The introduction of the 3rd generation MINI (aka the F56) is a big deal not just to MINI and its fans but the automotive industry. So it’s understandable that MINI is taking it pretty seriously and spreading out the festivities across three continents. As we reported earlier this summer, MINI will be holding a standalone event at the Oxford Plant on November 18th followed by party that night in London. Then two days later (within hours if each other) the F56 will be getting its US debut at the LA Autoshow and Asian debut at the Tokyo Motor Show
The LA event will be followed by an exclusive party where we expect plenty of celebrities and “trendsetters” posing with the little star.
We expect technical details of the car and a bit around the forthcoming design to be release in the early Autumn. And while we’ll be seeing MINIs with less and less camo running around the UK we don’t expect to see the car fully unveiled until the 18th of November.
Official Release: A new era of driving excitement, in-car-infotainment and premium quality in the small car segment is drawing ever closer. The new MINI will be unveiled on 18 November 2013, 107 years to the day since the birth of the man who started an automobile revolution, Sir Alec Issigonis. MINI Plant Oxford will host the world premiere, with a party in London that same evening.
The new MINI will also have its exhibition premiere in front of international audiences that same week, with an almost simultaneous unveiling in Los Angeles and Tokyo. On 20 November 2013, the limelight will shine on the new star of the premium small car segment, first at the Tokyo Motor Show, Japan, followed just hours later by the Los Angeles Motor Show in California, USA. The new MINI will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014.
Born in Great Britain, built in the best tradition.
Just like its predecessor, the new MINI will be produced in Oxford. The start of production and the world premiere will mark additional highlights in a jubilee year for the MINI Plant, where automobiles have been built for more than 100 years at the historic Oxford location.
The world premiere will pay tribute to MINI’s origins and the creator of the original icon. With the introduction of the Mini in 1959, Alec Issigonis revolutionised the automobile industry. A transversely mounted engine, front wheel drive, wheels set in all four corners and an advanced undercarriage not only delivered unparalleled cabin space for passengers and luggage on a small footprint, but also exceptional driving agility.
The concepts Issigonis introduced in the Mini became the foundation for many generations of small and compact cars. In their most modern form, those principals will continue to live on in the new MINI. Completely new engines and chassis technologies, MINI Connected innovations and refined premium quality will make it the new benchmark for driving enjoyment in its class.
<p>Can’t wait to see it.</p>
<p>I thought initially UK/European deliveries would take place before Christmas. As it says on sale now first quarter 2014, I wonder if it will that have a knock on effect for other territories.</p>
<p>So MINI has three months to retool the F56 front end to look like the vision concept :)</p>
<p>Interestingly Autocar magazine in the UK put an article online before the weekend on ten facts about the F56. There’s nothing new in the article that isn’t known on this site and the gallery includes spy shots that we’ve seen, but buried within the gallery are more recent shots of the interior, partly disguised, which show part removal of the dashboard top which has overlayed the interior in car in other shots to date. The photos also reveal a more upmarket interior in terms of buttons etc.</p>
<p>Link?</p>
<p>If you go to autocar.co.uk and go to the ‘car news’ link, and scroll through the pages to 2 August, you’ll find the article.</p>
<p>Per “lawrothegreat” – the article’s gallery also shows the hatchback with the integrated roof rails – something I’m really excited for. I’m currently in order slot #1 at my dealer – very excited about it.</p>
<p>Better not be my dealer, they said I was number one!</p>
<p>This is an option.</p>
<p>Gabe, I think we need to discuss Chili Red…</p>
<p>RIP?</p>
<p>Doesn’t look like there is a protruding bottom lip under that car cover!</p>
<p>So, what do I need to do to get an invitation to that exclusive party in LA? =)</p>