Is it just my impression, or has there really been very little reaction to the launch of the R57 in Detroit? I don't even see a news article here on MINI2 - you have to go to MotoringFile.com to get the coverage.....:confused:

Or are all the bells and whistles being saved for the 28th March?

Exactly what I was thinking - Not seen a thing in any other specialist motoriing presses/websites :confused: Though I do like the idea of an XFR... :D

The Detroit Launch doesn't really show us any more than we've already seen from official press shots over the past few weeks, so it won't generate that much hype.

Plus its a tad difficult for MINI2 to cover it officially when its in the States ;)

The dealer launch on March 28th won't even show us any more - we know the specs, we know the prices, we know what it looks like, we know about the roof open meter - what is there to get hyped up over any more?

...well, I suppose we might get to see Horizon Blue in the metal?

But it was MINI's choice to launch over the other side of the pond (which is after all now the No 1 market for MINI.....).

But what I meant was, one might have expected a MINI2 news item?

Although the Detroit Show has been open to the press for a couple of days, the official 'revealing' of the R57 wasn't supposed to be until today. As its only lunchtime in Detriot about now (18:30ish here in the UK) I guess they might not have revealed it yet?

heres the press release for you then Ian ;)

MINI at the 2009 Detroit NAIAS.
01/09/2009

1. MINI at the 2009 Detroit NAIAS. (Short Version)

2. At a Glance.

3. Consistently Open: The new MINI Convertible.

4. Driving Pleasure without Emissions: The MINI E.

5. Powerful Team on a Successful Route: MINI and MINI Clubman in the 2009 Model Year.

The presentation of the MINI brand at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is characterised in particular by the world debut of an unusually thrilling model and the breakthrough of the brand into a new age of mobility.

The first public appearance of the new MINI Convertible is leading up as a highly attractive highlight to the warm season, the open four-seater MINI offering lots of opportunities to start the convertible season this year at a particularly early point in time.

The public in Detroit will also have the opportunity from 17-25 January 2009 to experience the MINI E, with 500 units of the first all-electric MINI to be driven in California, New York and New Jersey by selected customers in everyday traffic. Introducing this revolutionary model, the BMW Group is setting a further milestone en route to individual mobility completely free of emissions.

Further highlights at the 2009 NAIAS are the current versions of the MINI and MINI Clubman. The focus in particular is on the latest additions to the range, the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Both of these top-flight athletes are powered by a 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection.

Even more fun in everyday traffic: the new MINI Convertible.

Presenting the 2009 model range in Detroit, MINI is putting everything in place to continue the brand's unique story of success in the USA at a fast and dynamic pace. Particularly the new MINI Convertible scheduled to enter the market in March 2009 will establish new momentum, taking up the success of the former model already most popular in the USA, with loyal aficionados throughout the country: Out of a total production volume of some 164,000 MINI Convertibles in the first generation, more than 37,000 units - about 24 per cent - were sold in the United States.

The new MINI Convertible is based on the qualities of its predecessor, giving even greater emphasis to the characteristic strengths of the open-air MINI. And thanks to new engines as well as the suspension upgraded to an even higher standard, this one and only premium convertible in its segment offers all the driving pleasure so typical and characteristic of MINI.
At the same time the new model comes with a new, retractable rollover safety system and a wide range of detailed solutions for exceptional all-round functionality. The new MINI Convertible is therefore perfectly prepared for all the challenges of everyday motoring, inviting the driver and passengers to enjoy the pleasant moments of life more often than ever before. To open the soft roof, for example, all you have to do is press a button, the roof opening fully automatically within just 15 seconds (and closing again just as fast).

The new MINI Convertible is entering the US automobile market with two model variants. The new MINI Cooper Convertible powered by an 88 kW/120 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder offers particularly sporting character and powerful performance. The power unit comes with fully variable valve management developed on the basis of the BMW Group's unique VALVETRONIC technology and ensuring an optimised torque curve, superior power and exemplary efficiency.

The new MINI Cooper Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 198 km/h or 123 mph. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 5.7 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 41.1 mpg US, and the CO2 rating is 127 grams per kilometre.

