MINI has just announced a list of engine enhancements for its European lineup in 2010, many of which are expected to be carried over to other markets. For starters, both the Cooper and Cooper S models get a slight boost in power. The Cooper gets a 3-hp jump to 122-hp, while torque is rated at 118 ft-lbs (160Nm), allowing a 0-62 mph sprint of 9.1 seconds. As for the Cooper S, it gets a new twin-scroll turbocharger that helps bring the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to 184-hp (up 9-hp), while torque of 177 ft-lbs (240Nm) comes on from 1600 to 5000 rpm. The overboost function delivers 192 ft-lbs (260Nm). The Cooper S is rated at 7 seconds to 62 mph.

The bigger news in Europe, however, is likely to be the replacement of the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 1.6 -liter mill on the MINI First and MINI One models. In the First model, horsepower continues to be rated at 75-hp, but torque grows by 17 percent to 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm). Acceleration is less exciting, with a rating of 13.2 seconds to 62 mph, while fuel economy is a strong point at 52.3 mpg (EU test cycle).

As for the MINI One, the new 1.6-liter engine makes 98-hp and 113 ft-lbs of torque (153 Nm) to deliver 52.3 mpg (EU test cycle) and a 0-62 mph time of 10.5 seconds.

The 1.6-liter engine in both the MINI One and First use BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing technology, as well as an oil pump, vacuum pump and water pump that work in intermittent cycles to reduce drag on the engine and improve fuel economy.

In addition to these engine changes, MINI Europe has also announced several new high-dollar paint colors for 2010 including Sunlight Metallic, Asteroid Metallic and Nightlife Metallic.

MINI has also announced that despite all these changes to improve fuel economy and power, the 2010 models will not see an increase in sticker price.

GALLERY: 2010 MINIs

Official release after the jumpp:

Continue Reading…

For 2010 MINI will increase its product lineup by offering a more entry-level diesel model in Europe – the One D. Currently MINI already offers a diesel option in Europe, as well as the MINI One – a fuel-economy-minded gasoline version. The One D will combine these two traits to deliver a reasonably priced model with exceptional fuel economy.

In fact, the MINI One D will get 60.3 mpg on average (3.9 liters/100km).

The One D will be powered by a detuned version of the Cooper’s 1.6-liter diesel engine with 90hp and 159 ft-lbs of torque, down from the Cooper D’s 110hp and 177 ft-lbs. When combined with a six-speed manual gearbox the One D will hit 62 mph in 11.5 seconds.

Other fuel-economy technologies on the car include a start-stop system as well as a regenerative braking system that will re-use electric energy generated to power on-board electronics.

Like the One, the One D will be more stripped down, with a roof painted to match the body as well as mirrors and a trunk handle in black.

The MINI One D will go on sale in September.

[Source: CarScoop]