So my SA told me today that the new MINI's are called an N14??? I know that is the engine, but what is he on about?
I'll eat my words if it's true, but as far as I was aware it is still an R56.

Chassis is still R56, Engine is still N14/Prince. The only thing that has changed is a bit of computer parts and some parts to facilitate a full Valvetronic system.

arent the engines in the 2011's n18's?

I'mnot completely sure but I believe an N14 is an NA engine & the N18 is turbo....

Your SA is obviously not an enthusiast.

The normally aspirated engine is the N12, the turbocharged engine is the N14.

With the new 20011 engines its N16 for the normally aspirated version and the N18 is the new turbocharged engine.

I got all this from BMW's RealOEM.com website.

Dave