REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped; big, small, efficient and diesel (maybe)
Posted Nov 2nd 2009 2:56PM by Jeremy Korzeniewski
MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you'll please forgive us our one tired cliché of the day... BMW has big plans in store for its smallest brand. In this case, quite literally as the next model that comes from Mini will reportedly be the long-expected Countryman crossover, which we can expect to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010. All-wheel drive will make an appearance on the soft-road 'ute, and – drumroll please – we hear that a diesel engine is under consideration for the U.S. market... but don't hold your breath just yet.
On the concept car front, BimmerFile reports that Mini is working up a Moke revival that will be shown at an undetermined auto show sometime next year that's described as a small Jeep Wrangler and known internally as the SpaceBox. We're also told to expect a more mainstream concept built off the four-door R60 Countryman platform that would theoretically go up against such respected players as the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. The last concept that is rumored to be in development would share its inspiration with the BMW Vision Concept and feature technology from the automaker's eco-friendly Project i initiative.
Finally, the crystal ball tells us that the well-liked Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept seen earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show have been green-lighted for a hopeful 2012 debut. One year later, the stalwart Cooper hatchback is scheduled for its second major redesign since the Mini brand was first launched back in 2001, very possibly getting a new range of powerplants that will include three-cylinders for the very first time.
[Source: BimmerFile]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wincros 4:07PM (11/02/2009)
I hope they are not being seduced by confusion about the reasons for the great sales for the MINI. I think the sales are being pushed by not having any competition for a small, reliable, fuel efficient, high performance car with a nicely finished interior. I am sure it is not because of the increasingly tired looking retro gimcrackery, but in spite of it. Personally I look forward to a similar car with the BMW emblem and modern styling. Retro cute wears off before the car is paid for, I think.
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xyz 5:29PM (11/02/2009)
I own a Mini. Great car. Goes like a go-kart. And the best part about is that you won't get an old style car. The big dilemma BMW is facing is the fact that they can't do a major update - otherwise it wouldn't look like a Mini anymore. Hihihi. That's the reason why they try desperately to come up with different models. The Mini is more or less the same that came out nine years ago and might still be the same in another nine years. This keeps the resale value up. If it was just a BEV.... I would swap it straight away. Your chance, BMW, to get me upgraded!
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DanSprat 5:30PM (11/07/2009)
I ask Mini all the time when they are going to bring a diesel to the us. I will finally get one if they do. I'm driving a diesel beetle and a Mini would be much Mo Better.
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