If you have been following this site for the past couple of weeks, you know that I have been traveling a bit to Sebring for some track time and doing some dyno research, not to mention helping the good folks over at Sunshine MINIs prepare for the registration launch of Mickey and MINI 3! Needless to say, I have had to settle for READING the latest news out of Oxford rather than blogging about it. However, now that I have a moment, this one press release is worth posting about, even though it may be a week or so old.

In a nutshell, MINI will be revising the MINI hatch productline later this year in a way that will bring a 72.4mpg Cooper D (without hybrid technology!), Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display. It sure makes me wish that MINI would bring the Cooper D over here to the states. DB over at MotoringFile.com has taken this wish to an interesting level by asking readers to answer a few questions like “Would you seriously purchase a diesel powered MINI?” in hopes that MINI will see this and encourage them to bring the car over here stateside. With fule creaping up to record prices, a Cooper D may be just what the mechanic ordered ;).

Official MINI UK Press Release:

72.4mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries required.
05/25/2007

MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Groupís 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.

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!

[ Cooper D Petition @ MotoringFile.com ]