Ahead of its debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show, Mini unveiled its third-generation hardtop. The new Mini Hardtop, according to the BMW Group-owned brand, is bigger, faster and more connected than its predecessors.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Ahead of its debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show, Mini unveiled its third-generation hardtop.
The new Mini Hardtop, according to the BMW Group-owned brand, is bigger, faster and more connected than its predecessors.
“BMW Group's outstanding development expertise and takes on a more extensive form than ever before in the history of the brand,” the company said in a release.“A new generation of engines increases driving fun and efficiency, and there is a wider selection of innovative driver assistance systems as well as Mini Connected infotainment facilities.”
When the vehicle is released in March 2014, the new engines options will include a 134-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine capable of 0-60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds and a 189-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The vehicles come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission will also be available.
2014 Mini Hardtop (Courtesy image)The vehicle has an “all-new body,” but its exterior looks are similar to the current car, including large round headlights, hexagonal front grille and upright rear lights.
“After more than 10 years in the U.S. market even the iconic Mini Cooper needs to update its look,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book.“Mini balanced this need against losing the brand’s identity with a new car that is clearly still a Mini.”
The new Mini is expected to be one of nearly 60 vehicle debuts, including 22 world debuts, during the 2013 LA Auto Show Press Days from Nov. 20-21. The LA Auto Show, which is considered the start of the “auto show season” for automakers, is open to the public from Nov. 22 – Dec. 1.
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Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.