2014 MINI Cooper to Feature Turbocharged 3-Cylinder

MINI released information about its next generation of new engines today, confirming not only turbocharged 4-cylinder models but also a new turbo 3-cyliner.

The BMW sub-brand will offer a 1.5-liter three cylinder engine with 134 hp as well as a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp in higher-performing models. Both powerplants are turbocharged and make use of direct injection, variable camshaft control and variable valve control for the four-cylinder unit. They offer peak torque at 1,250 rpm. The 1.5-liter unit offers 162 lb-ft although MINI says that can increase to about 170 lb-ft temporarily with an overboost function.The larger four-cylinder boasts about 206 lb-ft at the same speed and both engines rev to 6,500 rpm.

Those engines will be paired to newly-developed manual and automatic transmissions. The manual gearbox is enhanced with with the ability to adjust engine speed for optimal shifts. A new automatic transmission will be able to communicate with the optional navigation system to adapt gear selection to the current route. While MINI didn’t say as much, that sounds an awful lot like the transmission technology first unveiled in the Rolls-Royce Wraith unveiled earlier this year in Geneva.

New MINI products will also come with electrically-adjustable dampers for the first time. Of course, the redesigned chassis is supposed to be stiffer to improve handling while making use of lightweight components to reduce weight. On top of mechanically improved handling, future MINIs will also come with revised electronic power steering.

MINI is expected to debut the 2014 Cooper hardtop at the LA Auto Show in November.