MF Exclusive: MINI’s Next Generation (Part 1)

Sections: F56 Hatch | MF Feature Mar 9th, 2010 35 Comments

MINI has been a surprisingly big success for BMW. It started with the improbable R50 being designed and engineered during a time of intense turmoil at Rover and then BMW. It continued with a new engine and vastly updated and improved chassis with the R56. But those changes pale in comparison to what we expect to see with the 3rd generation MINI due in the fall of 2012 as a 2013 model in Europe and potentially a few month later in other markets (i.e. the US).

In this article (the first in a two part series) we’re going to take a look at the chassis development and high level design ideas behind the new MINI. Next week we’ll dive into drivetrain, interior and electronics changes.

Chassis Development

The R50 chassis was designed primarily by a team at Rover in the UK in the mid to late 90′s. The R56, while thoroughly updated, carried over much of the basic architecture of that original design. But for 2012 BMW has big plans to bring the MINI more into the BMW family of products.

At a high-level this means that BMW will be creating a common platform for models that span the BMW, MINI and potentially even the iSetta sub-brand that BMW intends to bring to market for urban areas.

These products will be created using a common architecture that will spawn both front and all-wheel drive products.

What does that mean for the MINI? MINI’s R56 and R57 replacement will be based on the same platform that will spawn new small car variants for the BMW and potentially iSetta brand. The rumored “0″ series (which could be the iSetta) is likely to be based heavily on the 2012 MINI for example.

Is this good for MINI? Unquestionably BMW needs to create more efficiencies within their brands in order to for further investment to make sense. What this gives MINI is the ability to update the core platform that underpins most of their product offerings. Presumably this allows for BMW to spend more on MINI than they otherwise would. Does this mean a lighter stronger structure? Certainly those would be the type of things that we’d expect from a more modern platform.

Interestingly this new platform that will spawn the next MINI will be used throughout the BMW Group in a number of ways. Specifically it’ll be capable of not only front wheel drive and all wheel drive due to the flexibility of it’s architecture. To be blunt we don’t know what this means for MINI but we do know that it should be (theoretically) easier to leverage components from one product to another if they share the same basic architecture and drivetrains.

Design

We don’t know any details but we’ve heard some vague information about what to expect for 2012. However one thing we have heard is that the next generation MINI will be staying the same size as the R50 and R56 and roughly the same weight (if not getting slightly lighter).

Now lets talk about changes. The design will continue to evolve especially in the front. One rumor we’ve heard is that the xenon headlights will incorporate some type of LED daytime running light technology similar to what is seen in BMW or Audi products. Also look for a larger and slightly more aggressive front grille both above and below the bumper on the MCS. Also on the Cooper S will be integrated into the bumper will be cooling ducts for brakes (likely introduced in the R56 refresh later this year). LED lights should also make their way to the taillights.

Finally sources are telling us that general shape is expected to be classic MINI yet more “dynamic” looking as compared to the current model.

Check back next week for a full look at the next generation MINI electronics, interior design and powerplants and some surprising changes in one key number

Written By: Gabe

http://www.facebook.com/creedcate Creed Cate

Lets not forget about updating and upgrading the interior As a fan, I would also like to see an industry first or leading feature (such as DOCK for iPod/iPhone with EXTREME integration of it’s available features). Let’s also play with more lighting elements inside the interior than the current R56- maybe color changing gauges and just more LED illumination. What about an adaptive suspension- heck VW offers or is going to offer this in their Golf lineup.
bnys

I know I’m going to probably get a little burned for writing this– but…

Non-bespoke platform â‰ MINI. Sorry. One of the things I always have prided my car on is that it’s so unique. I can’t help but feel this is another way BMW is diluting the brand.

