Last year, the boss of Mini Peter Schwarzenbauer started talking about a refocus of the brand around five core models or pillars.

The pillars already include the new Hardtop (and Hardtop 4 Door), Convertible and Clubman.

Later this year, the new Countryman will arrive as the fourth pillar.

That leaves one unknown.

MINI Superleggera Vision concept

MINI Superleggera Vision concept

Mini toyed with the idea of a single sports car to replace the previous Coupe and Roadster models, rolling out the Superleggera Vision concept in 2014. However, we’ve also heard of Mini wanting to add a sedan to its lineup.

Citing an anonymous source, Autocar reports that the sedan is more likely to win out given its greater potential for sales, especially here in the United States as well as in China. The Riley name, previously used in the 1960s on a sedan version of the original Mini, has even been hinted as a possible name for a modern Mini notchback.

Although enthusiasts may love the idea of a sports car, the reality is that such models tend to drop in popularity soon after launch. With a sedan, Mini has a better chance of opening up its brand to a much wider audience.

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