What should we enthusiast call the year groupings of the MINI’s body styles?

Should we use the “R” designator, used by MINI? R50 for ’02 & up and R56 for the next generation body style?

How about the ’02 & up being called the Mk1s and the next generation (supposedly coming out in 2-3 years) being called the Mk2 (read as Mark 2 in honor of its Euro heritage)? What about Gen 1 and Gen 2 like RX-7s?

OR....should we just use the project names like R50 & R56? The only problem with those is they seem a little encryptic for new owners coming onboard in the future. Sounds too much like Trekies referring to an episode by its number only.

 

As it's a carry-over from BMW-speak, I'd guess the R5X designations will hold. R50 for Coopers and R53 for Cooper S's.

I'm pretty sure the "R" stands for "Rover", but where did "R56" come from? Did BMW publish this somewhere as the designation for the next MINI?

 

I guess it is up so us to some extent. As much as I'd love to see it, I'm afraid the MK1, Mk2 designation won't stick. Same with Gen 1, Gen2....even more so if that's an RX-7 thing.

Therefore, I predict we'll probably stick with the R50, R56, etc simply because when the discussions come up that's invariable the terminology that will be used. Pity...because it IS a Rover designation, but then maybe that's the only numeric continuity we'll have with the classic Mini. Using the same designations as the builder (R50, R56) will ensure our geeky communications are accurate and...if we are to be true geeks...we'll definitely want that.

 

Given the way people speak of other BMW products, it looks like the internal chassis code (R53, E36, etc.) is here to stay.