MINI2

OttoMannS · May 31st, 2007, 02:34 PM

Check this out:

TCC Blog » Blog Archive » Mystery Machine â€“ Whatâ€™s With This MINI Cooper?

These R56 are heavely camoufladged R56 test mules were spotted this week near Los Angeles International Airport.

The R56 isn't selling terribly well (My local dealer has over 175 R56 MINIs in stock and offering dirt cheap lease deals) so I will not be surprised in the least that MINI is already working on a facelift.

I hope they fix the front end and place the headlights pointing straight ahead (Like in the R53), not on the sideswhich gives it that goofy big mouthed fish look.

If you pay close attention, you can see the famous BMW "angel eyes" on the right headlight.

I also suspect the cheap looking C-Pillar trim plastic cover will go away on the facelift and go back to the full wrap around glass of the previous car.

What does everyone think?

mister.t · May 31st, 2007, 02:50 PM

Odd - Old side repeaters, old S spokes, not sure what to make of it. Maybe something to do with the works range - Both S and Cooper, maybe new bumpers?

marx87 · May 31st, 2007, 02:56 PM

I Disagree
IMO...

The R56 headlights are an improvement on the R53 shape.

Also i dont think BMW would be making a facelift model after the car has been out for just over 6 months. My dealer suspects the same as me, the facelift will come out around 2009 when the R56 convertable comes out. Same time they brought out the facelift for the first generation.

Also if this was a facelift model, wouldnt it be tested and manufactured in germany before the US?

I love MINI, Laura · May 31st, 2007, 03:03 PM

It may be the JCW new model.

The Works model I've heard is going to be a brand new styled model

I love MINI, Laura · May 31st, 2007, 03:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by marx87 (original)

Also if this was a facelift model, wouldnt it be tested and manufactured in germany before the US?

All car manufacturers test in hot and cold climates.

dalboyne · May 31st, 2007, 03:51 PM

A third party working on new body kit perhaps?

Root Ginger · May 31st, 2007, 04:31 PM

I posted my comments on there. The most obvious would be the JCW MINI as that is due out next year.

PmP · May 31st, 2007, 04:45 PM

Car companies are like any business, they have engineering staff who dont stop working just cause they've released a new car. Probably are working on the next model already, but this could be test mule for this new regenerative energy thingy, or the JCW models.

The old wheels are strange, maybe they needed a wheel with a certain offset for whatever they are trying, or its part of the camoflage.

I dont know about R56 sales, but I still hardly see any on the roads over here.

rentagas · Jun 1st, 2007, 12:19 PM

What cars they represent is anyone's guess but one new variant that could surface at some point is a cooper s diesel.

150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car?

Vinnies' Mini · Jun 1st, 2007, 12:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas (original)

150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car?

....Siesel.....mad as a bag of cats i'd say.....

rentagas · Jun 1st, 2007, 12:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Vinnies' Mini (original)

....Siesel.....mad as a bag of cats i'd say.....

Sdupid

or

Super Dooper?

Root Ginger · Jun 1st, 2007, 01:47 PM

150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car?[/quote]

I think you'd struggle to fit a 2.2 Diesel under the bonnet and maintain safety reg's. It's tight enough with a 1.6!

Paul · Jun 1st, 2007, 02:31 PM

Merged two threads as on the same subject.

Tigger, Eeyore & Roo · Jun 1st, 2007, 02:46 PM

I reckon it's BMW's new poverty spec body kit, seen completely undisguised for the first time

Certainly covering up the black plastic filler on the C pillar with PVC tape is a stroke of genius

Perhaps these are original test mules from last year and they haven't told the drivers that they've finished yet

rentagas · Jun 1st, 2007, 03:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Merged two threads as on the same subject.

Only peripherally.

I was fishing to see if there were any rumours of an uprated cooper diesel out there...........
I'm not sure there is a huge physical difference between the peugeot 1.6 and 2.0 HDi engine though I accept the 2.2 is a bit far fetched!

