Big expansion of Mini's lineup is in the works
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Mini's range will grow to 10 vehicles by 2020 -- up from six today -- as it switches to a front-wheel-drive architecture developed with BMW.
The fwd platform debuts with the second-generation Mini Cooper hardtop in 2014. Mini and BMW also will share components such as heating and air conditioning that won't be visible to customers, said Kay Segler, who heads Mini worldwide.
In addition to replacements for the current range, Mini will likely add a five-door station wagon, a commercial van and possibly a notchback. The station wagon will be based on the new platform. The van will share a platform with the Countryman.
Mini is considering a plug-in electric or hybrid, Segler said. The electric would compete with the Smart ForTwo plug-in.
Cooper: The third-generation hatchback is expected in 2014, using a new fwd and four-wheel-drive architecture shared with a new range of entry-level BMWs. The convertible variant will go on sale a year later, in 2015.
Clubman: A commercial variant called the Clubvan debuts this fall. It has four seats and a closed-off area behind the seats for cargo. Rear windows are blocked out.
No major changes are expected for several years until the Clubman changes to the new architecture.
Countryman: The crossover may be freshened in 2014.
Paceman: The three-door derivative of the five-door Countryman will debut in early 2013 as Mini's seventh model. The Paceman shares the Countryman's platform and powertrains.
Coupe: No changes are expected for the next few years.
Roadster: A softtop based on the two-seat coupe went on sale in early 2012, and no changes are expected for a few years.
You can reach Diana T. Kurylko at dkurylko@crain.com. -- Follow Diana on 
