Sometime in the next year we’ll start to see test mules and leaked photos of the F56, the third generation of the new MINI. These will lead up to an official online debut of the car before we see it make the auto show circuit. The F56 will signal a major sea change for MINI. Not only will it feature three and four cylinder versions of the next generation Prince engine, the F56 will share its underpinnings with BMW’s upcoming FWD 1-series. This has everyone interested in the brand scratching their heads wondering just what MINI has up their sleeve for the next generation. Will it be the Rocketman scaled up? Will it push back toward the venerable and well-loved R53? These are the burning questions many are asking, and the possibilities have inspired former BMW designer Sonny Lim to venture his own guess at what the next generation MINI could look like.

More speculative renderings and writeup to be found at MotoringFile...

 

Not Bad
Though the Three-Bolt lug pattern scares me >.<

 

eeww

 

Yah, if that's the next generation. Guess I won't be buying a MINI in the future.

 

Thats not for me.

Oh just for info. Didn't like the rocketman either.

 

That's how the first gen Mini owners felt about the second gen...

 

At least now we know why he's a FORMER BMW designer.

 

I am not sure about that new design.

 

I second that!

 

Yep, that's right. Not to dis 2nd gen Mini's, just like my 1st gen better.

Kevin

 

I want(ed) a Rocketman and like that this has some elements of that. I fear that this design is going to be better (and more MINI) than the one BMW has for the 3rd generation.

 

Please no.

 

It looks awesome. I love the idea of smaller, lighter, and simpler. Just don't get rid of the manual transmission.

 

I like smaller and lighter. Not the design.

 

ill stick with carma.

 

I agree...I like it!

 

as far as I'm concerned, each new generation of design is another move away from what I see as the core mini concept of elegance & efficiency thru simplicity and minimalistic design.just a bit too much stylistic foo-foo for my tastes.

 

so are they trying to destroy the look of mini's? there is nothing about this concept that even looks like the original.

 

Why does that look like a "mini" Range Rover Evoque?

 

Remember that this is not the next generation Cooper, it's just one guy's prediction.

 

True, I suspect the essential Cooper will remain "as is" with some moreorless minor changes here and there. At the same time, enthusiasts have been expressing interest in a pared-down, simpler, even more basic MINI for a long time...and then there was some enthusiasm for the Rocketman concept out there. MINI has been exploring bigger for awhile, it would not surprise me if they went for smaller or simpler, just to keep the range interesting, especially if the city car sector takes off.

As for this iteration, I'd not worry...I'm sure the car (should it come to pass) will read as a MINI.