I heard next generation mini cooper is due out later this year.

 

I like everything accept the steering wheel.

 

ditto

looks like they brought over the bmw 3series steering wheel design

 

It almost looks like the steering wheel straight outta the current 3 series...

 

That isn't the final version of the wheel, is it? Viewing on my phone but that sure doesn't look like a MINI Wings emblem.

 

At some point in time, I wouldn't be surprised BMW shares more parts with their MINI counterparts. If anything, I find that to be a good thing, because that means someone can possibly retrofit a BMW Perf Steering Wheel, which I totally want in my MINI.

 

Not as worried bout the inside as I am the 3cyl engine coming next model!

 

Not sure 2013. The builder for 2013 is online now on miniusa (I think) and the pics look te same. Maybe the 2014 or so.

 

2013 is the same as 12 the changes come on the 2014

 

Assuming that motoringfile.com is accurate.

 

Picture looks fake to me.

 

That's just a systems testing model, the steering wheel I would bet is just a placeholder. I would not doubt given what I have read that there will be a much more interactive steering wheel, but I think most of the common parts will be behind the scenes. Doesn't mean it wont use the same mounting and slip ring though.

Even though I am already invested in a 2012 model, I can only hope that the future motors do come from BMW rather then the french pile we have now. the 2.0 lt turbo that's pumping out 240 HP 260 ft/lbs would be nice in the s/jcw. Though I dont know if they had transverse mounting in mind with that engine, especially in a small package like the Mini

 

The power from that 2.0 BMW turbo would be nice but it sounds like a diesel at idle and is not as smooth as the Mini's Peugot mill. That's why I am driving a 2012 MCS rather than a 328i.

 

I do like the seats though, especially with the extension on the seat cushion for extra leg support.

 

Oh damn, I didn't even catch that! Finally put my sunglasses there like I had them in the ole BMW!

 

The 2014 date is from my MA before I would place my order I would never want the first year of any redesign.

 

This picture was leaked awhile ago and it was a test bed with a BMW interior. It is not the next generation MINI interior. Also the next gen isn't till 2014.

 

i got the info from here

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...er-s-spy-shots

 

That looks like a BMW i-Drive **** on the console behind the shifter. And I really hope there's more storage in the cubby this time!

 

iDrive is one of the systems I have read is supposed to be carrying over from BMW.

Supposedly there was also a "Mini" being tested that turned out it was a possible test bed for FWD BMW's. Their relationship is getting interesting...

 

I really, really, REALLY, do not like that steering wheel or the on/off toggle switch being down under the climate controls. If they changed the wheel back to what the wheel looks like now and moved the switch back to the button near the wheel (where the ignition would normally be), I would absolutely love it.