Next Generation MCS Undisguised!

Jim May 25th, 2006 Link

Hmmmmmm I like the wheels!

Is that a new red???

Bob May 25th, 2006 Link

I don’t like it! I’m glad I’m getting my 06 MINI in a few weeks.

05DSMCS May 25th, 2006 Link

Wish we had a shot at the butt end also, I’d like to see how the tail lights are different. I’m still not sure I like the larger rump/shoulder in the back.

andrew May 25th, 2006 Link

It looks a little more feminie than the current S. I do like the new rear bumper though (you can see it in another pic in that article)

Mike May 25th, 2006 Link

I happen to like it. It’s a evolutionary design that is relatively timeless so I think the car will do well. I am really curious to see more detailed photos of the production interior though

eto May 25th, 2006 Link

I think I like it… actually, I do like it overall. Just not sure about the black bumper. Is it unpainted for a reason?

A hopeful MINI owner with increased hope for the next generation MINI.

Daniel May 25th, 2006 Link

I like the grill setup.

Xan May 25th, 2006 Link

The most eye-catching thing is the grill for sure! It looks a little grumpy (kinda cool), but the changes are very subtle.

Z4MINI May 25th, 2006 Link

A bit more butch than the current car. Can anyone photo-chop some bonnet stripes on?

GSKChicago May 25th, 2006 Link

Looks like a slightly wider stance, maybe a tad taller too - or a tad more off the ground?

It needs bigger wheels. Overall, it is still a MINI. It’s not bad. When we see the final fit and finished version in all its glory and all the customizable options - I’m sure it will look great.

reddbear May 25th, 2006 Link

Hmmm…the shapes my be legit, but the color most certainly is NOT. How do I know? Look at the shadows from the mirrors back on to the red paint - the density is wrong. This color has been added and/or tweaked by someone. It’s the ONLY Red paint in all the photos. The reflections are all tinted pink, showing what really happened. And this from their caption: “Very minor tape disguise was taken off the front end by computer.” So, not sure what to believe. Anyway, the new shaped front end is not as bad as I was expecting! Really want to see the back end though. Anyway, thanks for the link Dave!

Gabe May 25th, 2006 Link

Yeah - more butch, more masculine. I love it.

Aurel May 25th, 2006 Link

although the round headlights are a bit goofier looking …

i sure do hope that the bumpers will not be black plastic in front and back

DB May 25th, 2006 Link

Short of the black/unpainted bumper, I think it looks great! Almost more Cooper-ish, with a little more rake in the nose that I expected.

Not bad tho. I’d drive it!

Rob Rudorf May 25th, 2006 Link

I have an 05 MCS and don’t yet have the slightest bit of desire for the new car. That just isn’t like me. Maybe once I drive it and check out the turbo set-up.

rkr

Dave May 25th, 2006 Link

Almost more Cooper-ish

I’m going to venture out on a limb here:

The R56 will be more Mini than the current generation (R50/R53) MINI.

The more blunt/raised front end on both the R56 MC and MCS will carry forward the more vertical front end of the Mini. Once the product line expands to include the R55 Traveller, I think the second generation of MINI will be a much better overall representation of the evolution of the Mini brand than the first generation was.

Gabe May 25th, 2006 Link

The R56 will be more Mini than the current generation (R50/R53) MINI.

Assuming the performance is there (a safe assumption based on what we know), I would tend to agree.

blalor May 25th, 2006 Link

It still looks like a MINI! phew ;-)

TSizemore3 May 25th, 2006 Link

Fixed now!

petsounds May 25th, 2006 Link

The R56 will be more Mini than the current generation (R50/R53) MINI.

I will probably take some heat for this, but I have to ask: Is that necessarily a good thing?

Frank Stephenson had a vision of what a Mini in the 21st century should be. I believe he succeeded on all fronts. It was the perfect marriage of design cues from the old Mini, mixed with a sexy, modern, confident style.

This new car looks a lot more like the pre-BMW Minis. And as much fondness as I have for the old era, I believe Frank’s vision was the right direction for the brand. I feel that this new generation design is a step back in time.

Gabe May 25th, 2006 Link

Frank Stephenson had a vision of what a Mini in the 21st century should be. I believe he succeeded on all fronts. It was the perfect marriage of design cues from the old Mini, mixed with a sexy, modern, confident style.

