Back in the 70s, the first great oil shock threatened to obliterate the fun in driving. This time around, that’s not the case. Modern electronic management systems and highly efficient engines are allowing engineers to create drivetrains that provide outstanding fuel economy and performance. Combine those two elements with a great chassis and you can have a blast behind the wheel — without draining your wallet or your conscience.

Such was the case with AutoGreen, which had the opportunity to spend a few days thrashing some European unobtanium, courtesy of Bosch Automotive Systems. The MINI Cooper D (as in diesel power) combines 177 lb.-ft. of torque with the already competent MINI chassis, and delivers driving thrills while returning a massive 47 mpg!

They will be gray with yellow roof, without stripes or Union Jack diverse: this time the goal is zero pollution, did not appear among the boulevard California. BMW, under the Project, has planned to build five hundred electric Mini to be allocated at Golden State, so as to lower the amount of emissions Bavarian manufacturer in the western state.

Quattrocentonovanta of them will be put up for sale, while the remaining will feature show-car. The German manufacturer has not provided additional details on plans for electricity, which will still be disseminated within the year.

Late in the evening yesterday we wrote that the agreement between Fiat and BMW groups, formalized during the day, two far as specific brands, Alfa Romeo and Mini. But around what will develop this joint venture?

According to reports Automotive News, is not only the technique to be the subject of the agreements, because the BMW Group will help the commercial return of Alfa Romeo in the United States. As revealed by an official spokesman of Turin, the network of dealerships Mini in America may well also cover the sale of Alfa.

A step further then, compared to joint communiqu, which literally spoke of an agreement for the possible cooperation between Mini and Alfa Romeo on components and architectures. In fact, Fiat speaks explicitly in his own pr of American support in the launch of Alfa Romeo by BMW Group.