[Paul]

As we've done this for previous year's updates I thought now would be a good time to start a new "main" thread for 2005 model year/facelifted MINI rumours, and attempted Q & A's!

I'll start with a list of MINI2 News Articles which include any rumours, facts, or features on the new MINI. Have a read through these if you haven't already and you're interested to know what might be in store for MINI later this year.

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MINI2 News Articles: (I'll try to keep this list up to date - Some are Convertible Stories, however the Convertible will carry "facelift" details)....

> 23rd April 2004:
> 170 BHP Cooper S Convertible Official Announcement

> 23rd April 2004:
> Updated MINI in Showrooms From July - Official Pictures & Information

1st February 2004:
>Some Wheely Good Stuff...
>Continued..

30th January 2004:
>Official: Face lifted MINI Convertible.... For Kids!
>Continued..

24th January 2004:
>UK Convertible Launch Date Confirmed & Other Rumours
>Continued..

22nd January 2004:
>More Photos of the MINI Cooper S Convertible!
>Continued..

19th January 2004:
>MINI2 is 3! Plus What's in Store for 2004?
>Continued..

12th January 2004:
>Even MORE MINI Cooper Convertible Images!
>Continued..

10th January 2004:
>World Exclusive: MINI Cooper S Convertible
>Continued..

1st January 2004:
>New '05 & Convertible MINI Images!
>Continued..

23rd December 2003:
>More Exclusive Images of the 2005 MINI
>Continued..

16th December 2003:
>2005 MINI Shows it's Face and Tail (Lights)...
>Continued..

21st November 2003:
>Exclusive MINI Convertible Image
>Continued..

6th November 2003:
>MINI2 Exclusive: MINI Convertible Photograph
>Continued..

31st October 2003:
>More Rumours on the MINI 2004 Update & Convertible
>Continued..

17th October 2004:
>MINI Range Due for Summer Shake-Up in 2004
>Continued..

18th August 2003:
>All MINIs to be fitted with Getrag Gearboxes in 2004
>Continued..

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Other rumours, not necessarily in the above news stories.

Most things are covered. I don't think it's mentioned in so many words that Indi Blue is more than likely going to make way for some of the new colours, and also that the Cooper S could have a Limited Slip Differential as a factory option from early 2005.

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I'll try to keep this first post up to date, I'll also add more rumours as I hear them.

Feel free to add or contribute to this thread to fuel or douse any rumours!

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You will quite possibly learn more from the FUTURE VARIANTS forum too!

[MINIALEX]

Very interesting about the increased output for the cab,

[AidenL]

No R91s for the hardtop?

[Paul]

I've heard they're kind of "introductory" for the Convertible only, but will most likely go across the range later.

[AidenL]

Good, good..........still heavy little fellas though unfortunately - look good tho, IMO...........

[billymad4it]

hope they dont change it to much

[Rob.]

Do people think that the changes will be announced / confirmed at the Geneva motor show in March?
I'd like to be able to decided for definite on my next car then change my mind again then decide again.
I quite feel like a purple and black cooper at the moment

[Ginger]

I got a full MINI Convertible press pack last night, i'm warming to it. I'm still not keen on the re-style though. I mean whats the point of the oversize instruments in the centre where the speedo used to be?
G

[Rob.]

I think Mini UK have taken the easy route and just fitted a cheap to produce pram hood. I can understand why they decided to do it, and it will sell well. The talk about having to keep 4 seats to compete with other so called rivals doesn't really wash with me
But I hope they produce a two seat roadster with a folding hard top sooner rather than later, now I would be more interested in one of those

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Silver and Black

But I hope they produce a two seat roadster with a folding hard top sooner rather than later, now I would be more interested in one of those

That would be fantastic

A lot of these cars 206CC, TT have totally useless rears seats anyway and are a complete waste of leather. I'm not a big chap but my mate has a TT and it is a total nightmare to get in or out and you cannot sit with your legs forward. The last time (& I mean last time) I was in there I decided the only way out was via the rear hatch

[AMT]

Quote: Originally Posted by Silver and Black

But I hope they produce a two seat roadster with a folding hard top sooner rather than later, now I would be more interested in one of those

Bring it on.......

[Revhed]

Can anyone tell me when the changes that we have seen with the convertible (eg dash/console/headlight changes) are going to filter through to the hardtops? In other words, in what month are they going to start building them with the revisions?

[Rob.]

Yes, revhed.
The changes that you see on the cabrio will also happen on the hard top
It looks like the changes will go into production in July 2004, but this hasn't been confirmed yet. Hope this helps

[ohmab]

Anybody know anymore about the potential color changes? Will that be something that will be announced at the Geneva show? I am particularly interested in that Blackeye Purple for the MCS that I will be ordering in August, here in the states. Some have said that they think it's going to only be a cabriolet color and others have said that it may not even be an available in the US color. Any comments, thoughts or clues would be appreciated!

[AidenL]

I think we suspect Blackeye Purple will be across the range ? Only speculation as yet though........

[Rob.]

Quote:

Today 09:01 PM
AidenL I think we suspect Blackeye Purple will be across the range ? Only speculation as yet though........

I for one hope so

[ohmab]

Thanks Aiden, I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed! (BTW, my oldest son's name is Aedan - named for the king, not the saint - which was the 1st mistake! )

[AidenL]

My pleasure.........

<---------------Saint !

[ChilliSteve]

I think the reason that the car has a back seat might be for insurance purposes. a 2 seater car (at least where I live) has higher insurance premiums, than a 4 seater (even if the rear seats are useless)

I still can't decide if I want to wait for 2005 now, cause the LSD is tempting!

-Steve

[cwarner]

I am looking to order an Indy Blue MC, but want to wait for July to get the "chronos package". Does anyone know when Mini will drop Indy Blue? Will overlap exist to allow me to order both?