When it was released, back in 2002, the first generation MINI Cooper build under BMW ownership held true to its legacy. One of the features of the new Cooper was the big, center-mounted speedometer, just like the Classic Mini used to have. After all, that speedometer is for the Cooper what the analog watch is for the Rolls-Royce. However, it seems like BMW wants to change some things for the 2014 model.
A photo recently posted on Reddit seems to be showing us the interior of the future car, way before its official release. If this turns out to be legit, we’re in for a big surprise. That’s because it shows us that the center mounted speedo is gone, being replaced by the entertainment system and telephone controls.
We’re hoping this is just an April Fools Day prank and the UKL-based car will not be changed to such drastic extent. After all, the classic design MINI cars had until now were more than tradition, they represented the brand’s DNA since the first Cooper came out of the assembly lines in 1961. However, this does fall in line with one of our previous reports which suggested that the speedo is gone and in its place a ring of light flashes when you have a phone call.