The latest bunch of spy shots showing the new Mini Cooper suggest that the car has a production-ready body and should reach the assembly line soon with ICE and electric powertrains to choose from.
Earlier reports made us believe the gas-powered hatchback will look significantly different from its electric counterpart, but this no longer seems to be the case. The car shown here must be the ICE version, judging by the tailpipe hidden behind some fake paneling at the back. Some shots even have smoke billowing from under the panels, even though it is only barely visible.
The images from last December showed the Cooper SE with sharp diamond-shaped taillights. In contrast, the ICE-powered Cooper spied earlier this year had traditional brake lights. We thought it was intentional, but the latest shots reveal that the diamond taillights have now made it onto this version as well.
Whatever the actual case, we should learn more about the new Cooper when it debuts soon.