From the original Mini to the Mini Clubman, Mini Countryman and now even the Mini Paceman, the brand is preparing itself for the new Mk3 Mini family. The next generation line-up will have up to ten individual models as the brand finally becomes completely part of the BMW family and offers something beyond the raging success the Mini revival first was.

The new Mini family will see the standard three-door hatch arrive first. Internally codenamed the F56, it will be revealed in 2012 and will go on sale in 2013. By 2015, we will see another nine Minis in the new family line-up, which will include a new Mini MPV currently called the “Spacebox”, but which will probably make it to market as the Mini Traveller.

The new Mini generation will have a brand new, front-drive platform engineered by BMW and called the UKL1. It will come in two wheelbase lengths and will combine a MacPherson front end suspension with a BMW Z-axle rear. A new range of three-cylinder engines is also on its way which will combine performance with significant fuel savings on the current four-cylinder units.

The UKL1 platform will support all-wheel drive and the new four-cylinder, two-litre BMW engines which could give rise to a powerful Mini JCW with four-wheel drive and 230 hp. That’s one model we’re more than happy to see in the new Mini family. A hybrid drivetrain is also being considered, as is an extended range vehicle and possibly a batter-powered Mini. The shared Mini-BMW platform will allow for some significant cost savings and earnings across the two compact brand ranges.

Source | Autocar

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