MINI Cooper Four-Door Refresh Spied Testing With Minimal Camouflage
The 2018 MINI Cooper is set to receive minor styling changes.
Earlier this year, spy photographers caught the two-door model and convertible testing, and now we have photos of the four-door hatchback with similar changes. The little amount of camouflage being used on the prototype indicates changes won’t be significant as part of the refresh, at least not for the exterior. Expect to see small updates around the lights front and back, with the rear tail lights getting the Union Jack lighting signature first seen on the John Cooper Works GP Concept.
SEE ALSO: Slightly Refreshed MINI Coopers Caught Testing
There will be changes under the hood however, with MINI updating the powertrain to increase fuel economy and performance. Our spy photographers say a revised turbo system is part of the refresh, with the exhaust manifold and turbocharger housed together in the cylinder head, rather than being separate. In addition, the turbocharger casing for the three-cylinder engine is switching to aluminum, while the four-cylinder engines will feature steel casings. There should also be a upgraded cooling system that will help reduce CO2 output.
Rumors suggest a dual-clutch transmission could be heading to the 2018 MINI Cooper as an option as well. Expect to see new colors being added to the lineup, along with new wheel designs.
Discuss this story on our MINI Forum
Comments
Join the conversation
Nowhere to go but up, for one of the ugliest cars on the road.