CarBuzz: The New 2014 MINI Cooper Spotted for the First Time Ever May 16, 2012

Mini’s next-generation Cooper has been seen for the first time.

Towards the end of March, we saw the last of the last-generation Mini Coopers finishing up some testing.After seeing the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP, we knew it was only a matter of time until Mini broke cover on their next-generation model, known internally as the "F56."The 2014 Mini Cooper prototype seen here was testing on the public roads of Europe and is wearing a full-body camouflage wrap.

Very few details are currently known about the new Cooper, however we do know that it will share a chassis with the next-generation BMW 1-Series and that it will carry a lineup of four-cylinder turbocharged plants. A three-cylinder option has also been touted by BMW as something new for the iconic British car.The heavily-camouflaged prototype seen here looks as if the Mini will grow slightly, adding a bit of width and length. We can also see that the grille looks to be a bit shorter and a little wider.The hood and front overhang appear to be longer than the current Cooper.

Whether these changes are the real deal or just fake body panels added by Mini to fool us, only time will tell.In addition to the increased size, the front and rear windshields also appear to be more raked than the current-generation Mini Cooper. Production of the new Mini Cooper should start the first quarter of 2013 with a convertible following in early 2014.
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Looks like the front sticks out more. Can't tell anything else other than mentioned. Sure don't like the paintjob.

 

Looking past the disguise, the proportions are just getting worse and worse...pity...

Whether these backwards moves in aesthetics were caused by regulations or not, I'm sad for the new Mini buyers...

It appears that they're going to 185 or 195 tires...



progress? I guess that depends on the eye of the beholder...

 

Yea it looks terrible. R53 values will go up.

 

The more I see it, the more I dislike it. That overhang is atrocious and what the heck is with the slant on the boot window? It looks weird. I want the next generation to be smaller or the same size not larger. Why on earth would they make it larger? Also, the boot hatch looks like it'll be a funky shape versus the current clean lines.

On the plus side, this does make keeping my R56 long-term much more attractive because mine is so much more attractive than that concept.

 

Yes, that is not a Mini I would buy. The side profile looks like an early 80's Toyota Tercel.
I'll stick to my R53. Those who still have one have a future classic in their hands.

minirooferS: I agree!

 

those tail lights are awful.

 

I will definitely not buy it unless they refine those damn tail lights. I do like the front headlights it looks mean for once. Since mine looks like a happy camper haha. But hopefully the "S" and "JCW" has a better 0-60 in low 6's and/or high 5'. Also fix the brake dust and put a freaking DSG transmission for the Auto's! And if the car is wider a bit like it looks, then put a bit wider tires on please!

 

I can't believe how much the front overhang has increased. That's one of the things I love about my MINI.

 

Just hope it's all part of a mock up disguise and the actual 2014 MINI will look great.

 

I'm hoping this is just a disguise because this design is tragic in many ways. I would not consider buying one.

 

Good call pepperstripes. They're just trying to make us all sick so that we will be excited when the real one comes out.

 

Ugh........Just one more reason to keep my 2002 R53 forever.
Kevin

 

Those are bolt on tail lights, they aren't the actual ones that will be on the car.

 

I am fairly certain that is a test mule for the new Frontwheel drive BMW not a MINI. This came up in the Car Lounge a while a go.

 

We are past those stages now for that being the case. Go over to motoringfile.com as they have a lot of updates on the car.

The shots of the interior have surfaced and this is definitely the next generation MINI.

 

 

I hear ya!

At one point I considered on getting a newer MINI, but over time that's changed. I plan on keeping my 2005 R53 pretty much indefinitely. I love it too damn much.