BMW Group has dropped fresh details on the upcoming F56 2014 MINI hatch. It confirms that the new model will feature both BMW's TwinPower Turbo 1.5 litre three-pot and 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engines, with outputs of 136 hp/220 Nm and 192 hp/280 Nm respectively.
The BMW-PSA Prince engines will no longer be in service in the new hatch, but will continue in other existing models until the collaboration project expires in 2016. Also announced is a new 1.5 litre three-cylinder diesel engine making 116 hp and 270 Nm of torque, which is 7% more efficient than the 1.6 litre motor it replaces.
Revised six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered; the former fitted with a gear sensor that adapts the engine speed when shifting – much like the feature that has been confirmed for next year's BMW M3 and M4 and Nissan's Synchro Rev Match.
Another MINI first is the inclusion of adaptive dampers, offering the choice of "emphatically sporty" or "balanced, comfortable" ride and handling characteristics through a switch on the dashboard. To further improve control in high-powered F56 variants, a torque steer compensation system is installed in the electric power steering.
Chassis-wise, the 2014 MINI will be based on the new UKL1 platform co-developed with BMW (to be used in its future front-wheel drive models). It features wider tracks and updated lightweight suspension arms to improve comfort, handling, as well as cabin space, rear entry and cargo room.
The implementation of high-strength materials and extensive crumple zones allow the new car to be more rigid, yet lighter and safer than before. Also making its debut on a MINI is an active motor hood. The system raises the engine cover in the event of a collision between 20 and 55 km/h, as part of MINI's new standard pedestrian protection system.
The F56 2014 MINI Hatch will be unveiled in London on November 18, the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, the man behind the original Mini of 1959. We will cover its motor show debut in Tokyo just a few days later, so stay tuned for that, MINI lovers.
Then again, it's not like we haven't seen the car before. We have, multiple times, both inside and out. A set of photos even showed the three-door hatch fully uncovered, which eked out a hilarious statement from the Oxford-based company claiming that its new baby was photographed unflatteringly.
The MINI Vision Concept was shown a few weeks later, previewing the brand's new design language. By MINI standards, it's a stark departure from the current model, which has hardly changed since its 2001 rebirth under BMW's umbrella. With today's reveal, it's good to know there are plenty of advances under the hood as well.
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