An intriguing new prototype of the next-generation Mini Cooper S has been snapped doing the rounds at the Nurburgring and will join an updated range that includes a thoroughly updated and improved all-electric version.
There’s little doubt that the new electric Cooper, expected to be dubbed the Cooper E and Cooper SE, will capture the world’s attention when they are unveiled in the coming months. However, there will still be some combustion-powered models and the Cooper S should be the most exciting of them all. That’s until potent John Cooper Works versions hit the market, of course.
Read: 2025 MINI Cooper 5-Door Hits The Streets With An Evolutionary Design
This prototype is bathed in yellow and black camouflage and is a three-door model. A host of images have already leaked online showing the latest-generation Mini Cooper so we already have a good idea of what this variant will look like. Among the most noteworthy changes made compared to the outgoing model include new headlights with circular LED daytime running lights, more aggressive lines over the hood, and a rear end that really stands out thanks to the sharp new LED taillights with a particularly intricate design.
As a more performance-focused version of the Cooper, we can see that this prototype has a unique set of wheels with silver and black spokes and also appears to have a revised front fascia that includes additional air intakes and a larger grille opening. Mini’s engineers have also equipped the hot hatch with a large spoiler stretching off from the roof.
The most intriguing detail of the car is its exhaust. This prototype has just a single exhaust exiting out of the center. Given how rare it is to see a performance car nowadays with just a single exhaust, we’d ordinarily suggest that this exhaust is simply being used for testing purposes and will be ditched for the production model. However, given that Mini has gone to the trouble to engineer a rear bumper for the car with a small cut-out for this single exhaust, it seems likely this is what the finished product will look like.