This new car looks a lot more like the pre-BMW Minis. And as much fondness as I have for the old era, I believe Frank’s vision was the right direction for the brand. I feel that this new generation design is a step back in time.

I think this new design does a great job is working from Frank’s design and pushing it slightly forward while keeping an eye on the past. Don’t forget that many of the bigger changes seen in the front of the car are only as a result from new European Pedestrian safety laws that Frank didn’t have to worry about.

Nathaniel Salzman May 25th, 2006 Link

My only criticism is that of losing the horizontal slats in the grill. What they’ve essentially done is put the grill style from the lower radiator opening in the top to match. Which doesn’t look bad, but I think they should have gone the other way with it - slats top and bottom. It would serve a couple of purposes, the first of which would be to give the car a wider, more squatty appearance. But more than that, an all-slat grill would make it look even more classic MINI. This look is drawing from the Aero Kit, which looks great, but I’d love to have a louvered grill option as well on the S. Otherwise, it’s nice to see a more finished example of the new car. The panel seams fit better than a lot of the mules we’ve seen in the past and the car is obviously much closer to its final fit and finish. That makes me feel a lot better about the car.

nervous May 25th, 2006 Link

I was concerned how the fixed headlights (not incorporated as part of the hood) would look… not bad, really. Looking forward to a clear, close-up view of the gap between the trim ring & headlight glass.

O(=^=)O Capn May 25th, 2006 Link

Absolutly! Nathaniel as always hit it dead on. We need horizontal lines!

I still don’t like the new headlight design. Not that the blinkers are integrated, but the wrap around look of it. It looks chinese.

Somthing else that I think isn’t final is the side blinker in front of the door. At least it doesn’t live up to what Gabe was saying as to expect something new in that department. They are missing the “S” maybe it was one of those things that they were covering up with tape.

Whoa! This has to be a part of the camo. TWO rear windshield wipers on the traveler? second to last pic.

Jason May 25th, 2006 Link

Well, I’m gonna reserve final judgement until the final car is unveiled. Some things still don’t make sense to me.

Production cars will probably have a flashier side marker for sure. Gotta have a painted bumper which I’m pretty sure is in the cards. If you look closely the black bumper has a different texture to it compared to the arch trim. That being said, it looks like the arch trim get a glossier, smoother finish compared to current generation MINIs.

I miss the Cowl/Scuttle Grilles under the windshield. Just looks a little naked to me.

I also think the mirrors will be the same color as the roof on production versions, like today.

The “S” needs more wheel and less tire.

I’m still udecided on the grill treatment. Hopefully there is an option for this. I’ve never been a fan of black plastic mesh.

Lastly, I’m willing to bet one of the first body mods we see in the aftermarket is a larger hood scoop. Wow that thing is narrow.

Gabe May 25th, 2006 Link

Okay I think a few here are missing the fact that this iis still very much a test mule. That means there are very few final details on the car clearly visable. The side vents are just the current ones tacked on for instance. The new side vents will be much larger as decribed here.

And yes the Traveller will have two wipers in the back. That bombshell was dropped here.

Matthew May 25th, 2006 Link

I think the grille looks incredibly cheap. I also liked the headlights better when the turn signal wasn’t in there.

Overall I like it and I especially like that the upper grille, as cheap as it looks, is one piece now.

Dave May 25th, 2006 Link

Whoa! This has to be a part of the camo. TWO rear windshield wipers on the traveler? second to last pic.

I bet that carries forward to the production version. It seems like the natural fallout of the barndoors.

saakey May 25th, 2006 Link

I thought the windshield wipers were not to be exposed anymore? But, I like it okay - so far ;-)

Tristan May 25th, 2006 Link

It still looks like a mini, but its sorta strange how its so rounded in the front but when you trace your eyes towards the rear it looks like the back end was cut straight off of something. like in the picture of the red S… still waiting to see that in action in final form and the suppose to be better build interior.

O(=^=)O Capn May 25th, 2006 Link

Whoa! This has to be a part of the camo. TWO rear windshield wipers on the traveler? second to last pic.

I bet that carries forward to the production version. It seems like the natural fallout of the barndoors.

What I meant was they just look goofy how they are put on. Because of that It was hard for me to take it seriously.

