Who said Toyota is the only company that has fuel efficiency figured out. BMW will be giving their MINI models technological revisions later this year that will result in increased performance while delivering amazing fuel efficiency; both without the use of hybrid technology.

When production of the new lineup begins in August 2007, all MINI model variants will be supplied with high-tech engine tweaks as standard, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising performance. To achieve this BMW will use technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display. All this will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.

The MINI Cooper D, which currently has a fuel consumption range of 64.2 mpg, will get an amazing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

Can we please have one in the US to?

Press Release:

72.4 mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries required.

MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

When production of the revised models begins in August 2007, there will be no requirement for alternative fuel sources or hybrid technology to achieve these stunning stats. All model variants will instead be supplied as standard with high-tech engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display complete a package that will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.

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 descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery.

The Auto Start-Stop Function, available with 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 need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. The system may be de-activated at the touch of a button when not required.

Switch 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 and accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates optimum gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the cockpit display.

Even without these technology advancements in place, MINI leads the new car market for year-on-year improvements in clean engine manufacturing. C02 output per car has been reduced in the last year by an impressive 14 per cent. Putting that into perspective, the industry average was recorded at a lowly 0.3 per cent.

To put the icing on the cake for customers, MINI Cooper D owners will continue to benefit from the car falling into VED tax band B. So savings are not only made in carbon emissions, but at the fuel pumps and the Post Office when replacing an annual road fund licence too. Little wonder then that MINI UK is again celebrating a month of record car sales!

I'm sure you know fuel is more expensive in Europe than in the US, reason why there are breakthroughs all the time. Diesels will always sell in higher number than in the US. It doesn't help that the US has some ridiculous emissions laws regarding diesels.

Think about BlueTec for Mercedes and BlueMotion for Volkswagen. OK Maybe in California. BMW are also working on a cleaner diesel technology because i think once Mercedes are able to sell the E320 CDI BlueTec in the US, they will clean up in the premium sector.

This car happens to belong to BMW. Why do you care what the cost of gas/diesel is when the car itself can run you most anywhere you want to for a month with no refill. Heck, you can travel all over Nigeria and still not need to stop to refill.

How can you compare a Car that gives you up to[b] 72 MILLES PER GALLON OF FUEL [/b] YOu put in it with any other car of lesser? Who cares if it is tagged mercedes or datsun. The fact is the car in this day and age will offer you the economic travel you need. you end up spending way way less on fueling up. Why compare it in anyway with a care that gives almost half or that

i dont think these minis are or rather would be easy to maintain in nigeria and by the way, how much does it cost? they look cute anyway