Mini shows the third generation of the Cooper

With a new generation of modular engines, built exclusively by BMW without any further involvement from the PSA Group, a new platform, a significant weight reduction and new active safety measures, the new Mini will be presented next month at the Los Angeles Motor Show, as well as in Tokyo.

In addition to the changes mentioned above, let us start with the aesthetic modifications, since the front end of the new Mini will be sharper than before, with new LED headlights. The changes continue at the rear, with a centrally mounted exhaust tailpipe, a steeper roof slope and new designs for the rear lights.

The new structure will now be more rigid than in the previous generation of the model. Additionally, Mini has revised the suspension design to make it stronger yet lighter, so as not to penalise the final weight.

In terms of engines, the new generation is expected to be built on modular engines, based on the 3-litre six-cylinder of BMW. Each cylinder represents half a litre of displacement, so the entry-level three-cylinder engine will have a total displacement of 1.5 litres. In the case of the 2-litre, we move to four cylinders, both with the addition of a turbo.

Thus, the Cooper gains 13 horsepower, reaching 134; in the case of the Cooper S, the gain is not as large (only 5 horsepower), reaching 189 horses. We will have to see whether there is much room left for improvement for the John Cooper Works variants.

Another interesting aspect of this new generation is the presence of an automatic gear selector that works in conjunction with what the GPS reads. For vehicles equipped with navigation and automatic gearboxes, gear selection will be influenced by what the GPS detects ahead. So, if a bend approaches, the car will downshift in advance based on the GPS readings.

On another note, this new generation will feature adaptive dampers and electric power steering, along with new safety options such as an active bonnet, which will rise automatically in the event of a pedestrian impact.

Via | Motoring File

Photo | Autocar