MINIMALISM, the MINI environmental philosophy, is about using only what you need – it’s based on the simple principle of ‘less is more’. At the heart of this is the car – we aim to lower emissions and improve fuel economy whilst at the same time retaining the characteristic go-kart handling and punchy performance that’s standard across the MINI range.

All model variants of new MINI Hatchbacks and MINI Clubmans (with the exception of the John Cooper Works models) are now supplied as standard with ingenious technology, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience.

The three key elements of MINIMALISM are; the Auto Start-Stop Function, the Shift Point Display and the Brake Energy Regeneration System.

The Auto Start-Stop Function, which comes as standard on manual transmission cars, automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart, the driver only needs to engage the clutch again before pulling away as normal. The benefit of this is reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions achieved effectively by using only enough fuel for your needs at that moment. The system can be de-activated at the touch of a button.

The Shift Point Display aids drivers of manual transmission MINIs in selecting the most economical gear in which to drive. The engine management system analyses speed, road situation, load and accelerator pedal position and based on this data it calculates optimum gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the cockpit display. Again, this reduces fuel consumption for the driver and reduces CO2 emissions.

Brake Energy Regeneration works by using an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, which saves fuel.  The IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or coasting) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is used by the IAC to charge the battery.

Added to this, there are also other engine developments which contribute to MINI’s increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions:
The twin-scroll turbocharger greatly improves the power-to-weight ratio of the engine, which means better performance, while using less fuel.
Then there’s fully variable valve timing. Most cars have two settings for valves – all the way open or all the way closed. But MINI’s valves are “fully variable”; the engine’s electronic control unit measures the pressure on the accelerator and this then controls the valve opening angles. This can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.

The volume flow regulated oil pump consumes up to 160 watts less energy than a conventional one. A switchable water pump is activated only when the engine has reached its regular operating temperature. And electromechanical power assisted steering, unlike hydraulic versions, only draws power when you’re actually turning the wheels. 

MINI uses Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres that are made of specialised materials in the tread and side walls. These materials offer significant reductions in fuel consumption by reducing the tyre deformation and rolling resistance.

What benefits do all these new technological developments have for your customers?

* Lower running costs through improved fuel economy (and filling up less often)

* Improved performance (quicker acceleration and improved horsepower)

* Lower tax - the MINI Cooper D is currently BMW Group’s most fuel-efficient car recording 72.4mpg on the combined cycle and C02 emissions of just 104g/km. The MINI Cooper D Clubman nearly matches these statistics recording 68.9mpg and 109g/km. Both cars are Band B in relation to Vehicle Excise Duty tiers and cost just £35 a year to tax

* Doing your bit - environmental responsibility is achieved through lower emissions of CO2

Date added: 10-Jun-08

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