MINI2 has acquired what seems to be a video clip of a lightly disguised prototype of the next generation MINI – the R56. The car looks very much like today's MINI however with an obvious reworking of the front dimensions to fit the new engine. You can check it out here.
You can read further info about the new range of engines here.
<p>Could we see this new engine in the current MINI line-up?</p>
<p>We really don't know yet but according to <A href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/01/04/TheMINIGetsAPrince">this</a> internal list of engine and chassis combinations the answer may be yes, at least for the Cooper.</p>
<p>That is, at best, incremental change, hardly a “new generation.” But that is not surprising, and I'm not disappointed; most of us like the current interpretation of the classic. Deviating from this interpretation would be an incredible challange and a big business risk.</p>
<p>I don't understand why they'd replace the supercharger with a turbo, though. Why not just upgrade the supercharger? Sequential turbocharging is harder than it seems and invites a lot of durability issues. The upside: easy horsepower upgrades for modders.</p>
<p>The front headlights seems to be smoother and rounder,like a Porsche.</p>
<p>hmm, doesn't look any different to me, just all black.</p>
<p>The proportions of the front are slightly different. It's actually longer up front due to the bumper.</p>
<p>BTW I did get some confirmation from someone “in the know” that this is indeed a R56 mule in testing. However he stressed that the final design hasn't been chosen and what we see here may not be the final shape.</p>