Mike, just went by after work (didn't know about this thread at the time either) and talked to Phillip Johnson (BMW salesman who took my deposit last year) as well as Larry (MINI Mgr.) and Jay (Parts Mgr).
First of all, they were just setting up the surveyor's equipment as I pulled in, groundbreaking should be any day now quite literally.
In talking to Phillip, he said that it was kind of the unspoken order from Sonic NOT to sell over MSRP but that anything could happen between now and when cars actually get here. Although he made sure that I understood that this is not official from MINI of Nashville, he told me that it is expected that all those who got on the list will pay MSRP with no mandatory addons, no mention of a 10% upcharge. All buyers not on the list now have a good chance of paying above MSRP and/or addons.
In talking to Larry confirmed the wait on BRG, Black, and Electric Blue for the S. When asked for his thoughts comparing the Cooper to the Cooper S he got very visibly excited, almost stammering, when describing the S. Might be salesman BS but he sounded honest when he talked about how awesome the S was.
Jay, parts guy, showed me the MINI accessories catalog and talked about them and the other things coming down the pike. He said he didn't like the idea of the factory roof rack, as the roof has to be drilled to install it, but that it seemed quality. Coolest item had to be the fitted car covers.... VERY neat! Also discussed
JCW conversions, said it looks like they are going to be done possibly in conjunction with Dinan and that it is almost assured that it will be done by the MINI dealers and covered under warranty.
Mike - did they call you about spec'ing your car or did you contact them? Larry said he'd been trying to email me but never said why, and nothing was mentioned to me while I was there.
Looks like my spot on the list might just result in me getting a Sept. car anyway so I might not have to rule out the on-hold colors afterall.