Paul · Jun 1st, 2007, 04:09 PM

Oh right. No. Not until you just started the rumour that is.

ONED · Jun 1st, 2007, 04:22 PM

Is it a five door??

One is more heavily disguised at the C pillar than the other!!...the other car may have been disguised to throw you off the scent.
I don't think the plastic C pillar is going cos you can still see the raised spoiler bit under the coverup

Rakey · Jun 1st, 2007, 04:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ONED (original)

Is it a five door??

One is more heavily disguised at the C pillar than the other!!...the other car may have been disguised to throw you off the scent.
I don't think the plastic C pillar is going cos you can still see the raised spoiler bit under the coverup

One of my first thoughts too, that and the JCW thought.

ONED · Jun 1st, 2007, 04:45 PM

Great minds ....N' all that!

~Marcus~ · Jun 1st, 2007, 08:24 PM

I reckon the classic-style separate round front indicators will make a comeback, and hopefully the wrap around rear glass.

May 31st, 2007, 02:34 PM	#1
OttoMannS MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Local Time: 04:40 PM Posts: 156 Offline	Is MINI working already on the next R56 facelift? Check this out: TCC Blog » Blog Archive » Mystery Machine â€“ Whatâ€™s With This MINI Cooper? These R56 are heavely camoufladged R56 test mules were spotted this week near Los Angeles International Airport. The R56 isn't selling terribly well (My local dealer has over 175 R56 MINIs in stock and offering dirt cheap lease deals) so I will not be surprised in the least that MINI is already working on a facelift. I hope they fix the front end and place the headlights pointing straight ahead (Like in the R53), not on the sideswhich gives it that goofy big mouthed fish look. If you pay close attention, you can see the famous BMW "angel eyes" on the right headlight. I also suspect the cheap looking C-Pillar trim plastic cover will go away on the facelift and go back to the full wrap around glass of the previous car. What does everyone think? 100% Free of French parts

May 31st, 2007, 02:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
mister.t Ambitious, but useless Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nowhere exciting Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 1,977 Offline	Odd - Old side repeaters, old S spokes, not sure what to make of it. Maybe something to do with the works range - Both S and Cooper, maybe new bumpers? 2007 R56 Cooper

May 31st, 2007, 04:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Root Ginger Amiga 500 to PS3 20 Years Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Slough, Berkshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 4,780 Offline	I posted my comments on there. The most obvious would be the JCW MINI as that is due out next year. It was acceptable in the 80's

Jun 1st, 2007, 12:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
rentagas MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 1,459 Offline	cooper s diesel? What cars they represent is anyone's guess but one new variant that could surface at some point is a cooper s diesel. 150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car? Last edited by Paul : Jun 1st, 2007 at 02:31 PM.

Jun 1st, 2007, 12:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Vinnies' Mini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cork, Ireland Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 61 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas (original) 150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car? ....Siesel.....mad as a bag of cats i'd say..... Meep Meep!!

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May 31st, 2007, 02:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
marx87 R56 MCS Works For Sale! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Carlisle UK Local Time: 04:40 PM Posts: 486 Offline	I Disagree IMO... The R56 headlights are an improvement on the R53 shape. Also i dont think BMW would be making a facelift model after the car has been out for just over 6 months. My dealer suspects the same as me, the facelift will come out around 2009 when the R56 convertable comes out. Same time they brought out the facelift for the first generation. Also if this was a facelift model, wouldnt it be tested and manufactured in germany before the US?

May 31st, 2007, 03:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
I love MINI, Laura MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Portsmouth,Hampshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 3,260 Offline	It may be the JCW new model. The Works model I've heard is going to be a brand new styled model

May 31st, 2007, 03:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
I love MINI, Laura MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Portsmouth,Hampshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 3,260 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by marx87 (original) Also if this was a facelift model, wouldnt it be tested and manufactured in germany before the US? All car manufacturers test in hot and cold climates.

