The 2014 MINI Cooper S Looking Good at the ‘Ring
In over 12 years since the introduction of the new MINI there’s only been one model we could point to as undeniably attractive: the original R50 MINI Cooper. Soon we could have another. Pictured in its most revealing state yet the F56 is shaping up to be an evolution on the outside but one that rights many of the wrongs critics have had about the current generation.
The proportions are key to a MINI and we’re happy to say that overhangs clearly have been kept to a minimum considering the EU pedestrian impact legislation.
Then there’s the headlights and the crucial face. Again here it’s evolution but one that massages the familiar design language in all the right places.
The silhouette also just feels right. Upright and boxy yet slightly low-slung with a hint of aggression in its stance.
These latest photos (you can find them at GMotors and MotorAuthority) show a Cooper S, with what look to be 18″ JCW wheels, fill out those arches perfectly. Rumor has it that 18″ wheels and tires will be a factory option across some models.
The 2014 F56 will debut digitally in a couple of months with a public debut in Frankfurt in late September. UK and European sales will begin late this year with the US launch scheduled for early 2014.
<p>Did they increase the size of the tail lights and headlights so they no longer use the lights on the fenders?</p>
<p>Wheel arch reflectors are US market specific side marker lights on the fenders will still be there and can be made out if you look closely, there is a bump in the swirls. The larger lights are part of the new design ethos.</p>
<p>The aero mirrors (which the patent just went public on) were scrapped because of increased wind noise.</p>
<p>US spec S with small hole over fender mounted turn indicator light (look close). Also testing optional aero roof rails.</p>
<p>The rear bumper fascia looks very flat in this photo.</p>
<p>They may wind up in the mirrors in some markets.</p>
<p>The exterior shots look really promising.
The interior shots are the ones that are worrying me. I’m really hoping that these are heavily disguised interiors with a lot of plastic trim that won’t be used in the final product. There’s a big clue on this – the square vents include the rotating knobs that belong to circular vents, and square vents don’t rotate…..</p>
<p>The R50 is the only undeniably attractive model in ’12 years? Really? I’ve heard people bitch about the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe and Countryman, but I had no idea that the visual design of models like the R53, R52, R56, R57 and R59 were so polarizing.</p>
<p>I would agree with the R50 statement. The transition from the first gen R50/53 cars to the R56 models left a lot of people disappointed, myself included. I have high hopes for the new design.</p>
<p>That still leaves the R53 and R52 as non-R50 models that y’all don’t have issues with.</p>
<p>And, speaking purely objectively, based on very scientific facts and whatnot, anyone who doesn’t think the R59 is attractive is, and again, I’m using very clinical language here, “F**king Retarded.”</p>
<p>That sill leaves the R52 and R53 as non-R50 models that even y’all don’t have a problem with.</p>
<p>And, speaking objectively, using all sort of scientific facts and whatnot, anyone who doesn’t think the R59 is attractive is, and again I’m only using official clinical language here, “Effing Retarded.”</p>
<p>“Effing” earns a deletion? Really?</p>
<p>As the owner of three first gen MINIs, perhaps I’m biased but I’d mostly agree with the statement. The first gen has some really beautiful curves and details which are perfectly proportioned. The R56/5/7/9 while being technically “better” cars, to me look like the Joan Rivers edition of the first gen: a little too much botox. It’s still got the MINI shape, but almost every detail has gone bulbous and it lost the beautiful simple yet defined curves and details of the first gen. Sure it’s faster, more efficient, quieter, more technologically advanced and more reliable and it does look good from some angles, but it’s not a looker like the first gen.</p>
<p>Just to be clear I personally love the current generation and specifically the R59. In fact I’ve called it the best looking MINI ever on MF recently. However there are many readers over the years who have complained bitterly (rightly or wrongly) about everything after the R50 or R53 when it comes to looks.</p>
<p>I know. I didn’t think you were stating your own views. I was just surprised to learn that there were people who honestly felt that the first-gen Justa was the only attractive model.</p>
<p>Don’t worry, you can use tint to remedy the side markers. ;-)</p>
<p>Considering getting a current-gen Mini Cooper JCW (hatchback). What’s your advice, Gabe/Nate/other Motoringfile Gurus — pull the trigger now or wait for the next-gen Mini Cooper JCW to be released?</p>
<p>Among improvements to engine, etc. here is a key question: How long of a wait do you foresee from the time the next-gen Cooper / Cooper S hatchbacks are released until the next-gen Mini Coooper JCW hatchback comes out? Long wait like in the past (several years) or very quickly (a few months to a year)?</p>
<p>At least a year.</p>
<p>jesus!!</p>
<p>I’m just hoping that a Cooper S auto (goes and hides but has been utterly impressed by recent DCTs and BMW’s 8-speed auto) is available from launch.</p>
<p>So you’re saying we shouldn’t expect a F56 JCW until early in 2015?</p>
