MINI gets a BMW 2.0 litre diesel

BMW 2.0 litre diesel in a MINI raises the prospect of a MINI John Cooper Works diesel

Just like every other car maker, MINI is trying to find a way to give their cars extra eco-kudos but still be able to deliver what their customers want. Hybrids, electric cars and other ‘eco-friendly’ options are one way to go, but diesels, with their extra torque and modern power, can deliver much of what a zippy little petrol unit can (even if they do lose some of the subtlety).

So BMW are looking at ways to inject a little more economy in to the MINI Cooper, and if possible a little more power. We knew BMW were intending doing this, but Motoring File are reporting that the first such equipped MINI has actually rolled off the production line in Oxford. Not for sale – yet – but for evaluation.

Currently MINI utilises a PSA Diesel unit with around 110bhp. Putting a detuned 2.0 litre diesel lump from BMW in, transversely of course, has upped the output to 150bhp, and a wodge more torque.

Of course, this opens up the possibility of putting the BMW diesel in without de-tuning it. If MINI did that, then we would see a MINI Cooper S D that had almost as many horses (200bhp) as the MINI JCW, but would add an extra 110ft/lbs of torques. Not only that, but it would do over 40mpg.

Nothing is going to come on to the market yet. MINI are going to evaluate the BMW-engined MINI diesel to see how it works. But the prospect is that in all probability we will see a MINI Cooper S D and a MINI JCW Diesel in showrooms in 2010.