Look like this forum does not have a section talks about next Gen Mini Cooper. Any info?
Thanks!
-Mike

 

The next Gen MINI hatch is due out in March 2014. Big changes including engine,interior options, and technology. I think Motoringfile.com had some pretty good coverage of the changes last week.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/index.php?s=f56

 

I hear BMW is going to change the name to MINMAX.

 

looks like theyre going to F it all up.... :(
guess ill have to roll with the Best mini until she dies. R53! R53! R53! lol

 

Absolutely.

 

Is the body style changing for the Hardtop? And is it getting an adjustable suspension?

 

^It is getting adjustable dampening as an option. I assume it will be exactly like BMW's adaptive suspension (being able to choose from sport and comfort modes)

And yes, it will be a redesigned MINI hatch.

 

Supposed to be getting a 2.0 liter this time around too. Which is cool. But then they F it all up with a super lame *** interior.... No center speedo, diff shaped air vents all over... Very "general"...

 

I just left Tom Bush MINI and saw the rep there who confirmed the center speedo is history but will remain an info center with a LED ring. So if your phone rings it will iight up. The 2.0 he can not discuss, but said it will have a BMW engine.

 

I would consider a Paceman All4 with a 2.0T. I know many feel the center speedo is sacred, but I never even look at it, so I could get over it.

 

I never look at it either.. But it's one of those things that are associated with the Brand of Mini and makes it different from all other brands out there..

 

Oh yeah, I agree with that. It's just low on my list of criteria. There are a lot of cars I've liked with bland, generic, or ugly interiors. (Most BMW's, S2000, WRX, Ralliart, etc.)

If the Gen3 cars with the 2.0T have the right "driving feel" and are comfortable to sit in, I won't care whether the big dinner plate has been phased out or not.

 

x3 supercharged JCW ftw

 

Its not being phased out. It just wont be a speedo anymore.

 

yeah the cars will come standard with a version of MINI connected so the screen will be in the center stack instead of the speedo. Looks like a bunch of new gadgets are coming though that should be interesting. Ive heard adaptive cruise control, park assist, and so on. I'm actually pretty excited to see the start/stop toggle switch in action. All keyless entry now so it has a large red toggle switch in the center stack to start the car.

 

those cockpit pics look quite cool. the start/stop toggle is sweet

probably sacrilege but I never liked the center speedo. went with the cockpit chrono pack. looks like good use of that space in the new car. that said I personally never cared for the rectangular nav screen in the round speedo opening'

not to start a war here but it did seem to me that the 'essence' of the original car has steadily been diluted, mainstreamed... must be a tough balancing act for the designers to retain a car's character while trying to bring it into the core bmw fold.

 

Many of the new changes to these cars are the result of years of bad reviews on JD POWER surveys. As a motoring adviser we are told to focus on where window controls and door locks are. I guess this is MINI trying to please the masses. I agree though with bradnic as it must be difficult to balance making as many people as you can happy while keeping the MINI diehards happy as well.

 

A HUD of the speedo on the windshield would be kind of neat if viewable for the passengers I think.

I don't really use the current speedo myself but have been told by my father in law (who doesn't see too well) that it is just the right size for him lol

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

a HUD will be a new standard option I believe but only visible to the driver like the current 3 series.

 

I don't like the direction they're going with the exterior design of the 2014 models. I'm starting to think I should trade in my 2008 Clubman for a new Hardtop before the 2014s come out.

 

really? I couldn't really see much. are there good pics out now of the exterior? I've only seen this cold weather test vid. doesn't look much different, but then again these cars are camo'd

 

I admit, that's all I've seen of it too. But looking at pictures of the Paceman, and what little I can see of these camo'd ones, seem to be looking less like a MINI and more like a Mazda. I could be wrong. But I don't want a bigger MINI.

 

+3 absolutely agree with you. this whole "mainstream and go bigger" thing affects all the car companies. I see the "look like mazda" too.

 

Is it safe to assume that it will be impossible to replace the factory radio?