The petrol Cooper S range uses a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo for maximum power output of 128kW (172hp) and 240Nm of torque (260Nm with overboost). The MINI One D on the other hand kicks out only 66kW (90hp) and 215Nm while its Cooper D brother works with 80kW (110hp) and 240Nm.
Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?
What gave the game away was the distinctive engine sound that diesel-powered cars are known for. The front bumper is of a slightly different design as well. Some prototypes that have been spotted carried the cosmetic-only bonnet scoop, while others did not. Therefore we can't really say if it will be kept or not.
If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.
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