We’ve been poking around a bit and got some details on the new Mini Cooper, due out in 2007.
First, if you want a truly international car, take a step forward. The new British-based Mini will feature an engine from the combined resources of Germany-based BMW and France-based Peugeot. And, of course, happily sold to an enthusiastic American public.
The engine is really the biggest change to the new Mini, and it’s going to be big, folks. The partnership is building a new range of all-aluminum twin overhead cam engines that will become the new flagships of both carmakers’ small engines, with improved power, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The new Mini, which some are calling the Mini 2, will retain the capacity of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, but with a high-tech aluminum block that’s much lighter than today’s Chrysler-built iron-block Tritec engine.
The new engines for the next Mini have yet to be finalized, but you can expect to see two turbocharged units that will replace the normally aspirated and supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines in the current Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. The Cooper will get a big boost. of power to 143 hp from the current 115 hp engine. And, while the Cooper S’s power output remains the same at 170 hp, the turbocharged engine promises a vast improvement in power delivery over the current supercharged setup.
Second, the next big thing is body styling. Just as we were getting used to seeing the Mini Convertible comes a longer-wheelbase version that includes (gasp!) a five-door with more rear legroom and cargo area.
The stretched Mini features a more upright rear hatchback, along with a pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the rear seats. (Remember the “suicide doors”?) Rumor has it that the five-door arrangement will likely feature a Rolls-Royce electronic locking system that will allow the rear doors to open independently of the front ones, so if anyone in the back from the back wants to jump, it will not disturb the passengers in the front seat.
On the outside, a new front end will feature googly-eyed headlamps and a more upright design to comply with new European pedestrian protection laws. (Apparently they always meet pedestrians there and something had to be done to ease their collision projection onto the top of the hood to minimize potential damage to the car.)
Inside, the interior will look new but will still feature a center-mounted speedometer. The dashboard will be available with wood trim and in the same body color.
That’s the skinny for now. Health!