Mini News: Mini To Possibly Separate JCW Models, Diesels Likely

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 27, 2012

Mini Boss Kay Segler has revealed some interesting information to Car & Driver this week. First, Segler talked about Mini’s John Cooper Works possibly becoming something like BMW’s M performance brand. This idea comes with good and bad news - if it was implemented, that would mean JCW models would be positioned as stand-alone models, which means more power to differentiate them.

Unfortunately, Selger said that AWD was currently too expensive to implement in Minis unless the brand sees a large sales volume increase. Executives and engineers know they’re almost hitting the wall on how much power can be sent to the front wheels with the JCW models. The question of how power will be added is up in the air at the moment.

Segler also talked about diesels. He said that the most common request American customers is diesel engines.

“We’re delighted to hear it. We are looking into this not for the short term, but for the medium term,” Segler said.

In other words, expect a diesel option after the third generation Mini is launched.

Source: Car & Driver

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[Drew Dowdell]

interesting that diesels are requested so often... but Mini Drivers are a unique bunch.

[David]

AWD would be cool with a Hi output Diesel.

I also agree Mini Drivers are a Unique Bunch.

[FastMiniRob]

Yes we MINI and Mini drivers are unique. I for one would love to see the MINI COOPER D and D S models come to the states. I know I will buy one for commuting and such. People in Europe are getting up to 60 MPG out of them

[ocnblu]

I like the idear of a diesel MINI much more than any prospect of an electrified one. Just in case no one knew that.

[Drew Dowdell]

I dunno. A 560 horsepower awd all electric Mini-Cooper could be a hoot.

[ocnblu]

Ew. Super-glorified golfcart with no place for your clubs. The wrong sort of hummer.

Edited January 28, 2012 by ocnblu