Executives at MINI have previewed advances in the realm of plug-in hybrid technology, with the first hybrid model from MINI getting ready to enter the lineup in the near future.
MINI says the “series development process for this car has almost been completed”. The new variant will feature a combustion engine providing charge for the electric motor, which in turn provides power to the wheels.
Executives, MINI brand management Sebastian Mackensen and head of MINI series management Peter Wolf, have since issued a statement confirming some details of its first-ever plug-in hybrid variant, which will take the form of the MINI Countryman. Sebastian Mackensen said:
“With this model we want to convince MINI customers of the benefits of hybrid drive… and impress everyone who already has hybrid driving experience with MINI’s unique go-kart driving feel.”
In terms of hardware, the chassis and suspension systems will be carried over from the existing Countryman, and engineers will distribute the weighty electric componentry across both axles for better weight distribution.
The company assures us that no amount of driving pleasure will be sacrificed with the plug-in hybrid variant, emphasising that the hybrid MINI will offer maximum torque, (at this point, an unknown figure) from a standstill, facilitating “catapult-like acceleration”, according to MINI.
Peter Wolf says that “in a hybrid MINI model, driving electrically must also be an exhilarating experience. This means that entirely electric driving is not limited to speeds of 30 or 40 km/h, but to speeds well beyond city traffic pace.”
The Auto eDrive system mated to the electric motor powering the MINI hybrid allows speeds up to 80km/h to maximise the battery’s efficiency, but drivers can switch to the MAX eDRIVE mode which raises the speed to 125km/h.
