Any news on the 2nd generation convertible?

[bEATLEpAUL]

There is plently of stuff about the 2nd gen mini hatchback, but I am yet to see ANYTHING to do with the replacement convertible! I know the convertible is probably 2 years off, but I would have expected some spys to filter something through to mini2.
The new hatchback would have been designed with the convertible in mind (the current convertible is a cut down hatch) so i would expect to see some very different lines (particulary at the back; pop up head rests as opposed to the roll over hoops?).

The lack of any news could suggest that BMW don't plan to replace the convertible?!?

[minicabrio]

BMW of course plan to replace the convertible.

As you said, the next generation model is still at least two years off, I expect MINI will be concentrating on getting the hatch built and ready for the launch next month rather than worrying about the convertible.

Spy shots of the current Convertible in final production guise started filtering in approximately 1 year prior to launch (I believe around March '03), so in a years time expect to see a convertible on the Nurburgring next year. No doubt in the mean time auto express and the like will publish a load of 'photochop' efforts too.

[dalboyne]

They better have a new convertible - 'cos I placed my order several weeks ago! And I intend to hang on to Minerva until then......so I hope they get a move on!

There's another thread about this somewhere - it seems that the main effort in 2007 will be the launch of the Traveller, so that's why we loyal convertible fans are at the back of the queue

But then again, this will give them plenty of time to sort out all of the other issues that will emerge with the R56.......

I was half hoping they might at least have a mid-life imporevment for the current shape convertible, perhaps by putting the new engine into it, but that doesn't look likely.

I reckon sales of the current convertible will fall off quite quickly, as people realise they are getting an "old" model with the old power plant.....

["Reedy"]

[quote=dalboyne;2697146
I reckon sales of the current convertible will fall off quite quickly, as people realise they are getting an "old" model with the old power plant.....[/quote]


I'm not sure about that. Those who still love the supercharger may opt for the MCSC instead of the new MCS Turbo.

[ItHurts]

Quote: Originally Posted by "Reedy" (original)

I'm not sure about that. Those who still love the supercharger may opt for the MCSC instead of the new MCS Turbo.

That's exactly the choice we made when we chopped in our PW/B MC for a PW/B JCW MCSC. Now that it's "run in " the noise with the roof down is phenomenal!

I would hazard a guess that some people will end up buying the MCSC to get their hands on the last of the supercharged...

[dalboyne]

Good point - hadn't thought of that!
Ian

[GrFa]

Keeping along the lines of this topic, for how much longer will the current generation convertible be available to spec to order? Ordering one for April 07 should not be a problem right?

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by GrFa (original)

Keeping along the lines of this topic, for how much longer will the current generation convertible be available to spec to order? Ordering one for April 07 should not be a problem right?

Shouldn't be a problem... you should still be able to order one in early 2008.

[JimmyCooperS]

I understand that Spring 2009 is the target for The cabrio. They will concerntrate on expanding the hatch range into Diesels and JCW and the like, and also the Traveler and its variations befor the Cabrio is launched. I think the Speedseter will follow the cab in 2010.

Sound like ages tho!!!

[Rakey]

the new Convertible has been designed we were told on Saturday, its due in two years time.

I'd guess there are test cars about, so it won't be long till someone gets a photo of one

[binchybabes]

I was told a couple of years too when I met the regional technical manager for MINI UK...

Might have to start saving for a MCSC to upgrade from my MCC!

[Miniadventure12]

HI

went to the stealers for some maintaince work on me MCC and got to look at the new mini cooper mk2. it was sweet. I was not for the new car at first but having seen it in flesh I was blow away.

Anyway more to the point. He told me that the New Convertibles will be out in Nov 2008. He also informed of the Traveller which he said was due in Nov 2007. interesting

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Miniadventure12 (original)

Anyway more to the point. He told me that the New Convertibles will be out in Nov 2008. He also informed of the Traveller which he said was due in Nov 2007. interesting

That is correct. They will be the 2009 model year so they will arrive in 2008.

[Miniadventure12]

Thats me sorted them. enought time to start saving for the new gen MCSC. hopefully going to test drive the new s demo at my local garage when its lanuched so will be able to get a feel