May 02, 2014 12:53 PM EDT
Could the 2020 Mini Cooper Be a Pure EV?

The 2014 Mini Cooper launched just recently, but the brand reportedly already has a 2020 version in the works that could have a pure electric model.

The fourth generation of Mini Cooper will feature new materials and smaller engines, industry sources told Edmunds.com.

While it's too early in the development process for specifications, the 2020 Mini Cooper will likely be more space-efficient and lighter, but it will still keep its signature Mini style, Edmunds reported.

BMW, Mini Cooper's parent company, has been using more carbon fiber and electric powertrains in its new i brand, something that could be implemented into future Mini versions.

The 2020 redesign could be a daring shift from the first BMW Mini, which appeared in 2001 and has been a platform template for the second- and third-generation vehicles.

Sources told Edmunds that the Mini has room to evolve safely since the brand has been reestablished worldwide with a successful lineup.

The 2014 Mini Cooper hatchback is slightly bigger than its predecessors, with the Edmunds review placing the length at "about a cell phone" greater than the outgoing model. The modest increase in size makes for more room in the back seat, while maximum cargo space is up more than 50 percent for 38 cubic feet.

Available in two-door hatchback and convertible versions, the 2014 model comes in base Cooper and Cooper S trims for the hatchback and Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) versions for the convertible.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

EDITOR'S PICK    

Hyundai to Invest $16.1 Billion for EV Business; Sets Annual Sales Goal of 1.87M Electric Cars by 2030

World's Most Expensive and Most Heavily-optioned Porsche 928 GTS is Coming Home to the U.S.

Major Boost as Tesla Giga Berlin Facility in Final Phase of Approval Process; Delivery Event Set This Month

Audi Looking for e-tron Electric Vehicles to Spur Car Brand's Growth in India in 2022

Toyota Offers Free EV Charging to Owners of 2023 bZ4X After Partnership Agreement with EVgo

2022 Suzuki Baleno Finally Unveiled in India: What are the Specs and Features of this City Car?