BMW officially showed its 2007 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models to the press a few weeks ago, but today it made its auto show debut in Paris. Featuring a new engine, new body design, and a restyled interior, the new MINI doesn't mess with the formula that has made it a runaway sales success since its launch in 2001. At first glance a carbon copy of the original, every body panel is new and stretched over a slightly bigger area.
Under the reskin, the new MINI plays follow the leader to keep the winning formula of go-kart handling and a pleasant ride. Now propelled by a BMW-sourced engine family, the newest MINIs don't offer a huge jump in power, but should offer a little more refinement. The new 1.6-liter engine develops 120 hp and 103 ft-lbs of torque in the normally aspirated Cooper. With a turbocharger, the Cooper S gets a more robust 175 hp and 177 ft-lbs. of torque. Both models will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Apparently gone for good are the CVTs of the previous model. Early in 2007, Europeans will also be able to choose the new MINI One, powered by a 95 hp 1.4-liter engine. A new MINI turbodiesel powerplant will be introduced at the same time.
(Lots more live and press pics and press release after the jump)
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