Second generation MINI Convertible enters test production

[coopersooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

My dealer told me last night (at Clubman preview party) that the new Cabrio launch could be as late as February 2009

Anyone got any better information?

He also suggested that the current model Cabrio will cease production several months before that - possibly due to either the run-out of engines, or maybe simply that the effort of continuing to build the old model alongside R56 and Clubman was getting too difficult and uneconomic both for PLant Oxford and all their parts suppliers. So maybe expect to see a final special edition abrio as a swansong next summer?

Ian

your so close to the truth there is scary!

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by coopersooper (original)

your so close to the truth there is scary!

Sorry to hear that - I would prefer that the prediction was all wrong, and I would have my new Cabrio in time for my big 50th party next September........

Oh well, there's always that Audi A3 Cabrio

Ian

[VipERMINi]

Suits me if its Feb 09. Just in time for me. My S Cabrio will be 2 yrs and 2 months old and i'll get itchy feet at about the 2 yr mark. Will probable sell him around then anyway. Dont want the value to be hit too badly by the new model.
Will deffinatly go for a Cooper this time around (I'm one of thoes wierdo's that finds the Cooper more fun to drive than the S) and load it with goodies. I think the new sat nav system is so impressive and a million times better than the old system, so that is a must have.

I'm looking forward to the lack of roll bars and a little more visibility too... and am really hoping that they put the lovley Hot Chocolate leather in the R57... the sidewalks is too light a brown for my taste.

[CC07ERS]

Would you want one more if it had a folding hardtop instead of the cloth rubbish ? I would have one defo.

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by CC07ERS (original)

Would you want one more if it had a folding hardtop instead of the cloth rubbish ? I would have one defo.

I don't mind a fabric roof, so long as it is actually going to last! I'd prefer it to the extra weight and complexity of the folding tin-top. But is it worth waiting until 2009? There will be some fierce competition in the sector by then.......

Ian

[wiz]

In time for UNITED in the UK

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by wizgleeson (original)

In time for UNITED in the UK

And hopefully the weather will be more cabrio-friendly than it was at UNITED 2007 Zandvoort!

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

And hopefully the weather will be more cabrio-friendly than it was at UNITED 2007 Zandvoort!

We got away with it pretty lightly to be fair, I was topless all weekend bar Sunday when we were on our way home anyway!!

Driving through Belgium in the rain topless was amazing!

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

We got away with it pretty lightly to be fair, I was topless all weekend bar Sunday when we were on our way home anyway!!

Driving through Belgium in the rain topless was amazing!

You were braver than we were, then! But at least we got our track time with the roof down - that was also pretty fantastic (except my passenger did not enjoy the experience, so she had her eyes closed after the first corner......)

But I still can't work out how come it's taking so long to bring out the new model convertible - I feel that we have been ignored or disregarded by BMW MINI, whose emphasis appears to be on other things.......

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

But I still can't work out how come it's taking so long to bring out the new model convertible - I feel that we have been ignored or disregarded by BMW MINI, whose emphasis appears to be on other things.......

It's not taken that long really, its quite the norm for a Convertible derivant to be 2 years behind the coupe/sedan model... Current 3-series for example was launched back in 2005, but we've only just seen the coupe/convertible launch - 2 years later.

New MINI launched Nov 2006, Convertible model arrives in 2008... sounds about right.

[rellik666]

Thought you would be interested in this

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=34483

Don't what 2008 is all about though!? We ain't going to get this until 2010 I wouldn't have thought!

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by rellik666 (original)

Thought you would be interested in this

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=34483

Don't what 2008 is all about though!? We ain't going to get this until 2010 I wouldn't have thought!

Nice clip - and I would be VERY happy if the car really is coming this year and not next!

Ian

[Pops Racer]

I wasn't thrilled with the new body style of the Mini, but it's kinda grown on me. And it's not like their using better quality parts on either car. The Plastic is still ?*@TT*. My horn emblem seems to look as if it's going to take flight, from one honk from the center of the wheel.
My Uber sexy 05 S Cab, that had to be Dealer traded for an 08, due to mechanical error and arrogance. Paper work started at 18,000 mi. was on it's 4th clutch, and as many Bushings, Motor Mounts and forward Thrusters. She was through her 2nd rag top, and near ready for a 3rd.And then they say, Sorry Pops we no longer build em in jet black I was told to order from the usual colors, I now drive a asto black, it feels like driving a hire car.
I'm a bit excited I would like to see the new one and maybe it'll be back in jet and I can enjoy my Cooper again!
As for a foldind hard top that would take the fun out of owning a ragtop. If you want a folding hardtop go get yourself a Volkswagon or an Audi or move up to the 3 series and let the rest of us own a slightly unreliable, slightly inexpensive ragtop!!
The lines on the existing vehicle with a cloth top are just perfect, And where would you put all of that extra plastic top and headliner?! Maybe add an extra 4 inches? How about a foot?

[Kinster]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pops Racer (original)

I wasn't thrilled with the new body style of the Mini, but it's kinda grown on me. And it's not like their using better quality parts on either car. The Plastic is still ?*@TT*. My horn emblem seems to look as if it's going to take flight, from one honk from the center of the wheel.
My Uber sexy 05 S Cab, that had to be Dealer traded for an 08, due to mechanical error and arrogance. Paper work started at 18,000 mi. was on it's 4th clutch, and as many Bushings, Motor Mounts and forward Thrusters. She was through her 2nd rag top, and near ready for a 3rd.And then they say, Sorry Pops we no longer build em in jet black I was told to order from the usual colors, I now drive a asto black, it feels like driving a hire car.
I'm a bit excited I would like to see the new one and maybe it'll be back in jet and I can enjoy my Cooper again!
As for a foldind hard top that would take the fun out of owning a ragtop. If you want a folding hardtop go get yourself a Volkswagon or an Audi or move up to the 3 series and let the rest of us own a slightly unreliable, slightly inexpensive ragtop!!
The lines on the existing vehicle with a cloth top are just perfect, And where would you put all of that extra plastic top and headliner?! Maybe add an extra 4 inches? How about a foot?

move 'up' to a 3 series? They're probably one of the most common affordable small exec cars available. It's more like moving across to...