The new MINI Cooper S Convertible likewise featuring a 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit but in this case with maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection offers even more power and performance, accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, Top speed, in turn, is an equally impressive 222 km/h or 138 mph.
Average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S Convertible in the EU test cycle is 6.4 litres (equal to 36.6 mpg US), and the car's emission rating is 153 grams per kilometre. Compared with their predecessors, therefore, both the new MINI Cooper Convertible and the new MINI Cooper S Convertible offer a significantly higher standard of performance on substantially less fuel and with much lower emissions.

Apart from the fast-revving and powerful engines, modern suspension technology helps to give both new models a new dimension in agile handling. Both the MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible come with DSC Dynamic Stability Control featured as standard. As an option, Dynamic Stability Control may be further upgraded by the DTC optimised traction mode available exclusively on the MINI as the only front-wheel-drive car with this technology and an electrical locking function on the drive wheel differential.

Safety is raised to an even higher standard, inter alia, by the new rollover safety system moving up electromechanically whenever required. This single-piece rollbar rests almost out of sight behind the rear seats, moving up within fractions of a second only when the electronic safety control registers the risk of a rollover.

Thanks to the design and structure of the single-piece rollbar, the through-loading between the luggage and passenger compartment is particularly large and generous in size, increasing the maximum loading capacity of the MINI Convertible by 55 to 660 litres (23.1 cu ft).

The wide range of options for customising the new MINI Convertible has also been extended once again, new body colours, three different colour and trim variants on the roof and a large number of upholstery options, interior surfaces and trim bars enabling the customer to create his - or her - very own car in his personal style.

Setting out for emission-free mobility: the MINI E.

Yet another MINI highlight at the 2009 NAIAS likewise offers driving pleasure typical of MINI in everyday motoring: Immediately after the launch of a pilot project in a number of US states, the trendsetting MINI E is now being presented to the public in Detroit.

This unique new model boasts an electric motor developing maximum output of no less than 150 kW/204 hp. This kind of superior energy comes from a lithium-ion battery fitted at the rear of this two-seater and giving the car a cruising range of more than 240 kilometres or, respectively, 150 miles.

The energy reservoir may be recharged from any kind of power socket, with power reserves being replenished particularly quickly from a special Wallbox delivered to the customer together with the MINI E.

Extracting a maximum of 28 kilowatt hours from the power mains, the MINI E is able to cover a distance of 5.4 miles on each kilowatt supplied to the car.

The MINI E combines emission-free motoring with agility typical of the brand. Acceleration to 100 km/h or 62 mph comes in just 8.5 seconds, with top speed limited electronically to 152 km/h or. respectively, 95 mph.

Running 500 cars under practical, everyday driving conditions on the road in the USA, MINI will be gaining practical experience through a representative cross-section of users. At the same time the BMW Group will benefit from valuable experience in developing production cars running entirely on electrical power.

Motorsport know-how for the road: the MINI John Cooper Works.

The outstanding performance of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are likewise the result of the BMW Group's outstanding competence in the development of new engine technology. The 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder featured in both of these models comes straight from the power unit raced in the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport Series. The MINI John Cooper Works accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in 6.8 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 238 km/h or 148 mph.

Both of these top-flight athletes are built at the MINI Plant in Oxford together with the other models in the range. Through their particular character and qualities focusing without compromises on an active driving experience, these very special models add an important highlight to the brand's overall range. And like the new MINI Convertible, they also prove the diversity the MINI brand is able to offer.

Proudly presenting the current model range and the trendsetting MINI E, the MINI brand is making a more attractive and innovative appearance than ever before at the 2009 NAIAS. By tradition, the North American International Auto Show is the first world-class motor show of the year, with car shows having been held in Detroit since 1907. This year the organisers and almost 100 exhibitors expect some 700,000 visitors from all over the world.

Pics of the launch just appeared....

MotoringFile R57 (Conv.) (http://www.motoringfile.com/section/r57/)

Basically all the exhibitors have kept their stands and launches pretty low key due to the state of the US car industry, so fanfares, dry ice and huge stands are a big no no. Unfortunately a couple of manufacturers did'nt stick to the script , but in general it's all a bit of a low key affair.

