The F56 came out as a 2014 model ((I can't remember if you could actually get it in 2013). And MF said that the next generation Minis will be 2023. So G1 was 5 years (02-06), G2 was 7 years (07-13), and G3 will be 9 years. That's a long time. I couldn't wait that long to replace my 2014 Coupe (Gen2).

 

There is rumored to be a 2nd F5x refresh for 2022, complete with spy pics. IMHO, MINI would not bother if a new design was really coming in 2023.

 

Those are usually just minor changes, maybe the headlights or something. I'm talking about the chassis, engine, tranny (like they did with my 2020 JCW car). Seems like a long wait to me.

 

My bet is on Chinese made electric MINI as the next generation. Could be another country but I can't see them sticking with gas vehicles.

 

I doubt the 4th gen mini's will be out by 2023. These B-series engines are doing great and they are here to stick around for much longer. If by then they do reach a 4th gen and still utilize the B46/B48 engines, I'll be much less motivated to switch just to get a new look and chassis. The switch between first gen to second gen, then 2nd to 3rd gen, these are some major updates and much motivation for me. But if we cross over 3rd to 4th gen without a new and improved motor, I'd be bummed out.

 

I don't think MINI has ever really thought of a new generation as bringing in a new look.

If you asked my neighbors, they would probably say that the only difference between the two MINIs sitting in my driveway, my R50 and my F56, is paint color.

 

The world is changing fast and auto companies are all in full-on scramble mode, even though they are trying not to look that way.
BMW/MINI is figuring out how to move up their hybrid/mild hybrid/full-on electric timeline.

California's governor just announced a date certain for phase out of fossil fueled cars in the state -- only 15 years down the road.

Also, long term, gradual design evolution saves money, but the reality is the underpinnings of future vehicles may require radical redesign.

And then there's what the techies say is the only future that makes sense -- autonomous vehicles. The "Utopian" concept would be app-based shared vehicles that you order up on your smart phone, like an Uber or Lyft ride. A quiet, non-polluting, pod-like, soulless electric vehicle zips up to your location and whisks you off to your destination. You stay buried in your smart phone, texting and doing social media while you are silently and safely chauffeured to your destination. No parking hassles, less traffic congestion, no bumper-thumper accidents because the MASTER COMPUTER controls all and optimizes deployment of vehicles based on sophisticated AI algorithms. We experience our unencumbered "freedom" while, in reality, we become extensions of the machine. And the machines know everything about us -- where we are going, where we've been, and all the other patterns of our lives. Big Data becomes Controlling Data, and we don't feel a thing. So, motor while you can and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts.

 

Non-polluting would rule out most electric vehicles. They still cause pollution, just not out a local tail pipe.

 

no,no,no. Powered by Flubber. Or superpower high capacity vehicle-mounted solar roof panels, that work at night. All gonna happen soon, right after COVID just magically goes away, as promised by the Leader of the Free World.

We have gone through the looking glass and there's no going back.

That's why we motor!

 

Perhaps in La La land. If it still there.
For the last 7 months CA license plates have been flooding our state, ignoring health mandates. Even the one Tesla, that almost ran me off the road trying to get to the only T charging station within 100 miles, was one of many CA Cockroaches appearing to flee the state.

On the other hand, most days one can see seemingly escapees from Jay Leno's garage driven by locals.

 

What engine does my 2010 JCW Clubman and the GT 3 have, the 305hp one, Is it the B46-48?

 

B48 iwith some upgraded forged pistons.

 

Didn't BMW announce, earlier, that they were going all electric within 5 years? They then announced, recently, "delay that."
It appears that the company does not know which path to take, understandably.
Tesla just announced more battery manufacturing problems and delays.
Perhaps technology needed is not there yet.

 

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So is the 2020 F56 JCW the B46 engine?

 

Oh, Tesla.

I good friend of mine bought his 2nd Tesla. It was sold as, and had the VIN of, a 2019. However, he finds out that it was actually built back during the 2017 MY, and stored away somewhere by Tesla. It is missing all the features and enhancements that Tesla added over those two model years (their missing is how he discovered this), and Tesla flatly refuses to add them.

 

Shouldn't we have Mr. Fusion by now and flying cars!

 

I think all Tesla's have auto-stop/collision braking that cannot be turned off. So they cannot run you off the road if push comes to shove! They're actually the best vehicle to cut off since they'll stop before hitting you!
*JOKING, JOKING! You should never cut people off!*