[tommy]

I was watching Car and Driver TV this afternoon, and they had some cool pics of the S. Unfortunately, at the very end, they said, "they will be available towrards the end of 2002." That totally sucks! In case you don't know, it's a show here in the Colonies, based off the magazine. Good info, but pretty cheezy presentation.

Also, went to local BMW dealer, just for giggles. The first salesperson didn't know what a Mini is, and the second said that the owner keeps information to himself, and hasn't told anyone anything about the possible dealership. They both shared a blank stare after I told them that many dealerships throughout the US are telling customers whether or not they are going to be dealerships, with many taking deposits already. I would have liked to have shot them both.

Are we sure that the 3 Stooges aren't in charge of US Mini operations?

[BruceK]

Bummer, Bimmer.

I sure hope availability of the COOPER S has not been pushed back until the end of 2002.

I would expect that the British motoring press would learn of this type of thing before an American car-themed TV show. Much of the UK motoring press has a weekly news cycle, so they gobble up any information they can and present it to the public. Until some other source besides Car and Driver TV confirms this, I will remain hopeful the S will be launched simultaneously with the standard COOPER next March in the US (and elsewhere too!). Fingers crossed.

I’ve read that the COOPER S is scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo auto show, but when will that be held?

[MINIAC]

Quote:

On 06-05-2001 0:04 BruceK wrote:
I’ve read that the COOPER S is scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo auto show, but when will that be held?

According to the MINI USA site, the Tokyo Auto Show is October 27 through November 7.

[tommy]

If the Tokyo show is that late, then I'd assume that it would give some creedence to the S not being available at US introduction time, sad to say.

[BruceK]

Quote:

On 06-05-2001 1:25 tommy wrote:
If the Tokyo show is that late, then I'd assume that it would give some creedence to the S not being available at US introduction time, sad to say.

Why? There is not necessarily a correlation between unveiling the model styling/specifications to the public and the launch date of that model.

Late October 2001 is still 4 months before the COOPER S is due out, and the appearance at the Tokyo show is simply to drum up enthusiasm for the new model.

There will have been more than 6 months of full-scale MINI production by that time, and basically, the S will just be a COOPER with some go-faster goodies and trim pieces bolted on to it at the factory. My thoughts are: as long as BMW is on target to complete testing, finalize specifications, and arrange for manufacture of those components unique to the S model MINI, it should be good to go - and should be launched on time.

Hopefully.

[fpsprite]

I always was under the impression that the Cooper S would not be available in the USA until the latter part of 2002, so I am not surprised to read what you found out. I would hope that by the time they are introduced in the USA the reported CV joint problems (as others as they pop up) will have been corrected. Besides, that gives us 18 more months to save our pennies for our "kick butt" ride.

The local BMW dealership here in Columbia, SC knew about the Mini. They knew that they were too small to qualify for a dealership right now; but were looking forward to sellling Minis in "several years." One of their salesmen told me that Rick Hendrick Imports in Charlotte, NC would be a dealer and was taking deposits.

The next morning I called Rick Hendrick imports. The receptionist knew all about Minis and transferred me to the "Mini salesman." Fred gladly took my deposit for a Cooper S.