
Prius only needs to add a PLUG to beat any diesel benefit. Secondly, this year's battery and the one you will be able to buy in 10 years will be generations apart.
Third, solar panels are getting more efficient and cheaper yearly, they only really need one big producer to seriously drop unit cost.
Hybrid's will win, although I'd love to drive a BMW One Diesel.
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Inkey 6:57PM (8/14/2007)
Why can't they make a diesel hybrid? If they make diesel cars that get 60+ mpg and hybrids that get 50+ mpg how much would they get together?
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Ian 4:36AM (8/18/2007)
@Inkey - 70mpg+
JRO 11:29PM (8/26/2007)
So what's the story on diesel hybrids for U.S.?
Are we going to have the low sulfur diesel like Europe to run in the hybrids? Is there government legislation needed or already in place?
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