Sneak Peek at the New Mini Cooper

In a rare move, BMW has released early photos of the next generation Mini Cooper before its official launch and unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September. We can’t guess why BMW went in this direction, but it probably serves them better to build buzz around the new Mini instead of trying to hide what it looks like. Plus, while other automakers may check in on others’ designs, no one is going to try to copy a Mini. Note the colored tape covering lighting elements on the body — a common trick used to throw off competitors.

From the official information we’ve seen we can expect a much improved interior, but no shots of the interior have been released. And for gearheads, the engines of both the Cooper and Cooper S have been replaced with more advanced models that produce 120 and 175 horsepower respectively. The Cooper S will replace its signature supercharger with a turbocharger setup. Both cars are said to get improved fuel economy, with the base Cooper getting around 40 mpg, up from 36 mpg highway on the current model.

We like the looks of the new Mini. It’s what those in the business call an “evolutionary” new design; one that builds off the old look. With the improved fuel economy, two added inches of length, and a much needed interior update, we expect the next Mini to be even more popular when it goes on sale in the U.S. in February 2007. For a dozen more photos click the link below.

[Source: MotoringFile, BMW]

Comments

This still looks lightly disguised. The yellow around the rear lamps of the yellow car is not the same as the rest of the car, and that odd slice of colour on the outside of the front lights is ... odd.

Graham,
Good eye. As I noted in the story there are still some aspects that are disguised like youmentioned, as well as the little S badging on the side of the fenders.

I dunno, guys. Haven't you seen bezels like this before? I was shopping for a used Miata, and one I found had these body-colored things on the headlight and taillight clusters. Apparently they came in an option package. The first thing I did was contact Mazda to find out how easily I could remove them if I decided to buy the car. They said I could peel them off with the help of a hairdryer. I see a wrinkle or two in the Mini photos, so let's hope it's just camouflage -- or that you get a free hairdryer with purchase.

GO TO THE MINI INTERNATIONAL SITE THE OFFICIAL PICTURE ARE OUT BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE INTERIOR IT IS TOTALLY MINDBLOWING CANT WAIT FOR THE PUBLIC REALEASE DATE!!