<p>So official showing will be at the Frankfurt IAA in September, we should be getting close to seeing some sneak pics without the swirly stuff.</p>
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<p>“show a Cooper S, with what look to be 18? JCW wheels, fill out those arches perfectly.”</p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p>That may be but I for one wouldn’t want tyre’s with such small side-walls, esp. with runflats. I hope they look ok with 16’s as that’s my preference.</p>
<p>Any news on whether the tyres in general will be a little more forgiving than those on the R56 (I know, those on the R56 are better that those on the R50/R53 but it’s still bone-jarring at times)? What about the suspension? Can we expect much of a change there?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>The key is not in how pliable the tires are, but in whether or not the suspension was set up with run flats in mind. For example, one reason the R56 is so much more road comfortable than the R53 is because it was designed knowing the run flats would be standard equipment. Run flats were spec’d for the R53 very last minute and the suspension was not designed for them. That said, ANY MINI gains in feel and ride quality by ditching the run flat tires.</p>
<p>I found the suspension sweetspot on my 03 S to be: Yoko S-drive (non- RFT), Koni FSD shocks and H-Sport springs. Great handling with better than stock compliance.</p>
<p>I thought you weren’t supposed to use lowering springs with the FSDs on a MINI.</p>
<p>True, but the H-sports only lower by about 3/4″ or so. I had them on my car for 4 years w/o any problems. Currently have FSD shocks with Eibachs on my 09 128, again no problems.</p>
<p>The latest generation RFTs are no more harsh than a standard low profile tire, the difference (improvement) is quite significant. On the BMW side of the fence we have even noted it (as have others) in reviews- there is also much less noise. But as anything subjective and with tires YMMV.</p>
<p>correction – first paragraph should read F56</p>
<p>Im assuming by the color of those mirrors that this will be the new orange color that will be offered for 2014</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>Holy crap. Am I ever glad I ordered while Spice Orange was still available.</p>
<p>Looking promising…. Anyone hear rumblings about AWD? Here in snowy Montreal, I’d love to get a JCW</p>
<p>We’ve been hearing consistent rumors that AWD is in the works. Nothing confirmed yet, but we are optimistic.</p>
<p>Outstanding… News can’t come soon enough!</p>
<p>Is the front windshield raked a few more degrees than the the R56 or is it just wishful thinking on my part? Would be nice to help reduce the stone chips on a more up right windshield.</p>
<p>Yes. If we compare the three generations of MINI under BMW there is a difference in windscreen rake and the rake of the rear glasshouse.</p>
<p>MINI Gen 1 and MINI Gen 2 are more upright compared to MINI Gen 3.
The rake of the C-Pillar Glasshouse is raked forward than before it also helps provide the MINI with a sportier identity thanks in help to a sloping roof line and gently rising glasshouse.</p>
<p>I am sure that Motoring File will be at the forthcoming Preview drives of MINI Gen 3 and the all new three cylinder engine in a specific workshop day soon.</p>
<p>Personally i have looked through all the various stage of spy shots</p>
<p>I have been impressed with the current standing of the new MINI</p>
<p>I think it will just a blend of R53 & R56 but from a side profile, it looks like 10% bigger R56</p>
<p>Either way I am not getting a Cooper S and waiting to see the JCW Version. As thats gonna be my 2nd car to my current 2011 JCW which i wont sell</p>
<p>I hope not. From everything I have read here and elsewhere the car will NOT get bigger.</p>
<p>That’s our information as well. It’ll grow a cm here and there for crash standards (and you can clearly see that growth in the nose), but otherwise MINI is being very careful to preserve the overall footprint of the car. Other variants may expand in one direction or another, but the hardtop hatch will be size stable for the foreseeable future. For those other variants, MINI is also consistently talking about being committed to being the smallest, “most MINI” version of a given segment, even if that segment is itself larger than the standard MINI. (case in point, crossovers and the Countryman).</p>
<p>I think I found the inspiration for that new Orange: <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/230/14353915125276p.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/230/14353915125276p.jpg</a></p>
<p>Me to: <a href="http://rpmrush.com/uploads/article_images/208/3b5c4a7d4086cf846b931e47d8d1ba4ca3ed8a2c.png" rel="nofollow ugc">http://rpmrush.com/uploads/article_images/208/3b5c4a7d4086cf846b931e47d8d1ba4ca3ed8a2c.png</a></p>
<p>There’s something ineffable about this post.</p>
<p>I just sent you an email. Hopefully it makes sense of how that got moderated. Has nothing to do with effing. Thanks for playing!</p>
<p>I’d be so upset if I weren’t so adorably effable. LADIES.</p>
<p>You’re adorable alright.</p>
<p>…and the undisguised build has been snapped: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-mini-cooper-spy-shots/full/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-mini-cooper-spy-shots/full/</a></p>
<p>…and we already posted about it.</p>
<p>Natch- yes you did! I need to click refresh before I go posting “new’ info in the comments.</p>