More importantly than the adverts (which were shot in Hollywood and, yes, the dog had his own makeup artist...) is the official unveiling of the new MINI, which will take place on November 18th. That date is another conscious nod to history, as it marks the 107th anniversary of the birth of Alec Issigonis, the iconoclastic engineer who designed the original Mini (and of course the Morris Minor and the Morris/Austin/MG 1100 and 1300). The premiere of the new car will take place simultaneously in two locations (a gimmick that's fast becoming a BMW habit following on from a similar multi-location reveal for the new i3 electric car) with covers being taken off in both London and MINI's home factory in Oxford - itself a former Morris factory.
Only then will we get to see the full shape of the new MINI, which is set to be larger, but lighter, than the current model, and which will spin off into five-door hatch, Clubman, Countryman and Convertible variants (the current Coupé and Roadster are not guaranteed to be directly replaced, as yet). The new car will get downsized engines in the form of turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder units in both petrol and diesel forms, while the Cooper S will actually get an upgrade to a 2.0-litre four-pot with 185hp.
Anything else?
Apparently, Spike the Bulldog is initially sceptical of the merits of his master's new MINI, but becomes increasingly fond of the car as the advert progresses. Better keep a slot free at the Oscars for that one. Walkies!
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