R56 Spotted, M40 11.30pm 25/07/06

[MartinSSZ]

Hi all

I came across a red R56 Cooper S last night on the M40 Northbound on my way back from the motorshow. As it was 11.30pm it was dark so couldn't see much, but a couple of things of note:

Overall stance is very similar to the current MINI. Rear bumper was the one already seen on the spy photos (grilled cutout for the full width). Side profile very 'MINI' Couldn't see the front because of the dark and trying not to crash

Rear light clusters look similar to the current facelift ones, but the indicator is in the middle of the side/brake lamp 'ring'. Side repeaters appeared to be a lens in the centre of a side vent, rather than one end.

Interior illumination is the same colour orange as the current model.

No separate front indicators/sidelights on the bumper, so will now be difficult to tell a MINI apart from other cars at night.. Also the Xenon self levelling didn't appear to be working as every little bump caused the headlights to blind everyone infront

Oh and the driver didn't seem too happy that I crawled past to have a good look - the Cooper S looks like it'll have phenomenal acceleration 70-90

However, this all could be wrong, as it was dark

[Hat]

good work!

[I love MINI, Laura]

Very very good work!

[MartinSSZ]

Photo of very very similar MINI to the one I saw is here: http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/post73227.html#73227

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by MartinSSZ

Photo of very very similar MINI to the one I saw is here: http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/post73227.html#73227

looks a bit better in red

[Hat]

i assume the two lights set into the rear bumper are fogs?

[MartinSSZ]

Not sure really

I've just remembered something else - there wasn't a visible (or working) high level brake light on the R56 I saw, and there isn't on that photo.

I wonder if MINI are doing something 'clever' with it which means it's covered up at the minute under the disguise?

[Hat]

its going to be inside the rear window rather than in the spoiler

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

looks a bit better in red

It does you know

Wonder what the front view is like

[Paul]

Aiden's got something in his eye again.

[MartinSSZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

its going to be inside the rear window rather than in the spoiler

Ruined my excitement now

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Aiden's got something in his eye again.

I have a winking habit

Its my favourite smilie.........

I do like red though, its far nicer than the silver (imo) spy shots which were floating about some weeks back.......

[ONED]

Cool ! ditto good work!

is this the car that may or may not be about to be test driven by certain media organisations?

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

It does you know

Wonder what the front view is like

I think my next one will be red and white seeing that pic

[MartinSSZ]

My only concern with the R56 at the minute is the front end - the rest of it looks great

Oh, and if there will be a decent yellow