Could the MINI Cooper’s Hidden Exhaust Return?

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The fourth-generation (F66) MINI Cooper, brings a mix of modern updates, technological advancements, and refined performance. But one of its more controversial design choices is the hidden exhaust system on the Cooper and Cooper S—a departure from MINI’s more expressive past. Why has MINI done this and could we see it return?

In a move that aligns with broader automotive trends, the F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S adopted a hidden exhaust system, tucking away the pipes to create a sleeker, more minimalist rear-end design. This approach visually aligns the car with the electric J01 MINI Cooper – key to keeping the ICE and electric models appearing as identical as possible. It also downplays the car’s CO2 emissions.

Where previous generations proudly displayed their exhaust tips, F66, leans into a subtler, more grown-up aesthetic. But to many the lack of visible exhaust tips arguably removes a bit of personality. For some, this is a welcome update that signals a bit of maturity; for many, it feels like MINI is sanitizing the very elements that made it exciting in the first place.

The Oddity that is the F66 MINI Cooper JCW Exhaust

Even the JCW isn’t immune to this strategy of hiding exhausts. While there’s a large center exhaust clearly visible, there’s a second hidden outlet just to the left.

This extra pipe reportedly allows for more control over sound and emissions, however we’re not 100% this isn’t a styling decision by MINI. As before, Sport mode turns the exhaust note up a bit and there is a flap that does open. But it’s still unclear how exactly this is different than the previous JCW’s dual exhaust strategy. Other than of course to hide one of the pipes.

Could We See the Visible Exhaust Return?

Given the slowing sales of EVs and the reality that internal combustion MINI’s are likely going to be here far past 2030, could MINI have an about face and bring back the visible exhaust? We think there’s a distinct possibility at least on the Cooper S.

For one if you look at the Cooper S exhaust you’ll see it’s nearly identical to the JCW’s down to the center bulge where the JCW’s visible center exhaust pipe protrudes. It would seem very plausible for MINI to simply give the Cooper S exhaust the JCW treatment in its next mid-cycle refresh.

The F66 MINI Cooper JCW dual exhaust with both hidden and visable outlets

Why think it’s a possibility is that MINI is hearing feedback from customers that the current Cooper lacks some of the appeal of the previous model. From the lack of a manual to the fabric interior to the missing exhaust, we see a real desire from would-be owners and MINI fans to bring back some of these elements.

The F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S’s hidden exhaust is undeniably a modern design choice. But whether it’s the right choice is another question entirely. While it helps MINI align with contemporary trends, in our opinion, it also removes a small but meaningful part of what made past models feel special

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