2020 Mini Cooper Cooper S on 2040-cars

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2014 Mini Cooper rockets into view

Here it is, all but undisguised. We've been clocking the 2014 Mini Cooper for months now, but engineers' well-placed camouflage has meant that our views have been very limited. Today, though, the disguises have been cast aside and the new Mini has been revealed in both standard and Cooper S form during a photo shoot, and there are some real surprises afoot.
For one, we had no idea that the Cooper would adopt the LED daytime running lamp corona headlamps from the much-loved 2011 Rocketman concept, but there they are, looking both unique and a little frightened. The front grille has been resculpted and and is now more rounded, integrating the bumper strike face in matte black. In fact, the entire nose looks a bit more rounded to our eyes, with all variants carrying a small but noticeable power bulge (shown here on the S model above the intake slot in the hood). The profile looks largely unchanged save for a slightly faster windshield, but the rear picks up a set of oversized taillamps that we'll likely have to see in person to get comfortable with. Our spy shooters tell us that the 2014 Cooper, codenamed F56, appears to be slightly larger in the metal than its predecessor, as expected, with much of that length coming in the form of a longer front overhang (perhaps to assist with pedestrian safety regulations).
Expected to ride atop the same UKL architecture shared with the upcoming BMW 1 Series GT and MPV, the entire line of Coopers may move to an all three-cylinder lineup, including BMW's 1.5-liter I3 that features a twin-scroll turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing, a combination good for anywhere between 120 to 200 horsepower. Eventually, higher-performance models could generate up to 300 horsepower out of this tiny engine. Our well-connected lensmen suggest that at least one four-cylinder engine might carry over to the launch of this new generation, but it may only be available for the first model year.

Mini Multitone Edition brings triple-color roof to more models

Last year's refreshed Mini line-up introduced the "Multitone" roof for the Mini Cooper SE. It featured three paint colors on the roof that faded into one another. Now that option is available on many more Minis with the Multitone Edition, which also picks up a unique design and trim pieces to accent the fancy top. The Multitone Edition is available on all Mini 3-Door and 5-Door Hardtops as well as the Clubman wagon. The Hardtops are only offered in "Sage Green" while the Clubman only comes in "Indian Summer Red." All of them get a Multitone roof in white, silver and black (the blue and red options from the SE seem to remain exclusive to the little electric hatch). Setting this grayscale roof apart is a set of perpendicular "rainbow" stripes done in a satin clearcoat. This motif is continued around the car where it appears in the two-tone green and red badging on the wheels and fender "scuttles." It also appears on the dashboard and other interior trim. And on the topic of trim, parts that were chrome on regular Mini models are a bright gloss white such as the light surrounds, door handles and fuel filler cap on S models. Two-tone alloy wheels are offered in 17- and 18-inch sizes. Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet. Expect to see the option available sometime this year, and a small premium over whatever trim level it's added to. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2024 Mini Hardtop winter testing footage before unveiling

2020 Mini E spy photos reveal its interior

The 2020 Mini E electric hatchback has been spied once again. It doesn't reveal much on the outside, in fact it actually shows less than the last time, since this one doesn't have the groovy concept-inspired wheels. But our spy photographer managed to get a good shot of the interior, which reveals some neat details. Chief among the interior's changes is the instrument panel on the steering column. While current gasoline-powered Minis have a typical needle-and-dial set of gauges on the column, those have been replaced by a thin screen. In an effort to keep it from looking too out of place, it has semi-circle ends and a chrome ring around the screen. Odds are that the actual screen will likely be in the middle, and additional warning and indicator lights will fill up the circular ends. Other than the screen, the only other major change is the shifter. Instead of the round leather knob of conventional automatic Minis, it has a more rectangular knob made entirely of plastic. The rest of the Mini's interior is like any other current model. The vents, controls and infotainment are all taken right from the other Minis. Interestingly, this Mini E has carbon fiber interior trim. This will probably be an option, not standard equipment. We expect the electric Mini Hardtop will make its debut sometime next year. If we're lucky, it may make the same 204 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque as the original Mini E and more than that car's 150 mile range. Related Video: