Update: As some of us suspected this isn’t quite an official leaked document but a white paper put together by Supplier Business. While it’s not quite from the inside, it could still prove to be accurate on some levels.
Autoblog.it has what appears to be a legitimate leaked product roadmap for all BMW Group development for the next seven years. While I’d urge everyone to look at the following information as strictly a rumor with nothing confirmed, it is an interesting read. The document gives a general idea of timetables for the next generation MINI as well as an idea of the different variants coming in the years ahead. Unfortunately we don’t really know if the timetable represents the start of production or the start of sales. Based what we’ve heard previously, the latter would make a bit more sense, however we won’t know for sure until official production information is released next year. With that said, let’s take a look at the timeline within the document and assume that it references production schedules. And remember… none of this is confirmed at this point. (You click on the image above to see the full version yourself)
The first thing you notice is a gap between the start of Cooper production and Cooper S production with the new 2007 car. According the the document, the current generation Cooper S will end production in the 3rd quarter of 2006. No surprise there as that’s what we’ve heard all along. However, what I find interesting is that the current generation Cooper will continue on into 4th quarter. Then (according to the document) the next generation Cooper will start it’s production in the 1st quarter of 2007, three months later than we had originally expected. Even more interesting, the next generation Cooper S (here labeled the R55) won’t start until the 3rd quarter of 2007!
Looking further at the document, it would seem the Cabio production for the current car would continue into the 1st quarter of 2008. Well past when the other R50 variants have been put to rest. The next generation cabrio (the R57) then seems to show production commencing in the 3rd quarter of 2008.
Also listed on the document is the MINI Traveller. However no timeframe is given and it’s listed as a “possible project”. This tell me that the document may not be entirely current since MINI has made strong suggestions that the long wheelbase estate version of the MINI is indeed coming in a few years.
At the end of the day, even if this document 100% legitimate, it almost creates more questions than it answers. We should have more on the next generation MINI timeline in the weeks and months ahead.
I want a Traveller! I hope you are right in that it will be part of the line-up in next couple years!
Wow I had to re-read that…so we may not see the next generation for almost a year later than expected? I guess that’s why we haven’t heard more concrete info about them?
My wife has given me the green light to use our ’05 tax return as a downpayment on a new Mini…I was secretly hoping to possibly hold off until the next generation to do that…but I’m definitely going to go for an ’06 if the next generation is that far out!
As always thanks for the news Gabe!
Isn’t it more likly that each block represents a month? That would put the end of the S production at the end of March 2006 and the new model starting production in July 2006
Cool to see this info… I realize that I’m behind the times or just lacking in memory… but can somebody list the years verses the RXX? BMW and MINI numbering always confuses me.
I am definitely buying a traveller for my next MINI.
Luke – you may want to take another look at the larger image. I just added the months from the top of the document (taken from the original). That should make things a little more clear.
Thanks Gabe. It’s quite surprising to see such a large gap between production/sales.
It makes me feel a little easier on picking up an 06 in March knowing that the 07 S would be coming more than a year after.
This isn’t real. Trust me.
Perfect! Just perfect! A Turbo “S” for my 60th!
(37 years after my first new MCS). I hope they
do it in Pepper White and Black as that will
echo my first “S” – a 1275cc Mk11 which boasted
(hold your breath) 76 bhp. I guess this one will
have at least 100 bhp more. Veeeery interesting.
Thanks for breaking the news!
Whoah! 9 months (Oct 06 to Jul 07) without production on a Cooper S. This is definately throw a wrench into things. I think the computer operator who made this chart must not have filled in the two missing quarters, as all of the other lines only have a quarter of down-time.
That’s pretty amazing, however I have a few questions. Wouldn’t BMW be shooting itself in the foot? I heard that MINI sells a lot more MCS than MC these days, and that production was increased for the MCS while reduced for the MC.
Also, and this is not based on any information at all, but could the huge lag time between R53 and R55 be attributed to problems bolting on turbos to the engines? It would appear that the majority of the body kit would be ready with the R56 introduction, and the major difference would be the R55’s engine modifications.
I’ll bet this would push back any JCW mods as well by a significant degree.
Deb,
The R codes aren’t unique for each model year, they identify the model TYPE. Currently:
R50 = Cooper and One (hardtop)
R52 = All convertibles (One, Cooper & Cooper S)
R53 = Cooper S (hardtop)
Indeed, the age and accuracy of this “product roadmap” is questionable:
The in-production E63 M6 is omitted from this [uncropped document](<a href="http://autoblog.it/uploads/bmw_roadmap_2005_2012_01.gif" rel="nofollow ugc">http://autoblog.it/uploads/bmw_roadmap_2005_2012_01.gif</a>)
My guess is that this document is either fake or an old very early draft of something. First, most of the dates correspond roughly to what has been posted on Motoringfile or Mini2, including the continuation of the Cabrio, which is not so different from other BMW (they have been producing E90’s since earlier this year for only 4 door sedans, and have been producing E46’s for the two door and cabrios).
But what makes me really suspect is the Traveller. Not that BMW wouldn’t make it, but the fact that it is a big question mark in what appears to be a high level production schedule. Either this document was meant to be a high level document to an unrelated division such as customer service, or it is a fake. I can’t imagine anyone dealing with production schedules that just so happens to throw in the most highly rumored new model as just a question mark. With all my dealing with production scheduling and planning, it would be more persuasive if it had some planning scheduled but in a different color scheme.
The other item that makes me suspect is that they flubbed up on the Mini Cooper S. All of the rest of the model schedules essentially touch each other, except for the Cooper S, which shows almost a year gap between production. So either Mini intends to have a strong surplus in inventory to last a year (which it doesn’t have any at this point), or the world will be without a Cooper S for a whole year. I could see this for a product launch, but not for a new model. I can’t believe they would take their main performance model off the market.
Again, nothing concrete to say this isn’t real, just some suspect items that make me question its authenticity. Thanks for the report anyway, it is definitely interesting reading and something to keep in mind as new stories develop.
Anyone know the history and/or method as to where the “R” comes from and what number is assigned to each model and why?
And yes, I’m a dork, I know.
One last point, the BMW document doesn’t show the new Z4 coupe (which has been planned for some time and rumoured for longer before that) or the new M4 coupe, which is rumoured and appears to be close to reality.
GSK Chicago,
Yeah I still don’t understand the numbering scheme. Either on the chasis style or even the numbers. The model number for BMW use to reflect the chasis style with the engine displacement. But with the new E90 they have given the 325 and the 330 the same engine size, just different power outputs. So I am lost at this point.
Hmmm…so, just what is the R54? We seem to skip from R53 (current Cabrio) to R55 (New S). Interesting…
I also wonder if there will be another ‘special edition’ or some kind of send off for the last of the current model toward the end of this year.
This chart prompts many more questions:
1. What’s “B/C” stand for?
2. Can MINI really shift from R50 to R56 production in less than a month?
3. Will the R56 have some more ponies than expected (~140+ hp, maybe) to keep the hordes satisfied while the S goes missing?
4. Is the R55 having engine trouble? Remember, the launch country (the U.K.) went many months without the supercharger. It wasn’t entirely clear up until the last moment that the supercharger would make the U.S. launch in late March, 2002 — there were ample cautions it wouldn’t.
5. Is it still going to be a Cooper S? (Not Cooper T?)
6. Will the next generation MINI really last into at least 2013?
7. Where does the diesel fit into the plans? Does it just ride with the R50/R56 transition? Or does this chart not care because it’s not from Europe even if authentic?
Man, I love this site! In 10 months I will be taking delivery of a new car – if not another MINI, I would sorely miss getting this kind of info. motoringfile does as much for selling me on MINI as MINI. THANKS!
1. What’s “B/C” stand for?
Below Compact?
2. Can MINI really shift from R50 to R56 production in less than a month?
Don’t see why not.
3. Will the R56 have some more ponies than expected (~140+ hp, maybe) to keep the hordes satisfied while the S goes missing?
There will be a 140hp version of the Prince engine. Whether or not MINI will use it remains unclear
4. Is the R55 having engine trouble? Remember, the launch country (the U.K.) went many months without the supercharger. It wasn’t entirely clear up until the last moment that the supercharger would make the U.S. launch in late March, 2002 — there were ample cautions it wouldn’t.
Doubtful. It’s essentially the same engine as the 140hp version
5. Is it still going to be a Cooper S? (Not Cooper T?)
The “S” in Cooper S has nothing to do with the current car’s suspercharger.
6. Will the next generation MINI really last into at least 2013?
Most likely…. BMW typically operates on a 7+ year cycle.
7. Where does the diesel fit into the plans? Does it just ride with the R50/R56 transition? Or does this chart not care because it’s not from Europe even if authentic?
The next MINI Diesel will be an engine from PSA and will be a big step up in performance and economy. There is a story on MF that goes into more details on it.
<blockquote>Hmmm…so, just what is the R54? We seem to skip from R53 (current Cabrio) to R55 (New S). Interesting…</blockquote>
Osmodious, Actually the R53 is the Cooper S hardtop (3-door). The Cabrio is R52 (ALL Cabrios, One, Cooper & Cooper S).
Edge, thanks for the correction…I haven’t been able to keep model ID’s straight for a long time now (wait, the Audi A4 and the Passat were ‘B5’, but the Jetta, Golf/GTI and TT were ‘A4’ and the…buzzzfltz-POP! Uh oh, my brain just fried.).
Of course, that still doesn’t answer the question about the R54…is there another model here somewhere?
<strong><em>Can MINI really shift from R50 to R56 production in less than a month?</em></strong>
<em>Don’t see why not.</em>
It is ambitious, though. If they’re rounding up to the month then that’s all of two weeks for retooling, basically. It’s been done, but I’m just pointing out that it’s still ambitious. Could also be a reflection of the fact that the next gen MINI isn’t much different — and that’s a good thing, I think.
<em>There will be a 140hp version of the Prince engine. Whether or not MINI will use it remains unclear</em>
If there’s going to be that sort of gap in S production, I hope the 140 is Cooper spec. I’m also hoping it turns in at least current Cooper fuel economy.
<strong><em>Is the R55 having engine trouble?</em></strong>
<em>Doubtful.</em>
So why the significant gap (if this chart is real)? It’s a fact that the supercharger took many months to deliver, so it’s not exactly unprecedented for the blown engine to lag.
<em>The “S†in Cooper S has nothing to do with the current car’s suspercharger.</em>
That one was a joke. (You know how some people feel about turbos. :-))
<em>The next MINI Diesel will be an engine from PSA and will be a big step up in performance and economy. There is a story on MF that goes into more details on it.</em>
Yes, understood, but there’s nothing explicitly on the chart about the diesel. One (no pun intended) would think there’d be mention if this chart came from Europe.
R is for Rover (The Rover Group that BMW bought in the mid-1990’s owned the Mini line)
B/C will probably be the class segment of the car.
Couple of model munbers missing – are they used elsewhere…?
Monster gap between Cooper and Cooper S makes no sense – unless its going to be something truely special.
With all that in mind, this could mean anything. It could be availability dates for a set market – USA perhaps.
Since when have we started calling cars ‘Estates’ again… doesn’t sound like a word BMW would use.
Immidiate switch between Cooper model, but Cooper S off the market for 9 months…?? Doesn’t fit to me. Unless the S is going to be radically different in terms of engineering. Perhaps you dreamers are going to get 4 wheel drive after all… 🙂
The only question I have is how much longer after the 2007 MCS (R55) arrives can we expect an updated JCW kit for it?
Seems legit enough, but strangely, if you look at the whole chart (all BMW) you’ll see that the M6 isn’t on there. Isn’t the new M6 supposed to be released soon? Just interesting, that’s all.
Gabe –
Are they going to drop the new Peugot engine into the old cabrio body style till 2008, or will they stick with the Tritec till 2008?
Thanks.
Repeat after me…. not a Puegoet engine not a Puegoet engine not a Puegoet engine not a Puegoet engine …
And to answer your question… I’ve heard both yes and no.
Maybe the new “S” will be MINI Cooper ST (for Special Tuning?)
What’s wrong with just ‘S’
It’s so 2002. Or earlier.
Just kidding. 🙂
‘It’s not a Puegeot engine’
Isn’t it peugeot?
It’s been developed by BMW Group/PSA Peugeot Citroen.
“PSA Peugeot Citroen will be building the new engines at its plant in Douvrin, France.”
Thanks for the info, Edge…
Umm… what happened to R51 & R54?
<blockquote>“PSA Peugeot Citroen will be building the new engines at its plant in Douvrin, France.â€ÂÂ</blockquote>
Reportedly the engine was designed and engineered almost entirely by BMW (if you look at the techologies involved you can see their finger prints all over it). BMW is partnering with PSA for help with economies of scale, and manufacturing processes. BMW will be assembling MINI engines at Hamms Hall in the UK. PSA will be assembling engines for it’s cars in France.
Due to the core technologies I would consider the heart of the new “Prince” family of engines more BMW than anything else.
Now compare this to the current car’s Tritec. It was engineered in Detroit by Chrysler workers and built in Brazil.
I like my Tritec engine.
All I can say is it looks like resale values of the MCS will stay high for awhile longer. Hooray for that.
The truth will set us all free. Whenever it finally reveals itself.
That graph looks so simple and yet can be so complicated..
<blockquote>Now compare this to the current car’s Tritec. It was engineered in Detroit by Chrysler workers and built in Brazil.</blockquote>
This comparison yields the stunning insight that each engine is designed and built in different places; one designed in Germany and built in the UK and France, the other designed in Detroit and built in Brasil.
