The Future For MINI - Info on all new cars!

[James6c]

NEW MINS TO COME!

Info From :- MotoringFile

R56 The Coupe

It probably is old news to most of you on her but the first version of the new MINI platform is to be released. The 2nd generation MINI coupe debuted on November 18th for much of the world with a US introduction scheduled for February of 2007. The coupe will be available in 5 models:

1. 95 bhp One
2. 110bhp/180lb ft of torque Cooper Diesel
3. 120 bhp Cooper
4. 175 bhp Cooper S
5. 220+ bhp JCW MCS

Mid Term Changes
It could come as a shock to some of you to find out thatt MINI will soon be working on a mid-life refresh for the R56 that will consist of minor front and rear design updates and most likely a modest power increase. We should see all of this (along with a few surprises) around the latter half of 2009 as a 2010 model.
R55 Clubman

The Clubman will feature around 18 inches added to an R56 chassis (8″ within the wheelbase, 10″ behind it) along with a right side suicide “coach” door. The door will open to allow easier access to the rear seats making the MINI much more small family friendly. The coach door’s handle will only be exposed when the front right door is open and will be on the right side of the car in all world markets. The Clubman will seat five and feature some extra storage features not seen on the coupe.
The boot will see amazing, wide-opening rear barn doors with dual wipers and two chrome handles in the center that come together when closed. Just line the Traveller concepts, the rear lights will be built on the body rather than the doors.
The Clubman will be released to the public in late 2007 as a 2008 model. The US debut will mirror what we will see with the R56 coupe debut. That means you should expect to see Clubmans at US MINI dealers in February of 2008 at the earliest.
The final version of the Clubman will be available in 5models:

• 95 bhp One
• 110bhp/180lb ft of torque Cooper Diesel
• 120 bhp Cooper
• 175 bhp Cooper S
• 220+ bhp JCW MCS

Mid Term Changes
Expect many of the same improvements found in the mid-cycle refresh of the R56 in the R55 most likely around 2010.
R57 The Convertible

With the R56 chassis designed from the beginning to accommodate convertible functionality, the R57 should be both more space efficient and have less cowl shake than the current R52.
We should see the R57 exactly one year after the Clubman. That means potentially late 2008 for most of the world and early 2009 for the US market.
The convertible will eventually be available in three models:

• 120 bhp Cooper
• 175 bhp Cooper S
• 220+ bhp JCW MCS

Mid-cycle refresh
Expect many of the same improvements found in the mid-cycle refresh of the R56 in the R57 most likely around 2010.
R58 AWD MINI

There’s been alot of speculation lately on what to expect with the R58. For awhile now we’ve known that MINI was seriously considering a “smart” AWD system for the coupe platform and a aggressive appearance to match. The concept was conceived as not quite an SUV but more like a MINI with a go anywhere and do anything attitude. Taking a few cues from the classic MINI rally cars of the past combined with a more extroverted character, the R58 will be more aimed at the US market than the UK an Europe markets.
The current thinking is that this car will be based on the R56 chassis and remain a two door coupe. However it would be logical for MINI to use the stretched version supplied by the Clubman to make something that might appeal further to select US buyers.
One thing that is certain, the R58 will not be the track day warrior the MINI community has been clamoring for in an AWD model.
JCW MCS

With the new Turbo 4 Cylinder under the bonnet, BMW has a bit more flexibility when what I can do to achieve greater power figures. And with so many other hot-hatches and small coupes coming to the market with well over 200bhp, they’re going to do what they can to make the next JCW MCS a very special car.
So first on the agenda will be the launching of the next generation JCW MCS with around 220-225bhp in late 2007 as a 2008 model. With improved torque and drivability from the new dual-stage turbo it should no doubt be a screamer. Further rumor has it the 2008 JCW MCS could possibly come equipped from the factory with a full JCW suspension and feature the new JCW Aero kit. Expect the new JCW brake kit to be standard on the car as well.
Taken as a whole, it would seem the next JCW MCS will be engineered in a fashion much closer to the way BMW designs and builds its M cars. Engineered in Munich and tested at the Nurburgring, the 2008 JCW will certainly be the fastest MINI ever.
The next generation JCW MCS will launch worldwide in the fall of 2007 as a 2008 model.
JCW GP (part 2)

Around 2011-2012 MINI will drop the ultimate version of the JCW R56. It’s unclear if MINI will go with the GP nomenclature at this point or if this car will feature any sort of sport-oriented AWD system. However what is clear is that BMW has engineered the stock JCW components to handle well over 250hp. While we have no idea what the final power figures will be, this would seem to indicate that JCW will be seriously upping ante with this car.

Hope this Helps!
James!

[CC07ERS]

interesting

[Tone]

Agree. But James, could you please explain in a different way what the last paragraph means [according to the article].

