'MIDDLE' Grill, functional?

[pcm84]

I don't know what people here call the piece I have a question about... the upper large grill of a COOPER sits in the bonnet. The lower 'grill' sits nearest the ground and back further than the front of the bumper fascia. But the middle grill, the tiny sliver of grill with chrome surround that hugs the top what you might call the bumper fascia... is that "MIDDLE" grill functional? And what might be the consequence of covering it?

Thanks.

[RickB]

The U.S.-market license frame covers most of it, so it can't be too important; I think it's mostly to give the car more of a Mini family resemblance.

[tedleist]

Not functional.

[Damo]

It serves No function at all. If you remove it its solid behind. Its just to complete the look.

[eddie_DV52_CCZ]

just there too look cute, so dont cover it up! uness your going aerodynamic in which place you replace with black honey comb design... my personal fav!

what you putting over it?

[pcm84]

I find the front end of the MINI luscious except in TWO ways... that little lower split grill, and the overall busy-ness of the turn signals, fog lights, chrome bits. No other aspect of the MINI is so visually cluttered IMHO... and I really don't think the 05 is better. The chrome 'bits' of the original Cooper are really kind of nice. I believe in one of the first interviews with Frank Stephensen, the designer, the subject of the split grill came up as the subject of much derision.

I've photoshopped a whole series of MINI photos just taking out that lower lip... it drives me nuts with the split grill and makes sense without it.

From the minute I've laid eyes on the MINI, I've thought the split grill was a cheezy solution to integrating the overall shape of the classic grill into the new car... and IMHO it just does not work visually. The fact that's it's ersatz just proves my point... what else on the car is completely false? Nothing AFAIK. You can't say that about the chrome because the chrome is by it's very nature only decorative.

Without a doubt, the MINI is one of the most well-designed cars out there. It's a personal thing I guess.

[RickB]

If they had to include the lower part of the grille, they probably should have contoured the bumper to go under, rather than through, it. I like the current set-up though, as I think it helps visually integrate the bumper into the overall shape.

[Damo]

Yeah looked at them photoshops, and not keen myself, i love the look of all the bumpers, Aero, Cooper S etc. I do think on the Mk2 MINI (or should that be mark 3 ) that they should make it a one piece grill like the Oricari Body kit does. It looks superb as one piece, did a few photoshops before I got my MINI, and said if a bodykit came out I'd be intrested. Shame the Oricari Grill wouldn't work with the standard bumpers.