This picture could reveal the new front end of the next generation MINI, which is up for replacement in early 2012.
Clamshell bonnet lost, new headlamps
magazine in France, which apparently believes it to be styling clay for the next MINI cooper.
Apparently close to final sign-off, this image suggests the next MINI will feature a front-end that has evolved from the MINI Crossover, with headlamps that are slightly different on their lower edges giving a more ‘trapezoidal’ shape and pronounced sculpting to the corners of the front bumper moulding. Like the Crossover, this car has lost the clamshell bonnet, which is likely to have been deleted for cost reasons.
Autocar online seems to have gleaned the most from this image – or its crystal ball – stating ‘the model seems to show that the new car will have a clamshell tailgate’.
Clever stuff, although we suspect our friends at Autocar might have been briefed, as they also declare the new MINI has ‘a more rising waistline which, combined with a the sloping roof, gives the MINI much more dynamic and coupe-like appearance.’
Crossover looks to have inspired changes
According to their article BMW hopes the design changes will help to subtly reposition the new model in the market, with the hope that the £17k Cooper S will be viewed as a cost-effective coupe rival to cars like the Audi TT, instead of its current positioning as an expensive premium hatch.