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

[Paul]

I really like the new rear lights, I actually like the new scuttle panel, I like the interior a lot (but not with the disguise on it). I like the new wing mirrors, and I like the seats a lot. In terms of design that's more or less all I could say I prefer. But I actually really like a lot of things about the new design that are more simple than the current design, but I like a lot of things about the current car over the new one too. Swings and roundabouts I guess.

[LMB]

I really don't like the gap on the new model, between the bonnet and the archway.

[Paul]

While that is true (and I hope that's neater in the finished article), I think the continuation of the arches makes the front end look more "solid" than the current with the "floating bonnet". I really like the lights attached method at the moment, but can fully understand and appreciate the reasons for changing it.

[memphisto]

Have a look at these photographs of the Mini as unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997.

Almost identical in design to the production version, and not that far from the 2007 model.





Frank Stephenson certainly designed a timeless classic with the Mini.

[zyo]

It was a shell on fiat punto mechanicals wasn't it?
The rear 'shoulder' seems more pronounced on that pic, like you say not that far from the 07

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by zyo

It was a shell on fiat punto mechanicals wasn't it?
The rear 'shoulder' seems more pronounced on that pic, like you say not that far from the 07

Yep, and yep.

[zyo]

There is a photo in a book about the new MINI which i have somewhere which shows that red and white prototype being parked up outside after being shown back in 1997 and it looks a lot lower than the production versions(dare i say ,better)