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Detroit 2008: MINI to offer diesel option in the US?


click above for more high-res images of the 2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman

The car you see above is the MINI Cooper D Clubman. That's "D" as in "Diesel". The diminutive brand owned by BMW offers a diesel engine in Europe, but to date has not in the U.S. We believe that MINI may correct this at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. Our guess is based on a press release issued by MINI today that, while saying very little about its plan for the Detroit show other than the Clubman and Clubman S would be present, included images of a left-hand-drive Cooper D Clubman. The press release also mentions that a talking point at MINI's press conference will be "More Driving Pleasure, Less Fuel Consumption: The new MINI in the 2008 Model Year". Couple that with parent company BMW's announcement of two new models for the U.S. market that will be powered by diesel engines, the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d, and it begins to look like MINI will follow suit with a diesel of its own. Of course, MINI has not confirmed this so it's pure speculation on our part, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a Cooper Clubman D burning oil in Detroit next week.

[Source: MINI]



PRESS RELEASE:

MINI AT THE 2008 NAIAS IN DETROIT

1. MINI at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.
(Short Version) 2
2. At a Glance. 8
3. Unique, Extroverted, Irresistible:
The MINI Clubman. 10
4. More Driving Pleasure, Less Fuel Consumption:
The new MINI in the 2008 Model Year. 19

Everybody loves the new MINI. In its design, its flair and agile handling, the new MINI has been desirable right from the start. And now the technology-oriented aficionado of the MINI will find an even wider range of convincing arguments and selling points contributing to the success of this great car. So even more than before, the world's only small premium car stands out through top-quality finish, exemplary safety, the most advanced drivetrain technology, outstanding efficiency, extreme reliability, and lasting value. Indeed, it is precisely through these and many other qualities that MINI has already written an impressive story of success in the USA.

Now yet another new chapter is being added to this success story:
the MINI Clubman. The public will have the wonderful opportunity to admire this extravagantly designed new addition to the MINI model range at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to be held in Detroit from 19–27 January 2008 – and soon they will be able to enjoy the sight of this unique car also on the road, with the market launch of the MINI Clubman in the States starting on February 16, 2008.

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