Thanks all - that's much better! :D

Basically all the exhibitors have kept their stands and launches pretty low key due to the state of the US car industry, so fanfares, dry ice and huge stands are a big no no. Unfortunately a couple of manufacturers did'nt stick to the script , but in general it's all a bit of a low key affair.

Have a look at this, not very low key ;):D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MKYNuQokr5w

Cool vid :D

Have a look at this, not very low key ;):D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MKYNuQokr5w

A few plexiglass blocks, a co2 fire extinguisher and Ian Robertson's travel expenses is hardly big budget for a world premiere. ;)

A few plexiglass blocks, a co2 fire extinguisher and Ian Robertson's travel expenses is hardly big budget for a world premiere. ;)

Spoilsport!!!!!!!! ;)

A few plexiglass blocks, a co2 fire extinguisher and Ian Robertson's travel expenses is hardly big budget for a world premiere. ;)

LoL, but I bet it cost a fortune to do

Well, if they want to save a few bob, they can hold the next World Premiere round my place! :D

I'll go out this weekend to buy the CO2 fire extinguisher....and the beer's not bad here

Good news is I'll be attending the MINI Cooper S Convertible launch Monday and Tuesday next week where I will be privileged to be among the very first journalists from around the world to drive the new MINI Convertible!

I will be writing a full, exclusive report and review for my new MINI news and reviews site at theSwitchback (http://theswitchback.com). And once I'm done writing and photo editing I'll be happy to field questions about the car too.

If there's anything you'd like me to attempt to pay particular attention to, be sure to ask here, and I'll try to recall while I'm with the cars.

:D

Wont say too much, but the venue for the launch alone makes me think this is going to be nothing if not one of the most exciting and potentially unusual MINI events I've had the pleasure to attend.

Nice going Paul! Have a great adventure.

for USA models, the premium package, when selected, does not allow one to add the AeroKit. Could you ask MINI why they made that choice?

Thanks!

Nice going Paul! Have a great adventure.

for USA models, the premium package, when selected, does not allow one to add the AeroKit. Could you ask MINI why they made that choice?

Thanks!

You're the second person to say that. I can choose both without issue on the Cooper and Cooper S on the MINIUSA site. I'm using Firefox 3.0.5 with Flash player 10, but it works with my IE 7, too. I want to know when the JCW Cabrio will be on the configurator!

Well, if they want to save a few bob, they can hold the next World Premiere round my place! :D

I'll go out this weekend to buy the CO2 fire extinguisher....and the beer's not bad here

Does anyone know if it'll be at the Philadelphia Auto Show next week?? I'll be going, so I'll look out for it...... tried to look at the website for the Philly show, but no information that I could see.

And dalboyne- Luxembourg beer is good! I have a good friend in Bertrange, so I have tasted it a few times!

Nice going Paul! Have a great adventure.

for USA models, the premium package, when selected, does not allow one to add the AeroKit. Could you ask MINI why they made that choice?

Thanks!

I can ask, but I'm not sure if USA reps will be there too.

dalboyne, got your PMs. :eek: :D

Thanks Paul - have a great time, looking forwards to your report!

And here's hoping they might even have a Horizon Blue model for you to evaluate..... ;)

Ian

Don't hold your hopes up on the blue I'm afraid.

Bring on the Yellow :D

Definite biase there Wiz!

Have played safe and ordered in CR.....

Yellow I hope I'll be able to help with.

and the denim blue roof???

If only I knew more!

Well, wherever you go, here's hoping the weather is a tad better than what we've got!

By the way, can you also ask them why the Wind Deflector is an optional extra? I struggle to imaging driving any distance without it, and therefore it remains a bit of a cheek to take yet more cash out of our wallets for one!

OH about that wind deflector...I bought one that fit the old cabrio. It was a great deal, but now I wonder if it will fit the new cabrio?

Seems like a silly question, but will the old wind deflector fit the new MINI?

OH about that wind deflector...I bought one that fit the old cabrio. It was a great deal, but now I wonder if it will fit the new cabrio?

Seems like a silly question, but will the old wind deflector fit the new MINI?

Haha good luck with that one, surely that would be too easy for a Mini!! Somehow I doubt it!