Under normal circumstances, it’s not that hard to tell apart a regular Mini Cooper from its sportier Cooper S counterpart, but try doing the same with a body cloaked in a hippie like camo full of swirls, and it may get complicated.
So how do we do know that this particular prototype that our scoop photographers nabbed racing around the famed Nurburgring track in Germany is actually the Cooper S?
Well, because of the low profile alloy wheels and more importantly, the centrally mounted, twin tailpipes, both of which are familiar traits of the Cooper S models.
The new Mini hatchback, codenamed F56, will share its marginally larger front-wheel drive platform architecture with a new generation of small BMW models such as the upcoming 1-Series Gran Turismo.
The spy shots of both the Cooper and Cooper S model reveal a slightly longer front overhang and more rakish front and rear windshields. The design will be freshened up throughout with contemporary details, but will retain the MINI’s signature looks.
The Cooper S is expected to sport a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine based on a BMW powerplant delivering a little over 180-horses, with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than the current unit. A hotter John Cooper Works version of the Cooper S with around 210-horses and a stiffer chassis will complete the initial range.
There have been unconfirmed reports that MINI may also introduce a slightly longer five-door version of the hardtop hatchback, which if true, will likely be offered in Cooper S trim as well.
Photo Credits: CarPix for Carscoop
PHOTO GALLERY
