The car enthusiasts news blog from Inside Line

Mini to offer AWD option in 2008

By Bob Holland | February 9, 2007

Good news for Mini and AWD fans out there; there will be AWD versions offered beginning for the '08 model year. Originally intended for the Clubman model, Auto Motor und Sport (via Leftlane News) says that AWD will eventually make its way to all models.

The system was developed by Getrag and reportedly has a RWD bias, with the front wheels engaging as needed. So from the sound of it, it appears to be a reactive on-demand unit...

Full story here.

Categories: MINI

7 Comments

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vvk says:

06:43 AM, 02/ 9/07

Initially I was thinking that AWD would go agains the MINI concept of MINImal weight. However, if the system really becomes primarily RWD, then it is really great news. A RWD MINI would be a tremendous improvement on already outstanding car.

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estreka says:

09:04 AM, 02/ 9/07

I'm not sure the interior car afford a naturally RWD setup. That takes up an awful lot of room. Also, 170hp for a AWD system might come across as sluggish, not to speak of the base model.

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roar02ram says:

10:15 AM, 02/ 9/07

Hopefully it's not a reactive system though...those aren't nearly as helpful in either handling or snow.

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rsholland says:

10:15 AM, 02/ 9/07

I hope so too.

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ateixeira says:

01:35 PM, 02/ 9/07

BMW's x-drive is pretty nice, and defaults to a rear bias. That would be pretty sweet.