[IMGL]http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/members/nathan-albums-site-stuff-picture106-ozmini.jpg[/IMGL]MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – May 20, 2009: The first MINI fitted with the complete package of MINIMALISM technologies has arrived in Australia in the form of the new MINI Cooper D, helping this car achieve outstanding fuel consumption of just 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Below is a list of MINIMALISM technologies fitted to the new MINI Cooper D. AUTOMATIC START/STOP FUNCTION Why use up energy to go nowhere fast? Good question. The answer’s even better: the Auto Start Stop function, which comes with the manual transmission MINI Cooper D. The principle is simple: When the MINI Cooper D comes to a standstill, in neutral and with the clutch released, the engine is cut out automatically. As soon as the driver presses the clutch, the engine starts up again. Add up the number of times you are sitting idle at the traffic lights or in traffic and you get an idea just how much energy this could save. DRIVING TECHNOLOGY Saving energy while on the go: how does that work then? It’s all a question of the right technologies. And they’re available in the MINI Cooper D in abundance. Whether slowing down, changing up or turning round, the MINI Cooper D always puts its most ecological foot forward. SHIFT POINT DISPLAY Shift Point Display helps the driver choose the ideal moment to change gear – by working out the most economical ratio based on current speed and acceleration. If this differs from the gear selected, it prompts the driver to shift up or down via arrows in the rev counter display. BRAKE ENERGY REGENERATION Brake Energy Regeneration means that the battery is charged when the car is coasting or when the driver applies the brakes. The kinetic energy that is released is converted into electrical energy, which can be stored in the battery of the MINI Cooper D. SWITCHABLE WATER PUMP Watertight proof for the energy-saving qualities of the MINI Cooper D: the switchable water pump is activated automatically and only when the engine has reached its regular operating temperature. Just as automatic: the subsequent reduction in consumption and emissions levels. VOLUME FLOW REGULATED OIL PUMP Similar to its water counterpart, the oil pump provides only what is needed. And since it thus uses less energy − up to 160 watts less than a conventional oil pump −, it also helps to keep fuel consumption down. FRICTION-OPTIMISED CRANK DRIVE The only prickling sensation drivers will get in the MINI Cooper D is behind the wheel. The friction-optimised crank drive of the new-generation MINI Cooper D engine sees to that, guaranteeing smooth running aplenty −and considerably lower fuel consumption, too. COMMON RAIL TECHNOLOGY The pressure is on in the quest for improved fuel efficiency − quite literally in the case of MINI Cooper D. Common rail technology is based on a single high-pressure pump (“railâ€) that ensures that fuel droplets in the combustion chamber are extremely small. Finer droplets combust better than larger ones − and the better the combustion, the better the fuel efficiency. ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED STEERING (EPAS) By using electrics instead of hydraulics, EPAS helps to reduce fuel consumption. Unlike hydraulic systems, this electrically power-assisted system only uses energy when steering. If the wheel is inactive, so is the electric motor. LIGHTWEIGHT CHASSIS All muscle, no excess pounds: the MINI Cooper D owes its agility in no small part to the light-as-a feather aluminium chassis components, which help to ensure an excellent power-to-weight ratio. With fuel consumption reduced accordingly, it doesn’t weigh heavy on the environment, either. ALUMINUM CONTROL ARM The ground-hugging properties of the MINI Cooper D is enhanced by the aluminium control arm on the rear axles. Unique in the small-car segment, it makes for optimum contact between the wheels and the road − and optimum fuel economy, too. ALUMINUM ENGINES You don’t have to be a heavyweight to pack a punch, as the MINI Cooper D engine shows quite clearly. The lightweight construction with aluminium cylinder block and dual camshafts make for a swift drive − and fewer visits to the petrol pumps. UNDERBODY AERODYNAMIC PANEL Aerodynamics are anything but a drag in the MINI Cooper D. The specially streamlined underbody panel optimises downforce and helps to minimise the resistance factors that can swallow up a substantial part of the car’s energy. And the more energy you save, the more fuel you save. Simple as that. From theautochannel.com