MINI Cooper D to get 72.4 MPG

By Leroy Brown on May 25th, 2007

Hybrids are all the rage these days, what with the Prius being rated at over 50 MPG ( estimated mid 40’s for 2008 ). Our good friends overseas have something even better though. The upcoming Mini Cooper D, due to start being produced in August 2007, is expected to get a rating of 72.4 MPG - without the help of hybrid technology.

That’s right, over 70 MPG with no hybrid powertrain - something that, to my knowledge, has never been done before. Hell, only the smallest of hybrids, the Honda Insight, has been rated that high. So, how does BMW eke that mileage out of the Cooper D? Take a look -

Brake Energy Regeneration
Auto Start-Stop Function

Basically, features that to this point, have only been available on hybrid vehicles. My question is this - when in the world will we see this vehicle in the US? The wife has been mulling over a Mini for her next car ( probably will go with the Altima Coupe at this point ), but if the Cooper D comes here with 70+ MPG, that might change things.

Link.

Categories: Gas Mileage

2 Responses to “MINI Cooper D to get 72.4 MPG”

Puragra Gupakurta on May 11th, 2008 at 7:35 am

It is highly likely that America will never see the Mini Cooper D available. The simple truth is that big oil (Exxon, Mobil, etc.) are quite happy with their record profits and are equally happy to line the pockets of politicians and the heads of the EPA to keep fuel efficient cars away from our shores. We have seen that the EPA really isn’t looking out for the quality of air in America. For example, when California and 29 other states wanted to institute more strict fuel emissions standards, the EPA wouldn’t allow it. Why would the EPA do that? The answer is big oil. A car that can get 70+ mpg on diesel simply puts less pollution into the air - and less money into big oil’s pocket. Good news for consumers and the environment = bad news for oil companies. If you really want the Mini D, you’ll have to go to Canada and smuggle one back in your suitcase.
Tom on Jun 9th, 2008 at 9:41 am

“Big Oil” is not the problem. If you take a gallon of gas at $4.24 and break it down, aside from the Saudi’s ($3.01 or 70%), the next largest amount goes to the US, state and local governments combined ($.67 or 15.8%). The “Big Oil” companies get $.51 (12%), but that’s a combined refining cost and profit. Actual profit is around 4%. To be clear, the government profit is 100%.

Ignorance is bliss! We are all blaming the free market system, instead of targeting the bigger issue; our horrible legislator’s (both sides of the aisle).

Btw, I’d love to have that Mini Cooper D.

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