I haven't seen a 3rd-gen section yet, but maybe we should start one soon? It's going to be a long year, but I can't wait for the next Cooper Hatch!

According to Gabe and Nathaniel over at Motoring File, the F56 is going to be using a lot of the design language of the Rocketman concept:





I'm hoping the F56 gets Rocketman's tech and innovation, but I am also hoping that they make the styling of the F56 more timeless than trendy. The panel under the A-pillar being of a different color and so contrasting is rather superficial... Unless it serves a purpose?

I talked a little bit about it with the MotoringFile guys, and perhaps I'll be seen as less of a purist (in a sense of capturing the original feel of a Mini), but I am really hoping for some refinement all around... from styling to interior packaging and NVH levels ideally decreasing.

So what is everyone hoping/hopeful for in the F56?

 

looks likeit was designed in china

 

I am hoping they keep the 3-way front HK system and dont put the Midbass under the seats like in the CM as that will make it a deal breaker for me and i will just have to get an R56.

 

I just want three things: Styling that isn't a drastic departure from what we have now, go-kart handling, and no massive increase in price. That's there, I'll be buying one. Not there? I'll try to get a 2013 instead. Or further back if I gotta go used

 

Looks like it will have the "halo" headlights of the Rocketman concept. Hopefully it won't look too cheesy...

 

I see a front mounted intercooler. That I like... but I see a decent amount of body roll here. If this doesn't handle like a go-kart, that could be a deal breaker on the new generation for me.

 

A little silly to judge a car's handling by a photo, but something tells me that it will be better than its predecessor.

 

Judging by the way all new cars seem to be coming out with LEDs near the headlights, I think the halos are a safe bet. They could look really good as daytime running lights. I just hope that the other exterior changes arnt too drastic and that they work on upgrading the interior materials instead.
I have read that the central speedo is going, but I hope they keep the design language the same (i.e. large circular area in center of dash)
They can use it for a large Nav screen and other gauges, or whatever- I just hope they dont lose the general flavor of the car. We dont need another Honda/Toyota/Nissan style interior.

 

This is true, it just seemed to me that for the angle of the front wheels, there was a bit more body roll than I expected. I could be wrong, and, frequently, have been in life.

As for the central speedo, man, I hated that the first time I drove one, but have become quite accustomed to it and like it quite a bit now. I doubt we will see a Corolla style (or worse-2007 Charger) interior. Mini knows that the character is what attracts their buyers to those particular cars. I can see from the photo a lot of the design characteristics (grill, large round headlights, those mirrors) are still present.\

Edit: Just noticed a rear wiper. Is this a Clubman version already??

 

All MINIs have rear wipers, but I believe this is just the F56 aka hatch.

 

I was unaware of that, actually. I thought only the Clubman and Countryman did. Wow. Jeez. As I said, I've been wrong before. lol

 

Only time will tell what to expect of this new mini..I hope it shock us all in a good way and not disapoint like a bad squeal to a movie...

 

I hope the clutch feels better than the one in the 11+ (N18) That thing is horrible. Very long take up. and no real feel.. Also the throttle response is horrible.(even in sport mode it sucks...)

It's so much different than my '10 you'd think it was made by a completely different company.