First Pre-Production MINI with BMW 2.0L Diesel Engine

While those of us that live in the U.S. are still waiting for the first MINI diesel model, the fellows in Europe have already been enjoying them for a while. But the big news today, according to Motoringfile, is that sources close to MINI indicate the first MINI model rolling down the production line at the Oxford Plant equipped with a 2.0 liter BMW diesel engine.

Don’t get your hopes up yet, the car is still in the pre-production/testing phase and the rumors of a MINI featuring BMW diesel engines have been going around since March when Autoblog reported their findings.

The MINI diesel powered vehicle tested at the Oxford plant was the R55 Clubman, which apparently was paired with the third generation 2.0 liter twin-turbo diesel from the BMW 123d, an engine that outputs 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy on the 123d is rated at 54 MPG.

Unfortunately, there is no confirmation on when we would see the first MINI diesel coming to the States, but the future does sound promising for all the MINI fans.

3 Responses to “First Pre-Production MINI with BMW 2.0L Diesel Engine”

Tom Hegedosh says:

May 6, 2009 at 3:10 am

300 pounds of torque and 54mpg? wow

Doug says:

May 6, 2009 at 11:04 am

@Tom Hegedosh: Probably not at the same time .

Piya says:

June 17, 2009 at 11:30 pm

54mpg with this much hp and torque, what is the weight of the car? Is it all carbon fiber?