MotoringFile

MINI to Add Mild Hybrid in Some Models

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 11:58:44 GMT

The coming facelift isn’t the only news from our sources this week. According to those in the know about the plans, MINI intends to introduce a mild hybrid version of the B48 four cylinder on some models in the near future.

What is a mild hybrid what would that do to MINIs? The system BMW and MINI are looking to use is known as mild because it is comprised only of a 48v electrical system, a dedicated battery and a starter generator specific to this system. The system relies on brake energy recuperation, which is stored in that dedicated battery. That powers the starter generator and ultimately the car in certain scenarios.

What that means in the real world is much smoother auto stop-start transitions and more efficient coasting (BMW with a similar system do this up to 99 mph). But perhaps most interesting to many of us is the additional performance. BMW’s just released mild hybrid system can produce an extra 11 hp for short periods of time.

The other obvious benefit is economy with this set-up intended offer a reduction in CO2 and improved MPG.

Mild Hybrid Release Timing

Timing is still a bit hazy as our sources originally believed the system would debut with the next generation MINI. However with that car being pushed back to 2023 we are now hearing MINI intends to release this technology sooner rather than later. Will it coincide with the upcoming 2021 facelift for the F55, F56 and F57? It would make a lot of sense as MINI is both trying to inject new life into an aging model and decrease BMW’s corporate CO2 average. However there are size contraints in the smaller MINIs that may not be overcome until the full redesign in 2023. Instead could MINI bypass those models initially and debut the technology in the larger Clubman and Countryman?

The mild hybrid system will slot under the plug-in and the full electric offerings for MINI in regards to the electrification hierarchy. Ultimately we expect all petrol powered MINIs to have some form of mild or plug-in hybrid.

The post MINI to Add Mild Hybrid in Some Models appeared first on MotoringFile.

Is The New BMW 128ti A Sneak Peak At The Revised F56 JCW?

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:24:59 GMT

The move to front wheel drive for the BMW 1 Series was long telegraphed but still disappointing for many of the BMW faithful. To ease the pain they created the M135i with all-wheel drive – essentially a near clone of JCW Clubman, Countryman but with a revised chassis. Now BMW has gone the other direction with a 265 hp version of the B48, a revised suspension, brakes and ditched the all-wheel drive system creating a stellar hot hatch (according to early reviews). Does this point towards a revised F56 JCW?

One interesting aspect in all of this is that the engineers worked on the 128ti have all been involved in developing various high performance MINI products. So it’s very safe to say that one way or another this technology and thinking will make it to MINI products. The question is, how soon and in what form?

Sources who are aware of future plans at MINI have indicated we would see a revised JCW in 2021. Could that be based on what we see above; 265 hp, a revised suspension and larger brakes. In a sense it would be a detuned version of the JCW GP with a more livable suspension and rear seats.

The only caveat? BMW isn’t offering a manual transmission with the 265 hp version of the B48.

The new 1 Series hatch (not intended for the US) is currently undergoing calibration test drives on the hilly roads of the Eifel around the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring and also on the world’s most demanding racetrack.

The focus with the 128ti isn’t on raw performance but more on the experience of driving. One area we see this the elimination of torque steer. With the reduction of torque and the revised suspension, BMW engineers were able to create a more fluid and engaging car with the 128ti. The other big change is the switch from AWD to FWD which drops the curb weight by 176 lbs.

In all it’s a welcome return to simplicity for the BMW brand and one that we hope points to something new from the JCW brand.

The post Is The New BMW 128ti A Sneak Peak At The Revised F56 JCW? appeared first on MotoringFile.

2022 MINI Facelift Fully Uncovered

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 20:39:39 GMT

Almost a year ago we reported that MINI was busy finalizing plans to launch an unprecedented 2nd facelift for its core small car range (the F56 family including the F55 four door and F57 convertible). Today we finally see it fully uncovered for the first time.

What you see above and below is our first full view of the 2022 facelift for the F55 five door, F56 three door hatch and F57 convertible. What does this photo actually tell us? First and foremost MINI’s Head of Design Oliver Heilmer is now fully in charge as these changes clearly show the simplified form language he’s hinted at for the last few years.

The Chin Is Dead

The original plan was the kill it in 2019 with the first LCI. Or so we’ve been told. But now with the 2022 MINI facelift we’re seeing this awkward, rectangular chine on the Cooper S and JCW models eliminated. In its place is a more refined looking series of air intakes that serve aero, engine cooling and as brake ducts. You can see it in camouflaged JCW form here.

RIP chin. We won’t miss you.

Rear Refinement

While we don’t have any undisguised images yet, we can tell you based on what we know and the spy photos out there that the rear is all about simple lines and a functionally driven aesthetic. Those last words are music to our ears as we’ve grown tired of the overly dramatic rear valance on the Cooper S and JCW models. In its place are simple lines and a refined rear fog light design. You can see the Cooper S and JCW version here if you can get past the camouflage.

2022 MINI Facelift: Timeline And Launch Dates

Based on sources, the 2022 MINI will have its internet debut likely later this year and should begin production in early 2021. We expect a slightly staggered rollout for some models but details are still scarce.

Why is MINI creating a second facelift or LCI? With BMW delaying the launch of the 4th generation “new” MINI to 2023, MINI needs to keep the F56 fresh. The originally planned LCI came and went in 2019 with only light changes. So light that we immediately wondered if it was a cost cutting move or something else was brewing. After reaching out to sources we learned that MINI was planning apply a second, more style oriented LCI later in the life-cycle of the car – what we see above.

The post 2022 MINI Facelift Fully Uncovered appeared first on MotoringFile.