New MINI Has A Family Gathering

[BMWDave]

New MINI Has A Family Gathering


It's the biggest MINI adventure ever! Auto Express magazine can exclusively reveal how Europe's funkiest hatchback will spawn a whole family of new variants, shown in the mag together and on the road for the first time. With five new models ranging from the conventional three-door to a hot Speedster, there will be a MINI to suit all tastes, needs and wallets.

Regular readers will know work is well underway to develop the next- generation MINI hatchback. In issue 858, we revealed exclusive spy shots of the car, showing the revised bodywork. The big changes are inside; while the cabin will retain its retro styling, the dashboard gets a new look with plenty of fresh materials and switchgear.

The centrally mounted speedometer will be altered to incorporate the sat-nav controls. Ahead of the gearlever, the toggle switches on the centre console of the existing car will be redesigned to make them easier to use.

Engineers have also developed a new powerplant for the MINI range. A hi-tech 1.6-litre petrol unit is being produced with the assistance of PSA Peugeot Citroen, and it's this engine that will be used in the Cooper and Cooper S models. The entry-level One will keep its existing petrol unit until 2009.

A powerful new diesel engine will arrive in 2007, while the current 75bhp 1.4-litre oil-burner will be upgraded in September this year. The improvements will add 13bhp and shave two seconds off the 0-60mph time, while the model will also receive more standard kit.

However, the firm's plans go well beyond the hatch. The Convertible will get the new look, too, but buyers after something even sportier have a hot two-seat Speedster to look forward to. Thought to have a removable hard-top, the flagship model will offer a stiffened chassis to improve handling.

The MINI line-up will also be joined by a Clubman estate, while designers are toying with the idea of a beach-buggy-style Moke, which is expected before the end of the decade. Early indications are that the revised hatch will be unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007, before going on sale that summer. The Clubman won't appear until later that year, with the extended family pencilled in for the Tokyo Motor Show in 2008.
Chris Thorp

[EdG]

Any pics?

[BMWDave]

Any pics?

No, they only have pictures in the magazine, which is British only.  I assume some pictures will pop up soon on the internet though. :)

And welcome to the forums :)  Hope you have a great time posting here :)

[280Z Turbo]

2 seat speedster? Is this going to look like a mutated Beetle?