These spy photos of the 2007 Mini Cooper were snapped recently in Bavaria, and demonstrate the finishing touches BMW is putting on the next-generation Mini Cooper expected to be presented towards the end of this year.
The new 2007 Cooper subcompact coupe will be a tad longer, higher, and wider, but not radically reworked -- aside from a redesigned hood that moves the headlights back into the vehicle body. The interior has been tidied up a bit and retains its ginormous central circular dial, but now incorporates an engine starter button, rather than a key.
New gasoline and diesel engines will be produced in England. (The current model features gasoline units from a Brazilian factory and diesel power supplied by Toyota.) The new engines are the result of a collaboration between BMW and Peugeot of France; Peugeot has more experience with small diesels than Toyota, so the new oil-burning Mini should be much quieter and even more fuel efficient.
The next-gen subcompact coupe will probably offer a range of suspension possibilities and will likely feature new sound-deafening materials in the interior structures.
One question is still unanswered. Will BMW hike the prices even higher or have they managed to reduce manufacturing costs so that the new features can be offered at more or less the current sticker prices? The ragtop is very profitable and helps the Bavarians ask premium prices for such a small but so-attractive car.