I hope this is the right place to post this!

I owned a 2005 DS/B MCS that I ordered as a kind of "bare equipped" model with LSD, no sunroof, etc., and sold it in 2007. So I've been considering another MINI Cooper S, or possible Coupe S, possibly even a JCW.

I've read as much as possible about the various engines and their quirks and problems, and I've gathered that the '11+ is the way to go, but I don't like the looks of the upcoming concept and camouflaged cars, and want to get a new model with the current look. I can't seem to find any info on whether the 2013 model is going to look like the current models or be changed. Basically, if I wait until fall to order one, what should I expect for cosmetics, features, options, and engines?

Thanks for the help, and I hope to be a MINI owner again soon!

 

There has been no real exterior shots of the upcoming generation. So you might just have to wait a little bit to find out what it looks like.

 

Model year '13 will be the same design as '11 and '12 with very little changing if anything. '14 will be the new design, at least for the hardtop.

 

I am pretty sure '13 is the new generation starting. At least that is what I keep hearing from Motoringfile and WRR.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/01/...ails-revealed/

So I would interpret that (as did SteelersFan) as you will have the opportunity to purchase the current 2012 and also next year 2013 models as R56.

If you want the 3rd gen car, you will have to wait until late 2013 to purchase a 2014 model. And you can expect to maybr know what the 3rd gen car will look like sometime in 2013.

 

Here are the spy shots of the 2013. Kinda hard to tell by the camo, but if it's any indication, the front end looks uglier. Also, the interior of the test mule has a rather conventional looking interior!

http://www.motorauthority.com/pictur...ry-1#100379568

 

I do not care for the front end or the front fenders starting to like a 90s Firebird.

 

Those are not legit photos. Motoringfile debunk those not to long ago. That was just a test car for BMW and for software and such.

 

That's comforting to know!