At least the Countryman is a mostly unique platform! Initial reports of it being based off the BMW X1 were incorrect.
cze33r

Sounds promising, looking forward to info about the new engines too

I hope the new core platform loses none of the R50-R56 feel that we all know and love.
rkw

some surprising changes in one key number.

number of cylinders?
Minipuma

I hope the “more aggressive” front end doesn’t make the car look like some kind of cartoonish boy-racer. What’s nice about the MINI design (thus far) is that where it suggests sportiness, it does so with a nod to beautiful, classic sports cars like vintage Jaguars, MG’s, and, of course, the original Cooper.
KipperFillets

It’s nice to see Mini evolving, even if it does mean our current cars will be out of date.

When I got my R53 in Sept ’03, they were few and far between. People actually stopped to look, and I even had children pointing and waving. Now there are a million or so in my area, that feeling’s gone.

It will be nice to upgrade to more obviously unique designs to get some of that feeling back again!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Lets not forget about updating and upgrading the interior As a fan, I would also like to see an industry first or leading feature (such as DOCK for iPod/iPhone with EXTREME integration of itâ€™s available features). Letâ€™s also play with more lighting elements inside the interior than the current R56- maybe color changing gauges and just more LED illumination. What about an adaptive suspension- heck VW offers or is going to offer this in their Golf lineup.

It’s all coming next week :)

I hope the â€œmore aggressiveâ€ front end doesnâ€™t make the car look like some kind of cartoonish boy-racer.

A MINI will always retain a certain classic feel. This next generation MINI will surely follow along the lines of the R50 and R56.
RJ

To the question “Does this mean a lighter stronger structure?” i.e. using a common platform for a number of products….hmmm…hope so…but you have to wonder….GM has an excellent platform (from what I’ve read) under the Holden/Pontiac G8 and sister car Chevy Camaro….but that thing’s pretty darn heavy. I just hope that sharing a common platform doesn’t result in a bloated next gen MINI.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=157700491 Ronald Campbell

I have been waiting for some real news about the the 2012 MINI. Thanks.
Dusty S

You’re talking 2012 here, though where is the mid-life cycle changes for the current R56? Why would BMW make changes to the current model if they’re only gonna be in place for a year? Seems like a waste of resources, unless they carry some of that over to the 2012 model.
david

How do you guys feel about the LED headlight details? Don’t you guys find them trashy? Idare to say that it certainly doesn’t look great in any vehicle out there right now. Love the clay pictures by the way. I am a sucker for 1:1 models!!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Youâ€™re talking 2012 here, though where is the mid-life cycle changes for the current R56? Why would BMW make changes to the current model if theyâ€™re only gonna be in place for a year? Seems like a waste of resources, unless they carry some of that over to the 2012 model.

Not but ten days ago we exclusively reported on the R55/R56/R57 refresh and new colors for 2011 (coming in the fall of 2010).

As is customary with BMW products a life cycle refresh (or impulse in BMW speak) happens with two years to go in the product life-cycle. So that means that the R5X generation of cars debuted in late 2006 as 2007 models and will be refreshed in late 2010 (as 2011 models). The next generation car will debut in late 2012 as 2013 models.
bee1000

David – I think LED running lights look horrible. Hopefully they would be dealer programmable like DRLs are now (or are on my R53 at least).
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1134606899 Dean Cory

PREACH ON dee1000 AMEN Halelujiah! Keep DRL’s dealer programable!

Lighter = GOOD

Stiffer = Even Better!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631890151 Paul Lewis

lets just hope they don’t make the 3rd generation even more bland to drive than they did with the 2nd. If anything MINI need to get back to the characteristics of the R50′s and make it a real drivers car again – not a washed out bland drive for housewives and pensioners alike.

Obviously those markets are important but nearly all MINI clubs and forums I know are suffering from the lack of new owners compared to 5 or 6 years ago. My theory being a bland car equals apathetic owners.

The real drivers drivers whop bought the r50 in their droves have been turned off from the latest MINI’s and the MINI scene needs these enthusiasts back – as does the brand as a whole!
alpinamike

I like seeing the MINI in Clay process, looks really cool.
Aaron

Bring back the supercharger with its sweet whine? Get rid of the Sport button and make all cars “sport” by default?