May 31st, 2007, 03:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
dalboyne What mid-life crisis? My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Luxembourg Local Time: 06:40 PM Posts: 1,482 Offline	A third party working on new body kit perhaps?

May 31st, 2007, 04:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
PmP GP 0380 My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Saintfield Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 2,537 Online	Car companies are like any business, they have engineering staff who dont stop working just cause they've released a new car. Probably are working on the next model already, but this could be test mule for this new regenerative energy thingy, or the JCW models. The old wheels are strange, maybe they needed a wheel with a certain offset for whatever they are trying, or its part of the camoflage. I dont know about R56 sales, but I still hardly see any on the roads over here.

Jun 1st, 2007, 12:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
rentagas MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 1,459 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Vinnies' Mini (original) ....Siesel.....mad as a bag of cats i'd say..... Sdupid or Super Dooper?

Jun 1st, 2007, 01:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Root Ginger Amiga 500 to PS3 20 Years Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Slough, Berkshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 4,780 Offline	150-170bhp with loads of torque I suppose is possible eg 2.2HDi 173bhp. Is there any indication that this is a possible future car?[/quote] I think you'd struggle to fit a 2.2 Diesel under the bonnet and maintain safety reg's. It's tight enough with a 1.6! It was acceptable in the 80's Last edited by Paul : Jun 1st, 2007 at 05:20 PM.

Jun 1st, 2007, 02:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 46,123 Online	Merged two threads as on the same subject. Trained Monkeys - New Fiat 500

Jun 1st, 2007, 02:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
Tigger, Eeyore & Roo Retiring from Mini2 My Classifieds Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kernow, near England Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 4,592 Offline	I reckon it's BMW's new poverty spec body kit, seen completely undisguised for the first time Certainly covering up the black plastic filler on the C pillar with PVC tape is a stroke of genius Perhaps these are original test mules from last year and they haven't told the drivers that they've finished yet To register your interest in *The New MINI Kernow Cornish Oggy Run, Summer 2008* please click HERE and welcome to Cornwall! Visitors welcome! English spoken!!

Jun 1st, 2007, 03:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
rentagas MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 1,459 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) Merged two threads as on the same subject. Only peripherally. I was fishing to see if there were any rumours of an uprated cooper diesel out there........... I'm not sure there is a huge physical difference between the peugeot 1.6 and 2.0 HDi engine though I accept the 2.2 is a bit far fetched!

Jun 1st, 2007, 04:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 46,123 Online	Oh right. No. Not until you just started the rumour that is. Trained Monkeys - New Fiat 500

Jun 1st, 2007, 04:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
ONED SUCKIN DIESEL!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ballydung Manor ! Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 7,335 Offline	Is it a five door?? One is more heavily disguised at the C pillar than the other!!...the other car may have been disguised to throw you off the scent. I don't think the plastic C pillar is going cos you can still see the raised spoiler bit under the coverup

Jun 1st, 2007, 04:37 PM	#18 (permalink)
Rakey all good things....... My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The local Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 53,524 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ONED (original) Is it a five door?? One is more heavily disguised at the C pillar than the other!!...the other car may have been disguised to throw you off the scent. I don't think the plastic C pillar is going cos you can still see the raised spoiler bit under the coverup One of my first thoughts too, that and the JCW thought. Food rule fanatic

Jun 1st, 2007, 04:45 PM	#19 (permalink)
ONED SUCKIN DIESEL!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ballydung Manor ! Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 7,335 Offline	Great minds ....N' all that!

Jun 1st, 2007, 08:24 PM	#20 (permalink)
~Marcus~ Selling soul to buy JCW! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: London & Hampshire Local Time: 05:40 PM Posts: 2,103 Offline	I reckon the classic-style separate round front indicators will make a comeback, and hopefully the wrap around rear glass. My Blog

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