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Mini considering sports car replacement for Coupe and Roadster?

The next-generation Mini lineup could see some big changes, according to a report from Australian site CarSales. Starting with the debut of the third-generation Mini Hardtop at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, we could see a regular string of Minis on the stages of the world. But the bodystyles we see might not be what we've grown used to.
A four-door sedan could eventually arrive, while the polarizing Mini Coupe and Roadster are likely to be replaced by a dedicated sports car with unique sheetmetal and uprated engines. While the rest of the line is switching to three-cylinder, turbocharged engines, the new sports car, which will be available in both soft- and hardtop variants, will use some version of BMW's 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. The Aussie site also claims that the interior treatment could take inspiration from the Mini Vision concept car, while showing off the know-how BMW gained when working carbon fiber into the i3. The new model(s) would likely arrive in late 2015 or early 2016.
According to CarSales, we'll see the three-door Hardtop at the 2013 LA Show, along with a five-door hatch that is different from the Clubman at the 2014 Paris show. The Clubman, meanwhile, will arrive in Geneva in 2015, while the Convertible is slated for later that same year. The current Countryman and Paceman are expected to be around for some time, before being joined by an MPV. Eventually, the larger Minis will share their architecture with the BMW X1.

2025 Mini Countryman SE All4 First Drive Review: Electrified and better for it

CASCAIS, Portugal — Everything we said about the overgrown size of the 2025 Mini Countryman in John Cooper Works trim that we recently reviewed applies equally to the 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4. The former is powered by gas and the latter is electric, but both are the same size. Interestingly, both have about the same number of ponies, too. To recap, the new Countryman is 5.1 inches longer, 2.4 inches taller and 0.8 inches wider than the second-generation model, which in turn was 8 inches longer and more than 5 inches wider than the first-generation Countryman. A bit chonky, then. Our hackles may be raised by the size of the 2025 Countryman, especially as Mini claims itÂ’s a “Minimalist All-Rounder” — whatever thatÂ’s supposed to mean — but after spending a day actually driving the all-electric SE, we got over it. And we think buyers who care about MiniÂ’s illustrious history like we do will get over it too. ItÂ’s not without fault, but the Mini Countryman is more interesting in electrified SE trim than it is in suck-squeeze-bang-blow JCW trim. The Mini Countryman SE boasts twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear so that all four wheels are powered. Total system output comes in at 313 horsepower (one lone stallion over the JCWÂ’s figure) and an impressive 364 pound-feet of torque (the gas model is good for 295 lb-ft). ThatÂ’s sufficient for a 0-60 sprint of 5.6 seconds — a bit behind the top-spec gasser, despite the extra torque, due to a weight penalty of nearly 600 pounds for a total curb weight of 4,400 lbs, but still quick. Feeding power to the two motors and contributing mightily to the porky weight is a 66.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack. ThatÂ’s enough capacity to provide up to 245 miles of range (depending on factors that include wheel size), which isnÂ’t bad, but short of all-wheel-drive electric crossover leaders that might be cross-shopped against the Mini, like the Tesla Model Y Long Range (up to 310 miles), Kia EV6 (up to 282) and Nissan Ariya (up to 272). As always, actual range will vary due to driving style, weather and the use of accessories and climate control. Mini claims a maximum charge rate of 130 kW. Again, thatÂ’s not bad, and equal to the Nissan Ariya, but far short of competitors like Tesla (up to 250 kW), Hyundai and Kia (up to 235). Considering its newness on the market, you wouldnÂ’t be wrong to expect some specs that actually move the needle instead of being mid-pack.

Mini confirms first plug-in hybrid and it looks like it's based on the Countryman

Mini confirmed Sunday it's developing its first plug-in hybrid model, apparently based on the Countryman. The hybrid will utilize an electric motor that works with a combustion engine, expected to be a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder unit. Though the actual name wasn't specified, Mini said the vehicle will have two driving modes. With Auto eDrive, it can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Switching into Max eDrive increases top speed to approximately 77 miles per hour. The electric motor sends all of its power to the rear wheels, while the combustion engine powers the front wheels. The engine only kicks on in certain situations. Mashing the throttle brings the engine to life, as does switching the car into "Save Battery" mode, which allows the engine to charge the hybrid's battery through a generator while powering the vehicle. The engine also comes on if the vehicle's all-wheel-drive-system senses a loss in traction. Inside, the changes include a yellow start/stop button (instead of red) and a power display in place of the traditional tachometer. Mini's previous electrification efforts included the Mini E, which had a range under 100 miles and was available for leasing in 2009. Expect the plug-in hybrid to debut in 2019. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Plug-In Hybrid Related Gallery Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid Spy Shots View 13 Photos Green MINI Crossover Hybrid PHEV confirmed