Earlier today German BMW site Bimmertoday published a report that coraborated something we’ve been saying since 2016. MINI is getting a DCT (dual clutch) and it’s coming in the 2018 model year. Since this report was published we’ve heard from one source that has both confirmed it as fact and given us a bit more detail.

Here are the details. Beginning this fall you’ll be able to order your F55, F56 and F57 Cooper S (and JCW) with a DCT transmission. This change will be part of a mild LCI (BMW speak for refresh) that will focus on mechanicals over design changes.

What about the Countryman and Clubman? That’s the new bit of news. MINI will also be offering the DCT in both of the larger MINI models on the Cooper S and JCW models. Timing appears to be slightly delayed over the smaller cars with the switch over expected sometime in 2018 according to a source.

What about the LCI? It’s important to note the LCI should be focused on the three smaller MINIs with the Countryman and Clubman being revised later in their life cycles. For full background on the refresh, check out this recent MotoringFile story. Here’s the executive summary:

– The refresh should begin with September production.

– The update will include a revised family of newly refined engines that will produce slightly more power and be slightly more efficient (Confirmed for the Cooper and Cooper S)

– Exterior changes will include new lights bumper and wheel designs along with three new colors.

– Interior changes will include new trim and leather options

– Apple’s CarPlay will become optional for the first time along with MINI’s new touch iDrive

– OptionaDCT for Cooper S and JCW (Cooper models will likely stick with the Aisin six speed as the optional automatic

Moving from a torque converter automatic to a DCT is an interesting change of direction for BMW – a company that has thus far eschewed the use of dual clutch transmissions outside of M models and a few rare series models. The reason is that costs for dual clutch transmissions are typically higher given the complexity in design and manufacturing. The only way VW has been able to do it in mass is the sheer volume they can leverage. What appears to have happened is that BMW and MINI found a willing partner in Getrag ready to bring costs down in order to battle the increasingly popular 8 and 9 speed automatics from ZF and Aisin.

What’s a dual clutch transmission and why should you care? Lets head to wikipedia for the formal description:

A dual-clutch transmission, (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission or double-clutch transmission), is a type of automatic transmission or automated automotive transmission. It uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. It can fundamentally be described as two separate manual transmissions (with their respective clutches) contained within one housing, and working as one unit. They are usually operated in a fully automatic mode, and many also have the ability to allow the driver to manually shift gears in semi-automatic mode, albeit still carried out by the transmission’s electro-hydraulics

Ok that’s a bit dry. What it’s really saying is that dual clutch transmissions use two clutches to allow for much more responsive, crisp gear changes. DCTs (as they’re known) shift quicker, and yet are nearly as seamless as the new breed of 8-9 speed torque converter automatics. They also offer similar MPG figures to the best automatics out there. In other words they offer more the performance without too much of a downside.

Does this change make you (re)consider an F55 or F56? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want more info on MINI”s 2018 refresh, head back to our original report.