Good point Mo, try and find out anything you can with regards to the prototype getrag Awd system, are there any plans to use this or any other 4 or all wheel drive systems on the MINI.

Are there any plans to take MINI back into rallying?

Have a great trip Paul! I can't wait to see the photos and read all the new info :D

How secure is the key next to the start/stop button? (Is it on the left or the right of the steering wheel on the righthand drive car?)

Could someone lean in and nick it, if the window was down?

Could be a selling point for the comfort access option?

The RHD cars I've seen had the key holder on the right hand side, same as you'd have the key.

Good point Mo, try and find out anything you can with regards to the prototype getrag Awd system, are there any plans to use this or any other 4 or all wheel drive systems on the MINI.

Are there any plans to take MINI back into rallying?

Mee too. A rally MINI would be awesome

Paul can you please find out which mobile phones the Bluetooth prep is compatible with???

Paul can you please find out which mobile phones the Bluetooth prep is compatible with???
good question:)

namely does it work with Nokia would interest me;)

Wish I could be there today...its only a half days drive for me. But here's my questions if you get the chance:
Are painted fenders going to be an option from the dealer?
The Bluetooth - will it support A2DP or stereo bluetooth?
Will night fire red be available for the Cooper S convertible? (hoping for a last minute miracle)
Thanks!

<------------ Waiting patiently for live feed :D

Today is going to drag waiting for this :( :D

I have a feeling it will be worth waiting for:D

Hey, I never said live feed, I said reporting live.

Hey, I never said live feed, I said reporting live.

There already? Surely public transport hasn't been reliable?!

Pleeeez get us info on the Mini diesel. Is it truck sounding? whats it going to cost, when is it coming and what does the spec sheet say about its performance?!

Hey, I never said live feed, I said reporting live.

ok :p So what you got to report ;)

is there a decent owners lounge ;)

going next weekend :)

Arrived at 10:30 loccal time, entetered Hall 1 and there, straight in front of you is the HUGE "MINI BOX", which is as best I can describe it. The display is pretty small, and the owners lounge will be a let down to those who went to London and are hoping for something on a similar scale. No chance.

Already these is one Laser Blue Cooper S on show, with the assembled media crawling all over the vehicle, inside and out.

I am hoping to arrange interviews with various MINI reps from design, engineering and project management, I also hope to get a good guided tour which I will attempt to video.

There is also a white MINI Convertible and a JCW on display, as well as an area devoted to the MINI collection.

They have interactive displays showing the MINI suspension and design etc with MINIs that you move over the glass to drive around a "track", the various pit stops being where they show you the different highlights of the new, new MINI.

I will not get any video online until tonight at the earliest, but I hope to update this thread a few times, and upload images to MINI2 from the show (unedited, so forgive the quality) as I progress.

The MINI stand is VERY busy, it's not big enough!

There are three more MINIs "hiding" out back, I assume waiting for the grand reveal at 2pm (just over two hours) today.

79 images now online at http://www.mini2.com/images/paris_one/slideshow.php for you to go over and enjoy. Much more to come.

I'll report back as and when I can, competition is fearce for spaces in the media centre to get access to the net!

Going offline now so see you all soon. ;) :D

One question that has now occurred to me looking at the pics is: Does the Cooper S scoop go anywhere? Looking at the pics its hard to tell if air would blow into the bonnet or if it is sealed off under the bonnet.

If it is open it certainly offers some good scope for induction systems with the air filter being located at the back of the engine bay.

nice one Paul :)

Good stuff :D I feel like I'm actually there :p

Great pics - What a scrum!

Great pics:)

Now get yourself over to Audi and get me some of the new R8:D

Less than 10 mins until showtime. I wonder what is under those covers and how long will it take Paul to report back?

Super pics-great work! :nice::nice: Love the halogen lights - colour great but prefer the chilli for longevity (biased opinion of course) Interior on S is it the same as a Chilli Cooper ? Have the facings got more leather than expected or is it another option?

I really hope there will be a lightning blue car under those covers.

Does anyone else think that the Mellow Yellow MINI under the covers has an aero kit on it? Slide 63? The bumper looks wider and different to the cooper S or Cooper normal bumper! EXCITED!!!

I really like the look of it! Its looking good! I think I will be getting one soon! Hope theres a nightfire red with that lightning blue Olly

I was thinking exactly the same thing about aero kit on that mellow yellow! :confused:

Looked pretty smart, shame no red sports interior :( I've like the pics so far of that.

The new sunroof opening both panels looks good, overall it's growing on me :wink:

Just have to wait to get my mits on one and clamber all over it.

But Paul the side panels in the boot looked carpeted is that correct?

Any who, good photos!! :D :D