Mini Says No to Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain

Wikedmini · Aug 19, 2010

Want to make a hybrid system even more efficient from a pure MPG perspective? Pair it to a diesel engine. But there are some disadvantages, namely increases in vehicle weight and overall expense of the system itself. It's these hurdles that have Mini backing away from a diesel-hybrid powertrain. Instead, the BMW-owned automaker says it will focus on improving the already impressive fuel economy of its diesel-powered Minis.

Mini has partnered with PSA (an alliance between Peugeot, CitroÃ«n, and others) for its engines in the past, but as the French automaker looks to begin implementing a diesel-hybrid system, Mini won't follow suit. Previously, BMW and PSA co-developed engines for Mini, but all Mini engines are now sourced from BMW. Although PSA plans to install a diesel hybrid system in the CitroÃ«n DS4 and Peugeot 508 in the coming months, Mini is balking at using it due to the high cost and excessive weight.

"It only brings fuel savings in town, not on the faster, more open roads," Wolfgang Kuttler, head of Mini diesel engines, told Autocar. The system would likely perform similarly as a gasoline hybrid, returning better fuel economy in city driving as compared to highway driving. The added expense wouldn't likely pay dividends in the United States, either.

Read more: Mini Says No to Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain - Wide Open Throttle - Motor Trend Magazine
Click to expand...

Mini News & Auto Blog | Mini Information - Wide Open Throttle

Forums

Mini Says No to Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain

Wikedmini MINI of the Month - December 2009

Share This Page

Useful Searches

Mini Says No to Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain

Wikedmini MINI of the Month - December 2009

Share This Page