From talking to a friendly man at a Mini dealership (the manager) no names, not going to break a good friendship, having read the Optional Equipment list (New Mini Hatch R56) both the Cooper and Cooper S will have a 6 Speed Auto including steptronic gearshift paddles. This may not be new to most, but to some it will be...but this is the interesting bit, the Auto is expected to be available for the Cooper in December 2006, but not until March 2007 for the Cooper S...and I will be placing an order for mine in November!
SCB