May 30,
2007
This Week:
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72.4mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries
required
MINI hatch models are to receive
technological revisions later this year, resulting in
jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW
Group’s cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of
returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104
g/km. When production of the revised models begins in August
2007, there will be no requirement for alternative fuel sources
or hybrid technology to achieve these stunning stats. All model
variants will instead be supplied as standard with high-tech
engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal
emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto
Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display complete a package
that will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers. Brake
Energy Regeneration works by using an Intelligent Alternator
Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle
previously lost energy, which saves fuel. The IAC reduces drag
on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the
battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling
power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the
engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was
previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC
to charge the battery.
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The Auto Start-Stop Function, available with
manual transmission cars, automatically switches the engine off when the
vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To
restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away
in the normal manner. The system may be de-activated at the touch of a
button when not required.
Switch Point Display aids drivers of manual
transmission MINIs in selecting the most economical gear in which to
drive. The engine management system analyses speed, road situation and
accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates optimum
gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the cockpit
display. |
Even without these technology advancements in
place, MINI leads the new car market for year-on-year improvements in
clean engine manufacturing. C02 output per car has been reduced in the
last year by an impressive 14 per cent. Putting that into perspective,
the industry average was recorded at a lowly 0.3 per cent.
To put the icing on the cake for customers,
MINI Cooper D owners will continue to benefit from the car falling into
VED tax band B. So savings are not only made in carbon emissions, but at
the fuel pumps and the Post Office when replacing an annual road fund
licence too. Little wonder then that MINI UK is again celebrating a
month of record car sales!
All Photos: MINI
(May 25, 2007)
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