[James]

intriguing

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tone (original)

James, could you please explain in a different way what the last paragraph means [according to the article].

This is a copy & paste of a MotoringFile article posted over a month ago ...

MINI’s Future Models Revealed

[118]

hmmm thanks for that - very interesting

[Rakey]

A lot of this will change, a lot has changed since that article date wise even in the last few days the model cycle has been reviewed and updated.

Some interesting information in there, like the Cooper D Traveller/Clubman, as this was always been said not to be happening, so who knows.

The R58 model does have a internal name other than its designate model number, its not called the Moke before people start guessing. But there are other interesting things attached to this model that I suppose will filter out over time.

Not really much more information on the JCW than we already have, and if anything there is some information missing about its development. Although things are still very quiet on it, and I'd expect it to be later than those dates due to it taking longer to develop than even MINI expected. But again, they could get it right over night and it could be here on those dates, very little is filtering through on this which is what makes me think it will be more March 08.

I'd say that its a good article to bring together alot of the things that have been confirmed, but there is also a fair bit of things in there that a few have made educated guesses on. So what I am saying is don't base all of your buying pattern on this information, not when some of the reality is so far away

[James6c]

Yes, i agree this information could change it is only a rough estimate i think and MINI could well change there minds on certain things!

[wheyaye2]

Even if the JCW does take longer then it's not a bad thing.

Personally I'm still going to hold off as it'll mean I can afford even more options when I finally put the order in, but also I think it's important that they get it right.

It'll also be interesting to see what the PSA Group are up to with their version of the engine and how much power they manage to squeeze out of it.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by wheyaye2 (original)

Even if the JCW does take longer then it's not a bad thing.

Personally I'm still going to hold off as it'll mean I can afford even more options when I finally put the order in, but also I think it's important that they get it right.

It'll also be interesting to see what the PSA Group are up to with their version of the engine and how much power they manage to squeeze out of it.

I'm still holding out for it too, we've been told that it should be previewed around June time, but who knows

As aftermarket tuners are saying at present, its hard to get the extra power out of the new engine in a simple manner like with the old engine. But they can do it, its just a case of how its done, but what i last heard it will be worth the wait

[Restyle]

Hmmm Interesting ... Not
So much information it must be true.
Is this "Lets see what happens if you asked a motoring journalist to predict the Future of virtually any Model of Car"
Hmmm...
It`ll be bigger
It`ll have a more sophisticated & powerful Engine
... that will be more Efficient, Smoother, & Quieter than previous Models
So much more room inside .. whilst retaining that Sporty Character so loved of old
Limited edition variants will be availabe for its traditional Niche Markets

...& after say 6 years
They`ll make it better still

Can`t wait !!

But we`ll probably all be riding around in Rocket ships to work then

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

Hmmm Interesting ... Not
So much information it must be true.
Is this "Lets see what happens if you asked a motoring journalist to predict the Future of virtually any Model of Car"
Hmmm...
It`ll be bigger
It`ll have a more sophisticated & powerful Engine
... that will be more Efficient, Smoother, & Quieter than previous Models
So much more room inside .. whilst retaining that Sporty Character so loved of old
Limited edition variants will be availabe for its traditional Niche Markets

...& after say 6 years
They`ll make it better still

Can`t wait !!

But we`ll probably all be riding around in Rocket ships to work then

I've just put my order in for a JCW Rocket Ship based on your information. Thanks Restyle

[gabe]

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

Hmmm Interesting ... Not
So much information it must be true.
Is this "Lets see what happens if you asked a motoring journalist to predict the Future of virtually any Model of Car"
Hmmm...
It`ll be bigger
It`ll have a more sophisticated & powerful Engine
... that will be more Efficient, Smoother, & Quieter than previous Models
So much more room inside .. whilst retaining that Sporty Character so loved of old
Limited edition variants will be availabe for its traditional Niche Markets

I take it you're not familiar with MF then. Just to clear things up - all information on MotoringFile (including this article) comes directly from multiple high-level sources inside MINI. Yes things have changed slightly (As usual Rakey is correct) since this was posted and yes some of it is vague (better vague than nothing at all) but it is all straight from real sources.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by gabe (original)

...and yes some of it is vague (better vague than nothing at all) but it is all straight from real sources.

Hadnt noticed ... Oh yes maybe you`re Right

Quote:

The Clubman will seat five and feature some extra storage features not seen on the coupe

Quote:

We should see all of this (along with a few surprises) around the latter half of 2009 as a 2010 model.

Quote:

Expect many of the same improvements found in the mid-cycle refresh of the R56 in the R55 most likely around 2010.

Quote:

And with so many other hot-hatches and small coupes coming to the market with well over 200bhp, they’re going to do what they can to make the next JCW MCS a very special car.

Quote:

While we have no idea what the final power figures will be, this would seem to indicate that JCW will be seriously upping ante with this car.