Now that we’ve confirmed it through multiple sources it’s time to let you know what we’ll all be calling the next generation MINI due out in late 2012. Drum-roll please. The next MINI hatch (the basis for an entire range of models) has been given the code-name F56. What does that mean for the the car and for MINI? Quite a bit really. Read-on… First off that means that the current R generation of MINIs are dead. Or more specifically MINI’s days of having it’s own unique code-naming structure within the BMW Group is likely ending. For those that don’t know BMW, all BMW models are moving to the new F nomenclature from 2009 to 2013. And this sign of MINI’s most important model following that trend seems to be yet another sign that the next generation MINI will be co-developed with a front wheel drive BMW. We expect both the small front wheel drive BMW and MINI to share not only engines but also major chassis components (hence the similar code-name structure). Better engineering and more drivetrain options available to MINI are just a few pluses to this new plan. On the negative side you can’t help but ask yourself, does this sharing of major components with a small BMW take some exclusivity away from the next generation MINI?
Scott, thinking about it further, the Air Force numbers would not work after all, because the Countryman would be a C-130. :nonod: Jim
:cornut: No. The single engine turbocharged 4 place and light baggage aircraft is the Cessna 172 Sky Hawk among others. Lets see, the MINI Countryman 172 Road Hawk.:lol: Jasonopcorn:opcorn:
cant wait to see what this new model is gonna look like. What is in a name? hopefully a little less muffin top...