Spy Shot
Exclusive Spy Video: 2007 Mini Cooper S
Still retro after all these years
If the whole retro thing is over, nobody has told the folks at Mini or its growing list of customers. After five years and more than half a million cars sold, the Mini is about to get its first redesign. Well, sort of.
At first glance this 2007 Mini Cooper S being tested on Germany's famed Nürburgring is easy to mistake for the present Mini Cooper S. Same basic shape, same basic size. Don't be fooled. That's the all-new car getting a workout and it's all-new from its tires to its top.
Ignore the slight bit of camouflage worn by this Cooper S prototype. When the car goes on sale in early 2007, the round headlights will remain but its grille will be larger and more upright. In the rear you can see the new car's slightly more formal roofline and more pronounced rear deck. It's all very familiar but nowhere near stale.
Because Mini is owned by BMW, the world feared the next Mini might grow a Bangle-butt and flame surfacing, but the little three-door has not. It's as cute as ever, while its aggressive stance, oversized hood scoop and center exhaust remain.
Overall dimensions will be about the same as today's Mini, but the wheelbase and interior are sure to grow larger. Although the unique dashboard layout won't change much, the quality of the materials is said to be more upmarket.
The big changes will be under the hood. Although all models will remain front-wheel drive, the old Chrysler-born two-valve engines will be replaced by a brand-new engine family developed in cooperation with French manufacturer Citroën. These four-valve engines will be built by BMW in England and measure 1.6 liters. The Mini Cooper will still get a naturally aspirated version of the four-cylinder, while the Cooper S will trade its supercharger for a turbo.
At first glance this 2007 Mini Cooper S being tested on Germany's famed Nürburgring is easy to mistake for the present Mini Cooper S. Same basic shape, same basic size. Don't be fooled. That's the all-new car getting a workout and it's all-new from its tires to its top.
Ignore the slight bit of camouflage worn by this Cooper S prototype. When the car goes on sale in early 2007, the round headlights will remain but its grille will be larger and more upright. In the rear you can see the new car's slightly more formal roofline and more pronounced rear deck. It's all very familiar but nowhere near stale.
Because Mini is owned by BMW, the world feared the next Mini might grow a Bangle-butt and flame surfacing, but the little three-door has not. It's as cute as ever, while its aggressive stance, oversized hood scoop and center exhaust remain.
Overall dimensions will be about the same as today's Mini, but the wheelbase and interior are sure to grow larger. Although the unique dashboard layout won't change much, the quality of the materials is said to be more upmarket.
The big changes will be under the hood. Although all models will remain front-wheel drive, the old Chrysler-born two-valve engines will be replaced by a brand-new engine family developed in cooperation with French manufacturer Citroën. These four-valve engines will be built by BMW in England and measure 1.6 liters. The Mini Cooper will still get a naturally aspirated version of the four-cylinder, while the Cooper S will trade its supercharger for a turbo.
Add A Comment »