Brand boss Stephanie Wurst told Top Gear that the new MINI will only have an automatic transmission. However, the top manager emphasized that MINI does not plan to curtail its motorsport programs, although until recently only three-pedal hatchbacks took part in races. The motorsport category in which the MINI factory team will compete has not been named.
The latest special version of MINI with three pedals is the three-door JCW 1to6 Edition: sales of the model in key markets are about to begin. However, for now, buyers can also order regular MINI hatchbacks with a manual transmission: in the USA, the manual transmission will remain in the configurator until Cooper changes generation.
It is curious that a year ago MINI organized special courses for those wishing to master the “mechanics”, and in the 2023 model year the manual gearbox was returned to the range after a multi-month break. In the new generation, the Cooper family will only have automated transmissions: petrol hatchbacks and convertibles will probably have a pre-selective “robot”.
Automakers are forced to abandon manual transmissions due to the incompatibility of manual transmissions with modern active safety systems. Almost simultaneously with MINI, Volkswagen Golf will finally switch to “robots”: the farewell three-pedal special version has already entered the market.
Forgotten concept cars: the mid-engine MINI
