Exclusive: R56 Replacement Code-name Revealed
Now that we’ve confirmed it through multiple sources it’s time to let you know what we’ll all be calling the next generation MINI due out in late 2012. Drum-roll please. The next MINI hatch (the basis for an entire range of models) has been given the code-name F56. What does that mean for the the car and for MINI? Quite a bit really. Read-on…
First off that means that the current R generation of MINIs are dead. Or more specifically MINI’s days of having it’s own unique code-naming structure within the BMW Group is likely ending. For those that don’t know BMW, all BMW models are moving to the new F nomenclature from 2009 to 2013. And this sign of MINI’s most important model following that trend seems to be yet another sign that the next generation MINI will be co-developed with a front wheel drive BMW.
We expect both the small front wheel drive BMW and MINI to share not only engines but also the upcoming and extremely versatile UKL1 platform (hence the similar code-name structure). Better engineering and more drivetrain options available to MINI are just a few pluses to this new plan. On the negative side you can’t help but ask yourself, does this sharing of major components with a small BMW take some exclusivity away from the next generation MINI?
Let us know your thoughts below…
<p>Umm. Its not like MINI is sharing parts with Ford.. C’mon, its BMW. Whats the problem?? BMW is expanding its compact line, and borrowing MINI parts, not the other way around. They’re taking a MINI and replacing the sheet metal, and slapping on a BMW badge, right? You’re losing exclusivity? Its a global marketplace and costs need to be cut. They have a business to run… It was bound to happen. Wasn’t the R53 engine co-desined by Chrysler? Just sayin’…</p>
<p>I hear ya R53.4.life. Economies of scale within a global manufacturer are not surprising. There’s already the same audio display from a 3 series in my R55 Clubby…</p>
<p>I say hang on it could get bumpy!</p>
<p>+1 R53.4.life!
have to agree, sharing parts with BMW is not a bad thing at all… it’s still the ultimate driving machine and one of the few well balanced cars out there, so why would sharing there be a bad thing? and if the next gen MINI is smaller (or at least has a smaller option) i’m inclined to keep buying MINIs for the rest of my life! and when talking about the R56 JCW it was always mentioned that the M division had a hand in it, so why be upset over the rest of the brand? as long as we still have Just-a, Cooper S and JCW i’m a happy man :)</p>
<p>Doesn’t bother me that MINI and BMW share parts as long as they MINI is still small, light, nimble, etc and that the MINI is very distinct from it’s platform-mates. For instance, I don’t want to see a BMW Taurus and a MINI Sable.</p>
<p>If I’m not mistaken, the ‘R’ nomenclature referred to the fact that the project was initiated under Rover in the late 90s.</p>
<p>2.0L Turbo!</p>
<p>BMW/MINI is going to smaller engines… Think 1.3L turbo 3 cylinder</p>
<p>MINI has always shared some native BMW components, the Z Axle design being a major part from the R50/R53. Current cars have a lot under the skin which are interchangeable with their rear wheel drive cousins. It works both ways in fact with some MINI parts now finding their way on to BMW’s. It won’t make the cars behave any differently if they share alternators and the like and it keeps the costs down. Which is at the end of the day what everyone wants I think. Economies of scale are to be applauded as long as the character of each brand stays unique and individual.</p>
<p>There really aren’t very many parts actually shared at this time. There are parts based in the same technology but not many that are identical. However the next generation of small MINIs will share large components, engines and even some elements of chassis design.</p>
<p>Gabe: I have posted to request image insertion instructions (like yours and others that appear to left of name). Thus far no reply. Please provide. Thank you.</p>
<p>This is old news and was in fact revealed back in January by Georg Kacher, motoring Journalism’s very own Julian Assange, that MINI 3 was codenamed F56 and that a five door option would be launched a year later. This is to widen the appeal of the MINI hatchback and to compete with the likes of the Audi A1 with a soon to be launched five door version.</p>
<p>This is old news and was in fact revealed back in January by Georg Kacher, motoring Journalism’s very own Julian Assange, that MINI 3 was codenamed F56 and that a five door option would be launched a year later. This is to widen the appeal of the MINI hatchback and to compete with the likes of the Audi A1 with a soon to be launched five door version.</p>
<p>Better engineers???</p>
<p>So long as the MINI range keeps it’s own distinctive identity then it can only be a good thing as most will appreciate BMW build quality and technical know how.</p>
<p>It is worth adding that SAAB has bought the rights to manufacture the MINI 1.6 turbo petrol engine and is currently in negotiation with BMW to buy the rights to manufacture the R56 platform for use in a new small SAAB. That is if it doesn’t run out of money in the meantime! The R56 1.6 petrol engine and platform become obsolete once BMW’s super versatile UKL1 platform enters production.</p>
<p>Sounds like could be something. I am looking at the coupe, but now I wonder if I should wait…</p>
<p>I for one can’t wait for these ALL NEW changes. As long as they keep some MINI quirkiness in the visuals and tangibles … go nuts on the part sharing.</p>
<p>I cannot imagine a downside to this scenario. I do not think BMW injected any damaging DNA into the Rolls-Royce gene pool — ergo let the pollination begin!</p>
<p>When you’re writing your replying you’ll see a image button pop-up in the lower left of the text area.</p>
<p>Gabe: I am aware of the image button, however it fails to insert image in space left of commentator’s name. How can I insert image in the square space like you have done and I had done using the old posting system? Thank you.</p>
<p>Could this mean, that eventually, any BMW dealer will service the MINI? The paucity of a service center has got to be a wet blanket for so many that would love to own the car, but practicality over rules desire…sometimes.</p>
<p>I’m not quite clear, does this mean that the new MINI engines will be an all BMW affair, with no more Peugeot involvement? I’m hoping it does.</p>
<p>Will MINI please create an art car series like BMW has for decades.</p>
<p>I hope this does not mean MINI will just be viewed as the economy BMW model. I like BMWs but MINI should have its own strong identity. It should not be viewed as the car of choice just because you can’t afford a BMW. I don’t want to see BMWs the same size as a MINI.</p>