Of course we all know that Detroit-based engineers are completely incompetent to a person, and Brasilian assembly workers are hopelessly incapable of controlling quality.
So the new Mini will have a Peugeot engine? Sweet.
French built/designed cars just took 10 of the bottom 13 positions (out of 157) for the worst built least reliable cars on sale in the UK.
Gabe,
My inside info is as follows:-
Mini cabrio will continue in production for 18 months after end of production of current Mini model
BMW launch new cars either in March or September so the likely hood is the new Cooper S wont be availble until Q3’07
Mini Oxford are already running the new model pre-production cars down the line and this is one of the reasons the factory is having problems keeping up with demand for the current car. The new model is already eating into capacity.
My insider info would indicate that the schedule is reasonably accurate.
the document seems to be very very very very old.
had a view on the full chart.
it shows the 1-series touring as “possible project”.
presentation in germany at the dealership
was about 2 month ago.
it was the 3-series touring.
sorry. sorry. sorry.
The E and R codes represent development and design models. Once a team takes up a specific model to design, they receive an E## or R## number. Because a mojority of these projects never make it to fruition, you do not see the numbers line up. For example, E36 to E46. Nine models didn’t make it or were assigned to other projects.
R53 to R55…the R54 didn’t get green-lighted.
BMW will be going shortly to V##.
Hope this helps explains some of that mess.
So if the Prince engine is designed by BMW, to be built in the UK by BMW, then how is PSA Puegeot involved (other than the aforementioned building their own version in France for their own cars)?
Agreed, Tanya. This “new engine boosterism” is premature. Let’s wait and see what the field experience shows. The PSA engine could be an earth-shattering breakthrough (well, OK, maybe not), an incremental improvement, about the same, or a steaming pile of dung. TBD.
Gabe, I’m sure you’ve flown in Brazilian-built passenger airliners. They work well — so well that BAe, Fokker, and Fairchild-Dornier exited the market. (British, Dutch, and German aircraft makers, respectively.) The Tritec’s field experience seems excellent, so obviously Brazilian workers have talent (and ditto Detroit engineers even if they do wear DaimlerChrysler name badges). Not that you were suggesting otherwise, were you? 🙂
<blockquote>Gabe, I’m sure you’ve flown in Brazilian-built passenger airliners. They work well — so well that BAe, Fokker, and Fairchild-Dornier exited the market. (British, Dutch, and German aircraft makers, respectively.) The Tritec’s field experience seems excellent, so obviously Brazilian workers have talent (and ditto Detroit engineers even if they do wear DaimlerChrysler name badges). Not that you were suggesting otherwise, were you? :-)</blockquote>
Apparently my remark was taken the wrong way. As I’ve said many times, I like the current Tritec and think they did a respectable job on both the engineering and manufacturering side. I was just trying to point out it’s origins as compared with the mostly UK/German origins of the new engine.
Where is the full document with the BMW models that other people have seen?
I just see the image with the MINI code models.
<blockquote>Apparently my remark was taken the wrong way.</blockquote>
Probably not. 🙂
My guess: we’re just ribbing you because we enjoy the site. (But good setup!)
Regardless of its ethnicity, the PSA engine has the <em>potential</em> to deliver useful improvements to the MINI range, and it’s exciting. (Hopefully its fuel economy is one of those improvements.) Yet we won’t really know until its field experience is revealed. It’s a brand new engine. That it is.
Besides, would you rather tour the Tritec factory (with a little side trip to Rio’s beaches) or… Hamms Hall? 🙂
<blockquote>Besides, would you rather tour the Tritec factory (with a little side trip to Rio’s beaches) or… Hamms Hall? :-)</blockquote>
Well with the new BMW/MINI engine being assembled in Hamms Hall… you could see both that and the plant in one day. It makes for a less expensive MINI tour 🙂
Yeah, but Rio beaches…mmmm 🙂
I havn’t read all the comments but here you go, it doesn’t seem very leaked to me. 😉
<a href="http://www.supplierbusiness.com/uploadedpdfs/bmw_sample.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.supplierbusiness.com/uploadedpdfs/bmw_sample.pdf</a>
And you can buy these, for 500€;
<a href="http://www.supplierbusiness.com/reports_endpoint.asp?id=27" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.supplierbusiness.com/reports_endpoint.asp?id=27</a>
Cheers,
Mario
The “R” code stands for ROVER, since the MINI was originally engineered by Rover (toghether with BMW) and then it moved back to BMW when they sold Rover…
Cheers