Third Generation MINI Cooper Hatch Breaks Cover

The folks over at Automobile magazine published a series of spy photos of the next generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S on their web site. 

Automobile Magazine - Chris Doane

The new MINI adopted the Rocketman concept car's headlights and sports a more, ah, surprised "face". The taillights - just peeking out of the camouflage appear to be somewhat similar to the new Paceman coupe. Also visible is the new dashboard which was rumored at one time to have lost the center dial setup. There is something in the center that is round, however it could be the radio-navigation-climate control buttons. 

We'll see this fall. In the meantime, check out color on the MINI Cooper S in the shots - pretty dang close to my faithful Mini's color - Bracken! Love it.  

UPDATE

The folks at MINI reacted to the leaked photos with a tongue-in-cheek press release:

Official Release: Aggressive and relentless papping is something British celebrities have had to learn to live with. Members of the Royal Family, as well as actors, footballers and top models are all familiar with the sensation of being caught in uncompromising situations, and now MINI is the latest victim. Absolutely unaware and without make-up, the youngest member of our family was caught by sensationalist photographers in a highly private moment. The young one was yellow and completely defenceless. We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe.


But like a good stiff-upper-lipped Brit, MINI shall not complain, although we would like to officially state that we are not flattered. The published pictures do not reflect our good looks any way. As every celebrity knows, those extra long telephoto lenses have the devastating ability to negatively distort all surfaces, lines and angles. Therefore our advice: next time come closer to the object of desire. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry, shortly you will have the opportunity to experience the MINI up close and personal, and to take pictures from all angles.