On a more realistic note, I heard BMW is moving to 8-speed automatic transmissions, will that also be for MINI?
el hoq

2012 eh? Just in time for the end of the world!
Evan

No adaptive suspension. Bring back the electro-HYDRAULIC steering. That’s where the R56 loses out to the R50/53. Shed 100lbs. No problems with BMWs sharing the MINI platform. Part of the reason I love MINI so much is the BMW-ness.

Can’t wait for more details. And the likely revealing of the Clubman’s demise after 2012, which will be a shame. Akin to the next gen 3er and 5er tourings most likely not making it across the pond.
Paul Strieby

I’d like to see MINI lead the industry and incorporate a device that disables all cell phones from being used while the vehicle is in motion.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1536858748 Rob Rudorf

Minor issue but the clay car looks nothing like the rendering. Is this a real BMW image or something thrown together for this site?
alpinamike

yea, it looks like the adobe clay car from SNL.

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/86/86dadobe.phtml
Lukas

I know it’s coming next week, so we’ll just have to wait for the info. I hope the changes would align MINIs to their BMW cousins enough for them to justify the cost of finally bringing diesel MINIs state side.
goat

These teasing bits of info sounds good so far! :) Like other enthusiastic owners above I hope BMW sorts the looks with gen3 to bring back the small+trim+hunkered+bespoke detail look of the gen1, any change to the current interior is good change, and I hope steering feel is improved closer to the feedback-laden gen1 setup. Future AWD MINIs also sounds very enticing and might work to keep me away from the BMW 1-series.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=536703182 Michael Norris

question: will the coupe’ and speedster be built on this platform???
Bilbo Baggins

Paul Strieby “Iâ€™d like to see MINI lead the industry and incorporate a device that disables all cell phones from being used while the vehicle is in motion.”

Amen to that! Even if it would disable all calls within a given range, say 1 mile, that would be even better. ;)

Thank goodness it sounds as though the overall size is not being increased, again.

I would certainly like to see the more sporty suspension of the R53 make a reappearance, even if it only an option. That would definitely be a move in the right direction. Even the option of non-runflat tire would be a good idea, for those in the know.

As much as I love the whine of the supercharger I know that it is not coming back.

How about reducing the size of the speedo back to the, still over-sized, R50 – R53 style. I really liked the clock up over the inside mirror, and the two-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Some nicer plastics for the center stack and a changed design would be appreciated. Better ergonomics, a more logical, design for the HVAC and entertainment controls would also be appreciated..
Evan

The coupe and speedster are the swansong for the R56 platform. They’ll run out the production, probably until just after the R57 finishes its run.
andy

Please don’t make it look like an audi tt. To my eyes the current model’s design hints at a 53 porsche which is cools or early mercedes (of course on a small scale). I love the wavy cartoon like aspects of the hood. If it is streamed lined anymore the waves will be gone and what will be left is a miata or tt like car which would be really awful. Please don’t let the designers do this to your cars. Just a warning from a current fan.
maxmini

How about a functioning hood scoop or get rid of it…..
Luke Levinson

oh man oh man this is exciting. hope it will be a step in the right direction.
MM

Two years away. Hmmmm….can I wait that long for a new Mini???
C4

BMW here is a suggestion for ya…. Bring back Frank Stephenson and let him reign free! Frank can do a proper eveolution of the R53, they way it should have been done 3 years ago.
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http://www.wmandrs.com O(=^=)OCapn

C4, for that to happen they would have to lure him by saying that he will get to design the new M5. Then they can relegate him to MINI’s.

I agree with Bilbo and Paul. I would like to see the oval, integrated Stephenson headlights come back. Bring back the handling characteristics of the R53. Let us feel the road.

What Paul has been saying is exactly why I haven’t been around since 2006. The R56 is meh.

On the otherhand I am really excited about the AWD MINI that I have been begging for. Just what I wanted! It NEEDS to be a subie killer. If it can’t compete then they shouldn’t make it. I was excited about the news about the talk with… wait part two is posted see ya!
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