Redesigned 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop to Debut Nov. 18 in England

Peabody, 08/19/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

On Nov. 18, MINI will pay tribute to its past while taking a big step into the future, revealing its redesigned 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop on the posthumous 107th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, the creator of the original Mini. After its debut at the historic MINI Plant Oxford in England, the new MINI Cooper will make public appearances at the LA Auto Show and Tokyo Motor Show on Nov. 20 before arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of next year.

Though MINI's announcement only goes as far as saying that the 2014 MINI Cooper will feature all-new engines and chassis technologies, auto publications like Car and Driver have reported that the model will offer a range of three-cylinder powerplants, with the most capable unit producing around 200 horsepower. The next-generation MINI will also receive updates to its MINI Connected infotainment system, which currently allows drivers to sync their smartphones for Bluetooth hands-free phone calls, music streaming and access to several apps, including Facebook, Twitter and Google Local Search.

"All indications point to the new MINI Cooper being the most fun, fuel-efficient and tech-friendly version yet," said Gary King, general manager of MINI of Peabody, a Greater Boston MINI dealer. "Even with the move from four cylinders to three cylinders to save on gas, the MINI Cooper's new engines will all feature turbocharging and operate similarly to a six-cylinder, so we're not expecting any sacrifice in performance."

MINI recently hinted at the new styling for its best-selling model with its MINI Vision concept. Unveiled as a 3-D hologram, the MINI Vision emphasizes a more streamlined design, with a single-panel hexagonal grille, circular headlights with outer LED rings and larger taillights. The concept also sports a more steeply sloping windshield and a slightly canted roof.

Many of the changes in store for the MINI Cooper Hardtop are expected to make their way across the brand's lineup in the next couple years, but in the meantime, MINI's existing models continue to perform well at dealerships. With 5,950 of its models finding new homes last month, MINI saw its best-ever July sales in the United States. The brand is also on a record pace through the first seven months of 2013, having moved more than 38,000 units.

"MINI has attracted a lot of new buyers in recent years with the introduction of all-new models like the versatile Countryman, but a redesigned version of its most popular vehicle should elevate sales to even greater heights," added King. "The brand has always been focused on doing more with less, and the new MINI Cooper perfectly encapsulates that philosophy with a design that is simple yet elegant, as well as with new engines that are downsized but not downgraded."

About MINI of Peabody:
Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their MINI inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call (877) 212-9727, like them on at www.facebook.com/miniofpeabody or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, Massachusetts.