I'm looking to get back into a Mini, and word on the street is the 2018 model will have some drastic changes.

1. When do the new year models typically release for ordering on their website?

2. I'm interested in the JCW model. Do these typically release at the same time as the Cooper and Cooper S releases? If not, what's the usual timeframe for them to be released?

3. I've read that Apple CarPlay will be on the 2018s. True?

My current lease ends in September, so my hope is that the timing will work out so that I can score a 2018 2 Door JCW in the fall.

Thanks.

 

From what I've read (I'm also waiting to order a JCW), the changes will be minor. The major change schedule is about 6-7 year intervals with a minor halfway through. The last major change was with the 2014 models.

Ive also read that CarPlay will be on the 2018s, but not necessarily the first ones off the assembly lines.

 

Any other intel out there? Especially around the timing of 2018 models. Trying to determine if I need to hold out a few months to wait for these vs. a 2017.

 

I am waiting to order a new JCW 3 door hatch myself. The stuff I've read on the internet suggests the new production run of the "face-lifted" minis commences on July 1, 2017. There are reported to be electronics upgrades as well as powertrain updates.

If I were you, like me, I'd wait for the new refreshed models.

 

Working at an Audi dealership that is selling 18s already, if you havent heard anything "groundbreaking" then it isnt going to happen.

Typically car manufacturers and dealerships dont keep secrets from the public in terms of what is new for a model year just for the possibility they will lose a sale.

If there was a big change coming then we would have heard about it by now.

 

Yea, we would have seen some mule cars running around in the UK or germany with coverup graphic on the outside.

maybe its out there and nobody had seen it yet?

 

MINI tends to keep things very quiet until it's actually in production. Small brand, niche market.

You won't hear much of anything until we reach the end of June, I'd say.

Regardless, I'd expect to see Carplay available later this year, in addition to a small power bump on the Cooper and S models.

JCW may not receive any changes drivetrain wise, but should receive the same interior and exterior updates.

 

This was the latest I've seen: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2...es-116848.html

When they launch the new year's models, does the JCW version usually launch at the same time?

 

2018 will be the life cycle impulse, more or less a small update rather than the big generation change between 2013 and 2014 (R56 > F56).

Historically, the R56 JCW official model released in 2009 compared to the 2007 R56 intro, but this was also the first time MINI offered a distinct JCW model vs. the tuning pack. For the 3rd gens I believe the JCW was released a year after the 2014 F56 introduction, in 2015.

Regarding LCI's, the R56 JCW adopted all the changes in 2011 except engine, that changed in 2013. There was no delay in production either. So I'd expect at least the F56 JCW to adopt the changes in this generation's LCI, except possibly engine. Hope this helps

 

Usually.

Like I mentioned earlier, I'd expect to see whatever stylistic and interior changes to get applied to the JCW - powertrain updates may not.

 

See a little head light design change maybe?

 

MINI USA had been sponsoring the Car Corrals at the IMSA Continental Tire Challenge Races and that is where they were doing a lot of New Release events, but this year it looks like nothing going on.


But we still show up in force to support LAP


Motor On!

 

I read somebody's reporting (guessing?)on one of the European sites that the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) was probably going to be part of the "refresh", as well as avionics upgrades to include CarPlay and a touch screen like they have now on the Clubman size cars.

I have a fully loaded 2013 S 3 Door Hatch I'm driving now. It is under extended warrant and pre paid maint until Mid December 2019. I can wait for the 2018s to be fully fleshed. I'd recommend waiting to any one that is on the fence.

 

Hmm I sure hope they fix the under bite on the 3rd gen front lower bumper area.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2017/02/...transmissions/

and

http://www.motoringfile.com/2017/01/...-lci-revealed/

Hope there really is a new engine.

Would make sense to wait and see in my opinion, whats another 4-6 months? The other thing is older models will go down in price post refresh.

 

I wonder if there is any support for an "All black" option instead of chrome on the various models?

 

Looks like all mini's are apparently getting DCT now:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2017/05/...e-the-details/
Im guessing everyone gets the same 2.0L engine but we shall see.