The Mini Cooper hasn't cooled off much since its introduction in 2002. In fact, its retro styling is still so well liked that the next-generation 2007 Mini Cooper won't look any different. We caught a recent prototype out testing with minimal exterior camouflage and found it hard to pick out the updates.
Up front, the headlights may be taped up but their shape isn't expected to change much from the current model. Same goes for the grille as it looks to be roughly the same design with a slightly larger air intake opening that will feed a new family of turbocharged engines. In place of the low-tech iron-block 1.6-liter will be a twin-cam, aluminum-block turbocharged four-cylinder of the same displacement. The standard Cooper will get a significant boost to 143 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque while the Cooper S will maintain its rating of around 170 hp. A non-turbocharged 115-hp Cooper may also be offered to keep the entry price low.
There won't be any additional room inside as the exterior dimensions aren't expected to expand by more than a few millimeters. There will, however, be much higher-grade materials throughout and a new design for the dashboard. A large speedometer will still reside front and center on models without the navigation system. Auxiliary control buttons for the stereo and trip computer fill the lower section of the gauge along with a small joystick for scrolling through menus. We also spotted what looks to be a keyless ignition next to the steering wheel. Unfortunately it looks to be the same design as the current BMW 7 Series that requires you to insert the key fob into the dash, a requirement that seems to make the whole idea of keyless ignition seem pointless.
Timing of the 2007 Mini's introduction is still hard to pin. Some speculation has it debuting for the first time at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show 15 months from now while others think it will be on the market in 12 months. Regardless of when it comes around expect it to be a better car that retains all the style of the current model.
Up front, the headlights may be taped up but their shape isn't expected to change much from the current model. Same goes for the grille as it looks to be roughly the same design with a slightly larger air intake opening that will feed a new family of turbocharged engines. In place of the low-tech iron-block 1.6-liter will be a twin-cam, aluminum-block turbocharged four-cylinder of the same displacement. The standard Cooper will get a significant boost to 143 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque while the Cooper S will maintain its rating of around 170 hp. A non-turbocharged 115-hp Cooper may also be offered to keep the entry price low.
There won't be any additional room inside as the exterior dimensions aren't expected to expand by more than a few millimeters. There will, however, be much higher-grade materials throughout and a new design for the dashboard. A large speedometer will still reside front and center on models without the navigation system. Auxiliary control buttons for the stereo and trip computer fill the lower section of the gauge along with a small joystick for scrolling through menus. We also spotted what looks to be a keyless ignition next to the steering wheel. Unfortunately it looks to be the same design as the current BMW 7 Series that requires you to insert the key fob into the dash, a requirement that seems to make the whole idea of keyless ignition seem pointless.
Timing of the 2007 Mini's introduction is still hard to pin. Some speculation has it debuting for the first time at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show 15 months from now while others think it will be on the market in 12 months. Regardless of when it comes around expect it to be a better car that retains all the style of the current model.
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