The fact that MINI will be replacing the Coupe and Roadster is not at all surprising. The two models have received criticism due to their price tags and a move to the new UKL1 platform will surely follow after the new Cooper hatch debuts next year.
A report from motoring.com.au, however, suggests the two-seater MINI could be replaced by a new sportscar in late 2015 or early 2016. The Australian magazine doesn't offer that much new information, but says that these two new machines already have codenamed, the F58 and F59.
Power will reportedly be provided by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine we already know about is reportedly a modular engine and its components will be adapted into a bigger, more powerful unit.
To us, this signals that MINI is moving away from B-segment cars into the C-segment where its high prices can be somewhat justified.
We still have a few years to see how this story pans out. The MkIII Cooper will first have to prove its design philosophy works and sales can keep up with the much more successful Countryman SUV.
Power will reportedly be provided by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine we already know about is reportedly a modular engine and its components will be adapted into a bigger, more powerful unit.
To us, this signals that MINI is moving away from B-segment cars into the C-segment where its high prices can be somewhat justified.
We still have a few years to see how this story pans out. The MkIII Cooper will first have to prove its design philosophy works and sales can keep up with the much more successful Countryman SUV.