MINI Cooper S Facelift First Spy Photos

New spy photos of the MINI Cooper S facelift were captured recently.  The pictures, taken in Southern Germany, show some updates at both the front and rear.

Some of the changes include a slightly modified air intake, with camo tape at points on the front bumper.  In back, new rear lighting, similar to the current model, can be seen.  The clusters appear to include LEDs.  The photographer on the scene believes an entirely new rear bumper will also be used.

Many fans of the car will be looking to for changes to the vehicle's interior.  The interior has often been the subject of criticism for the use of somewhat cheap looking materials.

The facelifted MINI Cooper S could be released next year as a 2012 model year car.  The second generation MINI Cooper was released for the 2007 model year, replacing the six-year old first generation.