Side by side shot comparisons of the 1st and 2nd Generation Cooper S

[Rayman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vitesse

Am I right to assume the bonnet/grill changes are for safety reasons? It doesn't really work for me. It doesn't look as happy as the existing design, sort of gone a bit bull nosed!

It reminds me of a Bentley Continental GT front end, somehow?

I think it will look much better when they remove the tape from the chrome around the bonnet grill. I cant understand why they are taping them up anyway.

[Paul]

Becuase they don't want to lessen the impact too much when they release the first official photographs and spec details. Which won't be too long now.

[Rayman]

O right i see.

[ABG]

Only looking at the pictures have I realised how much I miss the filters at the top of the bonnet and the configuration of the windscreen wipers. Somehow the original MINI seems to be a re-imagining of the classic Mini where as the MK2 MINI seems to be a tribute to the outgoing model. Or to put it another way the link with the original Mini seems much more distant.

I'm hoping seeing the new car IRL will make it look better

[rawk]

Quote: Originally Posted by ABG

Only looking at the pictures have I realised how much I miss the filters at the top of the bonnet and the configuration of the windscreen wipers.

OK, I hadn't noticed that either until now...nice job Paul, can't wait to see the two models actually sitting side-by-side.

[Vitesse]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Becuase they don't want to lessen the impact too much when they release the first official photographs and spec details. Which won't be too long now.

You've got to be pretty unimaginative, if you can't work out what's behind the tape though

Looks like the lower front grill is in three sections with the fogs in the outer ones.

Bit of chrome around the head lights and grill.

Indicators have gone to head lights.

Back end. Looks like reversing light and fog light have dropped to the bottom of the grill.

[lightbody]

Quote:

Or to put it another way the link with the original Mini seems much more distant.

I completely agree. All sorts of features are a move away from the classic Mini. I find much of the interior too fussy on the new model.

Good work Paul!

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vitesse

You've got to be pretty unimaginative, if you can't work out what's behind the tape though

Looks like the lower front grill is in three sections with the fogs in the outer ones.

Bit of chrome around the head lights and grill.

Indicators have gone to head lights.

Back end. Looks like reversing light and fog light have dropped to the bottom of the grill.

Reverse lights are in the bottom of the main cluster, as mentioned in my "tour" report. There's also a photo in which you can just make them out. The rear fogs are in the low position on the bumper.

Almost all of the "hidden" details are on the technical images from the press information we were given (also in that report).

[mcarlo52]

ABG, couldn't agree more. Losing the top vents on the bonnet takes away a lot of character away. The new "wiper trays" just don't have any visual pop.

[GR33NIE]

Excellent comparison there Still like the first one better........Well until I drive the other one anyway

[Vitesse]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Reverse lights are in the bottom of the main cluster, as mentioned in my "tour" report. There's also a photo in which you can just make them out. The rear fogs are in the low position on the bumper.

Almost all of the "hidden" details are on the technical images from the press information we were given (also in that report).

Yeah didn't see your tour report until just now. Be interesting to see behind all that foam on the dash. I'm sure these guys know that just a little hidden detail can probably change your whole take on the car. I'm sure in the flesh it's much easier to appreciate the changes. As you said in the tour the bonnet intake is a bit odd but at least they were honest!

[KPKalle]

Quote: Originally Posted by mcarlo52

ABG, couldn't agree more. Losing the top vents on the bonnet takes away a lot of character away. The new "wiper trays" just don't have any visual pop.

Personally, I think this is the single most disappointing change.

[GameStone]

The tailpipes image links to the wrong larger image

http://www.mini2.com/images/predrive...w/PICT0185.jpg

Is it me or are the plastic trim hugh on the Mk2, also the last two images show the Mk2 has much larger lights than the current model.

It would be great to see these images as animated gif's to show the difference, here are the first two images to show you what I mean.

http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/image01_ani.gif

[gramirez]

I dont like the idea of having a fake scoop....

Is it really worthless?

[Paul]

Fixed the incorrect tail pipe link.