Instead of years in the future, a JCW Mini BEV model may be in just months

Motoring File is now saying 2024. "It also serves as a precursor to the full redesign MINI will launch in 2024." From this article:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2021/04/21/miniusa-releases-the-refreshed-2022-jcw-hatch-and-jcw-convertible/

 

I never thought it made sense for MINI to have refreshed the 2020/21 lineup for 2022 and then abandon that refresh the very next year to introduce the next-gen MINI Coopers.

However, the phrase "launch in 2024" doesn't nail it down for me. Does "launch in 2024" mean the next-gen MINI Coopers will arrive for the 2024 model year, going on sale in 2023? Or does "launch in 2024" indicate the next-gen MINI Coopers will be 2025 model-year cars launched in 2024? Perhaps the 2022 LCI enhancements will be what MINI plans to be selling for the 2023 and 2024 model years?

Is it possible that the next-gen MINI Cooper SE could offer quicker acceleration, greater range, no more weight and no greater size? Is it possible that Oliver Heilmer can successfully reinterpret the classic design we all love? I'm skeptical that the next-gen SE can satisfy those 4 requirements AND look as good as my wonderful 2021 SE.

 

Last hurrah of the ICE models? No mention of electric in that article. But MINI could be one of the first with a convertible EV if they electrify it.

 

Thanks for that update. This whole delay in change has been weird with the 2022 refresh

 

Except for the ancient Tesla Roadster (not the upcoming non-roadster Tesla Roadster), no manufacturer has figured out how to make a convertible EV. Perhaps for 2024 MINI will come up with a titanium/carbon-fiber convertible A-pillar and windshield frame that can support the extra weight of the battery in a rollover accident. That will require a lot of engineering and materials science for the very small number of convertibles MINI sells.

 

Every car I’ve ever owned has been a manual. As I was handing over the pink slip for my Volvo C30 the other day (to make the down payment for my new Mini) I had a sobering thought: I’ll probably never drive a stick shift again. Then again, I’m so excited about building this SE I’m sure I’ll get over the loss pretty quickly. It’s time to move on, I think. Plus, now my wife will be able to drive my car for once.

(Sorry for the lateness of this reply. I only recently found this forum and have a lot of reading to catch up on.)

 

Lots of good information here! Welcome! I added your data into our stats this morning. Thanks for providing it. I think you will find the solid zoom zoom of the SE an okay trade-off for the stick.

 

That was me too. Though the CR-V I did drive with my kid when an infant/little kid was automatic, but the Civic Si was mine really. I know my F55S was the last one I will personally own. We still have a 6spd Civic, but we know it will be replaced with electric.

One pedal driving is fun. Takes as much mental energy as stick driving did.

 

Yes! And it's not just the mental energy that stick provides - it's the intimate connection between the driver and the machine. One pedal provides that in spades.

 

I remember asking my Mom as she was driving our 1953 Chevy in around 1956 why she had to keep using that lever on the steering column (the "3-on-the-tree"). She told me the engine couldn't make the car go very fast without gears and certain gears worked only at certain speeds. I thought there must be something wrong. Why couldn't they fix the engine so gears weren't needed? That's my earliest technical automotive memory. Now, after many sports cars with stick shifts (yes, I count my 2 gen-1 Insights as sports cars--we can fight if you want), I finally have a car that doesn't need gears to go fast.