We know two things two things about the next-gen Mini Cooper: one, that a new design should launch sometime around 2013, and that any changes made to its exterior will have to abide by the signature Mini look. It’s not surprising, then, that our friends at Motor Trend spotted a new Mini Cooper prototype testing, and that the product looks quite a lot like the current model.
The model, which is wearing significant amounts of camouflage, seems to get some slightly flatter front quarter panels and more prominent headlights. Toward the back, the new model wears some flared wheel arches, and it looks like Mini didn’t bother to put side skirts on this car, instead leaving what appears to be a bare steel beam beneath the door sills.
Seeing as this tester is devoid of a hood scoop, we doubt that this is a Cooper S model. We can’t, however, confirm that this car is normally aspirated: thanks to BMW’s huge push for downsized and turbocharged engines, this prototype could be powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine, which would make anywhere from 75 to 150 horsepower. Expect to see some sort of hybrid and/or all-wheel drive Coopers shortly after this model debuts in 2013, and even more Mini variants after that. It’s rumored that the Cooper’s new platform will spawn up to 10 Mini and five BMW models, including a stretch Mini wagon, a small Mini based on the Rocketman Concept, and the BMW Family Activity Sports Tourer crossover.
What do you think? Head over to Motor Trend and then let us know what you think of the new Cooper in the comments section below.
