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Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman

During an event in Ponce, Puerto Rico last week where Mini introduced members of the media to the 2013 Paceman and John Cooper Works GP, product planners discussed that the brand's lineup could expand to eventually include up to 10 bodystyles. Currently, the Mini range consists of seven models: the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman.
Speaking to members of the media, David Duncan, Mini USA sales manager, said that these new models could fall into a range of niches - "any segment that makes sense for a small car." No specific vehicle classes were discussed, but Duncan stated that the possibilities are endless, "as long as we're the smallest player in any segment."
Well, nearly endless. We've been hoping that Mini would re-think its decision to nix plans to create a vehicle smaller than the Hardtop - a notion previewed by the excellent Rocketman concept (shown above) from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show - but the automaker once again stated that this is absolutely off the table. In order to create a vehicle of the Rocketman's size, a completely new platform would have to be engineered (that's expensive), and while Mini has looked into acquiring existing architecture from another brand, parent company BMW has reportedly put the kibosh on such an act. If a Rocketman is ever to be born, BMW/Mini will do it on its own, and right now, that simply isn't in the cards.

Third-generation Mini Countryman previewed with psychedelic camouflage

Mini has released additional details about the third-generation Countryman due out later in 2023. While the range will include gasoline-, hybrid-, and battery-powered models, the BMW-owned company focused on the electric version and published a basic set of specifications. We've seen pre-production prototypes of the next Countryman before; Mini previewed the model in March 2023. The latest batch of official spy shots gives us a better look at the updated design. Up front, the electric variant of the Countryman stands out from the gasoline-burning model with a big, grille-like piece of trim. We're guessing that it wears several powertrain-specific trim pieces and emblems as well, though these are hidden under camouflage that wouldn't look entirely out of place on a Gaudi-designed building in a picturesque part of Spain. Mini revealed that the new Countryman will stretch about 174.3 inches from bumper to bumper and stand 63.5 inches tall. In comparison, the outgoing model measures 169.8 inches long and 61.3 inches tall. These figures should give the crossover a more spacious interior, and they'll make it the biggest series-produced car that Mini has ever released (the original Mini from 1959 measured merely 120 inches long). Interior photos haven't been published yet, but Mini notes some of the upholstery and trim pieces are made with recycled materials. On the electric side of the range, the Countryman will be available with two powertrains. First, a 191-horsepower single-motor setup that spins the front wheels; this version will be called Countryman E. Second, a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system rated at 313 horsepower and fitted to the Countryman SE ALL4. Electricity will be stored in a 64.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, and Mini estimates the model's range will check in at about 280 miles when tested on the WLTP cycle used in Europe. The EPA-estimated figure will be lower, however. More details about the third-generation Mini Countryman will be released in the coming months. It won't remain the brand's only crossover for long: making it bigger clears up space for a second, smaller model tentatively called Aceman and previewed by a concept in July 2022. At the other end of the spectrum, the next-generation Cooper will make its debut in 2024 with significant design changes inside and out. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Upcoming Mini 5-door hatch spied in the snow

We are about to get a flood of new Mini models now that the new 2014 model is officially out. In just the past few months, we've seen spy shots of the next-generation John Cooper Works and so-called Traveler crossover, and here we have the upcoming five-door hatchback in Cooper S form, a model that, like the Traveler, is expected to effectively obviate the need for the slow-selling Clubman.
Mini is not exactly hiding that this is a new five-door model, even with its camouflage - the rear door line and handle are clear as day. Also, compared to the three-door Cooper Hardtop, there appears to be an added pillar and additional length at the rear. The hatch also appears to be mounted at a steeper angle than the standard Mini. Also, you have to admit that the Mickey-Mouse-ear fog lights are cute, even if Mini would never actually sell it that way.
Expect to see even more variants soon, if BMW and Mini want to reach their goal of selling over a million front-wheel drive vehicles - an earlier report indicated there could be as many as 23 front-wheel drive cars from the brands in the coming years.