MINI and the Mystery of the 2013 Hardtop

Even though the "new" MINI Cooper line has been around 2001, there have only been two platforms made from which all but the Countryman models were built upon.

For example, here are the two different platforms for the Cooper S model:

R53 - 2001 to 2006









R56 - 2006 to 2012









The R56 platform was longer, taller, and wider than the R53, made significant changes to the interior and exterior, as well as a beefier engine with a turbocharger instead of the R53's supercharger. To this day, gearheads argue over the improvements made between the two. While the R56 offers more interior room and more horsepower, the R53 is more efficient, handles slightly better, and is closer to the classic MINI models.

BMW and MINI have been extremely tight lipped in regards to the new platform being launched this fall. Not much of any news or details have been leaked, other than nebulous comments that make it sound as if the new 2013 MINI Hardtop will make even more significant changes than the previous platform change, including around a 40-50hp difference. During an episode of White Roof Radio, it was also brought up that BMW reps were telling MINI sales people that diehard MINI owners would "probably not like the new platform."

Who knows what the new model will bring, but I'm excited to see it! I was hoping that it would be unveiled during the MINI Takes the States Rally, but so far the only thing announced to be there has been the new GP and the Clubvan (both based on the second platform).

~Ben