2013 MINI Cooper
This week, the guys over at WorldCarFans have taken another batch of spy shots with the third generation of the Mini. One of the major changes of the new model is in the interior cabin where to my surprise, they decided to ditch the Big Ben-like instrument cluster and the center-mounted speedometer, opting for a more traditional layout which in my opinion is a very bad idea as one of the things that made the Mini so special was the cool dashboard.
2013 MINI Cooper
Anyway, the new Mini will be a little bit longer in comparison to the current generation as well as wider, featuring a more steeply raked windscreen as well as a longer hood, smaller front grille and thinner A-pillars.
2013 MINI Cooper
Under the hood, the entry-level Minis will probably get the new turbocharged 3-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesels, displacing 1.5-liters and outputting 128 hp (130 PS / 96 kW) and 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW). In addition, it will also come with more powerful 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engines that will also power the upcoming BMW 1-Series.
2013 MINI Cooper
As far as the Cooper S is concerned, it will get a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that should fire 178 hp (180 PS / 132 kW), while the hottest of them all, the JCW version will have the same engine, but it will be tweaked in order to output 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW).
Source: WCF
Post tags: Tags: 2013 mini, Spy Shots
2011 Mini Coupe
It seems that the third generation of the Mini will consist of 10 individual models and the first one that will hit the market is going to be the 3-door hatchback, codenamed F56. The model will be revealed before the end of this year and it will probably go on sale sometime in 2013. By 2015, Mini will launch 9 spin-offs, including a new version of the Clubman estate as well as an MPV which will most likely be called Traveller (internally known as Spacebox).
This new generation of the Mini is based on an all-new BMW-engineered platform dubbed UKL1. It has a FWD architecture and it will be available in two wheelbase lengths, featuring a MacPherson strut front suspension and a Z-axle rear end borrowed from BMW. The German automaker announced recently a 500 million pounds investment for preparing the Cowley, Oxfordshire for the 3rd gen of the Mini. Most of these 10 models are going to feature a new lineup of 3-cylinder engines developed by BMW which will be just as powerful as the current 4-cylinder units but will be able to provide more fuel efficiency.
The power outputs of these engines is expected to range from 120 to 160 hp and this platform is also suitable for the new 4-cylinder 2.0-liter BMW engines that could output more than 230 hp, which will most likely be used for the hot JCW version as well as for a potential all-wheel-drive Mini John Cooper Works.
Aside from this AWD configuration, the UKL1 platform is going to offer at least one hybrid drivetrain. In addition, the platform will be used for a new series of compact models that will wear the BMW badge, including 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, a tall 5-Series GT-styled model as well as a super compact sport utility vehicle.
Taking into consideration that there are going to be ten Mini models that will feature this platform, along with five BMW cars, this UKL1 platform will most likely become BMW’s best-selling vehicle range. With the launch of the third generation Mini, it means that the British car company will finally be entirely integrated into the BMW family. If you remember, Mini was saved by BMW when the broke up with the Rover Group.
More details about the lineup of the third generation Mini should be out in the weeks to come so stay tuned for additional details.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: 2013 mini, Mini, mini jcw, rumors
