MINI to Adopt BMW Technologies

NEW VEHICLES MINI to Adopt BMW TechnologiesSPARTANBURG, SC (June 8, 2007) - BMW has announced it will begin offering its Automatic Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Switch Point Display systems in MINI D models later this year. Already integrated into BMW's 5-Series sedans, the new technology will enable MINI Ds - a diesel powered version sold in Europe - to realize fuel consumption of 72 mpg U.S. and CO2 emissions of 66 g/mile. 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 deactivated by the driver with the touch of a button when not required.  Brake Energy Regeneration uses a proprietary Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an absorbent glass mat lead-acid battery for energy storage. 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. In addition, whereas the energy generated by the engine under braking or descending a hill was previously wasted, the previously lost energy is utilized by the IAC to charge the battery.  Switch Point Display allows drivers of manual transmission MINIs to select 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. (Source: GreenCarCongress.com)