Mini teases "Something thrilling is coming"

It doesn't look like the next-level JCW. If it's not the un-rumored but frequently requested SE Convertible, it's probably just a "thrilling" cosmetic package, which is something MINI is wont to do when sales need a boost.

 

Well, its sporty hood scoop probably raises *some peoples'* blood pressure...

 

Are those side scuttles (electric) yellow? ...enhance...

 

The only new model it could reasonably be is the new smaller version, of which there have been spy shots of it being tested. Nothing else has been seen that far into development.

But more likely a special edition SE (aka special paint/interior), or more remotely the GPE. I don't see how a JCWE could make sense, since the current SE is just a wee bit less powerful than the ICE JCW but the SE batteries overheat too easily. Maybe fancy suspension, but doesn't seem like a big deal for the SE.

Some site suggested a specialized body like the Red Bull MINI (minus the can).

 

I found a 1920 x 1080 pixel version of this image, blew it up and brightened the side scuttles. Maybe I see a touch of yellow in the front S logo.

Can someone with a 2022 SE take a photo of their front grille from above to compare with this grille?

 

Front "S":

 

Sorry kids, but I don’t see any yellow. I don’t know much about MINI, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to do a new version of the SE when you can’t even get the current SE’s on the lot.

 

Well, if you can get more money from the people willing to wait...

 

Three tone roof with matching wheels on red car.

 

Usually in these teaser announcements there's some sort of pun in what they put out there. If it was an electric something they'd have said made a lame pun like 'You'll get a charge out of what we're doing in October' or 'This is gonna be a jolt to the entire auto industry' or 'Get amped up for fall' or 'You're not gonna have to watt long to see what we're up to'... okay might be stretching on that last one.

'Thrill' doesn't say much. Although it's October and Halloween so I'm gonna guess a Dracula Blood-Red Edition?

 

This isn't actually from MINI, but it's interesting. This Is What MINI's All-Electric Future Might Look Like

 

I wonder if this has something to do with the "moto-tober" event..this is an older ad but maybe they're offering discounts before the next year model comes out...

 

I hope the "something thrilling" is not the early arrival of MINI's version of Great Wall Motors' ORA "Good Cat" that Motoring File claims will be the basis for the next MINI Electric. Compared with the MINI Cooper SE, the ORA "Good Cat" is longer (4,235 cm), wider (1,825 cm), taller (1,596 cm), heavier (3,300 lbs), and has less horsepower (143 hp) and torque (155 lb-ft), but offers maybe up to 200 miles of range per charge.

Of course, MINI will change the body to look more like a MINI Cooper, but if they install a more powerful motor, that will probably negate the greater range and increase the weight beyond the 3,300 lbs. reported in the linked review. Here's another, earlier, review.

This photo shows the GT version of the ORA "Good Cat," which has added fake front air scoops (MINI will undoubtedly add a fake hood scoop, too), but the same 143 horsepower as the scoopless Good Cat.

 

Now THAT I would buy

 

Love it!

 

Has been like that the whole time as far as I know. At least since I started looking in July.

Rob

 

Seems likely to be the "Motor-Tober" test drive.

 

Or is it this thing?

http://www.motoringfile.com/2021/10/05/mini-usa-launches-the-mini-anniversary-edition/

It doesn't seem likely given the teaser image, but who knows.