MINI has teased their next generation model (in a video this time) set to make an official debut on November 18 – the date chosen as homage to Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis the creator of the original MINI born on the same day.

The car will also be simultaneously shown at the LA and Tokyo Motor Show.

2014 MINI – the new original

It’s no surprise that the image and video provided don’t reveal much, however, it’s been confirmed from the many spy shots that the 2014 MINI will be longer and wider than the outgoing model, and will also include a longer hood, slimmer A-pillars, and a smaller front grille.

In addition to being larger than its predecessor, the 2014 MINI will have a lower curb weight as a result of using more high strength steels in its assembling. The front windshield is also more raked in for a sleeker design and the LED daytime running lights now form a ring that encircles almost the entire headlight.

The interior is said to feature a more traditional layout as the speedometer is now on the driver’s side and the central area of the dashboard features a big touchscreen display. The rest of the cabin will be made more alive by chrome touches for the door handles, speakers and steering wheel.

Safety features will include collision and pedestrian warning systems designed to avoid a crash, a park assist function that helps the driver find a spot in a crowded parking lot and a rear-view camera that transmits images to a high-resolution colour screen on the centre stack, as well as a video-based adaptive cruise control and a road sign and speed limit recognition function.

A new generation of engines

Another big change will come in form of a new generation of engines from MINI. The line-up will consist of a three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine producing 100kW and in higher-performing models a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 141kW. The diesel line-up will encompass of a newly developed 1.5-litre direct-injection common-rail motor outputting 85kW and a peak torque of 269Nm.

The new MINI platform benefits from lightweight technologies shared with BMW’s new i-series. The 1.5-litre engine offers 220Nm although the company says it can be increased to about 230Nm temporarily with an overboost function. The four-cylinder has about 280Nm of torque at the same speed and 300Nm with overboost. Both engines rev up to 6500 rpm, and will be hooked to newly-developed six-speed transmissions.

Full details will be available on November 18 when the 2014 MINI will be officially revealed at the firm’s factory in Oxford, UK.

2014 MINI Cooper video