More details on R56 MINI

[M1N1GUN]

Thought all might be interested in some more details on the next generation MINI which I found on the Motoring File website. Lots of intriguing info, but of course, it's still early days...

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/..._mini_revealed

[Smurfn]

Thanks, very informative article

[M1N1GUN]

Yeah, I'm particularly happy to hear that they will keep the clamshell bonnet w/ integrated headlights, bonnet scoop (on MCS) & AWD option!

Guess we'll just have to be patient to see how this all pans out...

[Todd!]

I hear they are going to have interchangable roofs...

I spotted this article last night when I was palying around on Motoringfile... a mate sent me a link to a website with spy shots last week - I posted it here:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/future-variants/87330-spy-shots-new-mini-post1450529.html

[M1N1GUN]

Quote: Originally Posted by Red&blackS

I hear they are going to have interchangable roofs...

Yeah, there's been lots of talk about these clip-on roofs to save costs. As of this latest Motoring File article, they have received no official word on it yet. They state that the sunroof remains mostly unchanged, and the roof looks to be the same - although they are moving the 3rd brake light to inside the top of the rear window - perhaps to allow for this clip-on roof.

Personally, I'd prefer a rattle-free roof (mine's body colour anyway!)

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

This looks really encouraging to me. The information looks like it could be accurate as well.

I really like the new interior, I particularly like the speedo growing in size!

I'll be really happy if the clam shell bonnet stays as it is, but I will reserve judgement on the new front end looks until I see it. I love the way the headlight cowls stand up from the rest of the bonnet and the low radiator grill on the current car. This could be the only real mistake if they mess that bit up.

Tigger.

[DeadCanDanceR]

Great article!



I also feel happy that they are keeping the clam-shell bonnet! This part of the article, about the external changes, reflects excellent judgement from the designers at BMW:

"...Overall, the shape of the next MINI will very much be an evolution of the current car. In fact I've been told by a few people who have seen mock-ups that the average person on the street would have a hard time telling them apart. Based on everything I've heard, I'd imagine the exterior changes will be much less controversial than the new interior design. It's probably also worth mentioning that I've been told by several people (who have first hand experience) that the new car looks fantastic and that these changes, as a whole, are exceedingly well done."

[Paul]

Sounds pretty much like I've heard and been preaching on here for a while.

There's probably more news coming soon regarding the next generation MINIs... fingers crossed.

[ben__allen]

Sorry to disappoint peeps, but the clamshell bonnet and integrated headlamps have to go cpos of new legislation The clamshell isn't pedestrain freidly in a crash, so a conventional bonnet will be coming, andf the new laws mean that headlights have to be visible even with the bonnet raised

[M1N1GUN]

Thanks for the update ben - that really is a shame. This pedestrian safety issue is sooo annoying, I understand the reasoning but I just don't think anyone would have much luck against a 1.5 tonne car doing 60kph (or more) - no matter what the bonnet design. Oh well...
However I do see logic in the headlights needing to remain visible when the bonnet is raised.

As long as it maintains it's beautiful appearance from the front, it's not such a bad thing. It will probably reduce production costs. If they got it to look like this concept sketch, I can say that i'd definitely be a happy chap!! (Not too sure about the black section on the bumper though?)

[jcbroad]

I HATE!!! the proposed new interior. It looks like it is for one of those kids electric cars. I LOVE the concept shown by M1N1GUN, that they can do.

[DeadCanDanceR]

I went to the local MINI dealership earlier today. I was amazed that the salesmen there (even the one officially in charge of MINIs), knew nothing about the next generation of MINIs!!!

I had to tell them all about it! And then I suggested that they should visit this site!

[StevePSB]

Why should the salesman know about the next MINI? Unless he follows the motoring press or comes on here then he's not going to know a thing.

[Todd!]

HE isnt interested in selling a car 2 years down the track, he wants to move the stock that he has coming in in the next week, month, year more than anything else...

You would find that alot of these people playvery dumb whenit comes to their knowledge of future variants as the last thing they want is to sit around waiting for their commission...

There has been a whisper of a 'Monaco edition' - A striped out JCW version - for a number of months in teh Aussie media, but there hasnt been any other information on this car anywhere else. Does anyone know about it?

Todd

[M1N1GUN]

Quote: Originally Posted by Todd!

There has been a whisper of a 'Monaco edition' - A striped out JCW version - for a number of months in teh Aussie media, but there hasnt been any other information on this car anywhere else. Does anyone know about it?

Todd

I've heard a few threads mentioning it here and there (as mentioned by some secret sources), but nothing official yet I don't think. I'm looking forward to seeing the asking price for an MCS with factory JCW...