Chad May 25th, 2006 Link

I’m not sure if I like the extra shoulder in the back. One of the design features on the current model that I’ve always loved, and that really draws me to the car, is the fact that the back window transitions straight down into the body, giving the back a flat look. In other words, more of a hatchback look than a sedan look. The R56 looks more sedan-y than hatchback-y, from the spy shots anyway.

banjoez May 25th, 2006 Link

I don’t know…something about it doesn’t look right. Looks more Japanese style main stream to me. I guess its the headlights being pushed out to the edges more. I like the looks of the current version much better. Better balanced.

John May 25th, 2006 Link

Regarding the grill, I like the grill much better than the chrome. If i had bought a 2006, the grill from the aero kit would have been the first mod I would have made. Horizontal grill bars? Maybe the big aluminum ones from a Ford Fusion could be hacked up and put in [NOT]

Overall I am generally pleased with it. It is not so radically different that it loses its identity. Basicaly if you are not a MINI-maniac, you probably could not tell the difference between a 2006 and 2007.

GSKChicago May 25th, 2006 Link

Change is inevitable. We knew they would update/change the design.

It surprises me how many people on here seem so resistant to change.

All things considered I think MINI is doing a great job with the changes/updates they are making. Especially when you consider they have/had some limitations because of the new European Pedestrian laws. There are different directions perhaps the engineers and designers would have gone if not for those restrictions. That said, they did well with those restrictions.

Nathaniel Salzman May 25th, 2006 Link

Maybe the big aluminum ones from a Ford Fusion could be hacked up and put in [NOT]

Yeah, THAT’S what I had in mind. LOL. (note the sarcasm)

It surprises me how many people on here seem so resistant to change.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I am not against change on the MINI, just some of the specific changes that we’ve seen and heard about for the R56. I think there are some great changes coming in this new model both aesthetically (better interior materials) and mechanically (more efficient powerplants with more torque).

But I do think that some of their design choices (the all-black mesh grill, the look of the rear apron, the lines of the new interior) are moving in a much more mainstream direction than I’d like to see. Everything on the road right now is more angular, more aggressive, and thereby more mediocre because they’re all doing it. Some of these new design choices are taking the MINI small steps in that direction.

One of my favorite things about the current car is that sense of timelessness and idiosyncratic distinction it carries in its looks - the fact that it’s round and curvy in the otherwise angular and square world of automotive design. The MINI stands out from the blur of “look at me” aesthetic overkill because of its simplicity of form. Though it retains most of that, the look of the new car is a little less interesting to me.

I think this new car will keep about 93% of that unique visual appeal. But there are still design elements (and mechanical choices - on/off water & oil pumps for example) that I don’t like the look of. The current car has, in my opinion, a better mix of aesthetic nuance and design detail. From what I’m seeing on the new model, I think some of that nuance has been lost - albeit just a smidgen.

petsounds May 25th, 2006 Link

I think this new design does a great job is working from Frank’s design and pushing it slightly forward while keeping an eye on the past. Don’t forget that many of the bigger changes seen in the front of the car are only as a result from new European Pedestrian safety laws that Frank didn’t have to worry about.

Gabe, I will certainly concede that the EU pedestrian laws f’d a lot of things up. Patently stupid, overcorrective law IMO. Whether they could have adhered to the law in a different way is up for debate. The grill and the lights certainly seem like elements that could have been done better.

What design elements do you feel “push it slightly forward”? All I see here are compromises to Frank’s original vision.

I am not opposed to change, as long as it is for the better. For instance, the new interior is actually growing on me a tad. But these exterior changes make me really sad. Some of the spark is gone.

Nathaniel Salzman May 25th, 2006 Link

Hear hear, petsounds!!

lTZMTOR May 25th, 2006 Link

I’d like to hear Gabe’s reply also.

I am waiting to see the car in person… so far not onboard with what I see. I agree with what Petsounds said above. Do feel it could have been allot worse than what I see, glad I have my ‘04.

I also don’t have a problem with change if for the better but what I see is as PS’s says… compromise not forward at all.

Giacomo May 25th, 2006 Link

Agreed Petsounds. For example, why not is possible with new engine to make sure engine hardpoints are optimized in order to not comprimize hood/bonnet design which looks now that it is much too much high? Current MINI design look like one step forward and this new design look like too steps backward. :( I no see nothing that takes current design further into the future. For me is one big “cop out”. Too little too late?

vin. May 25th, 2006 Link

One thing I don’t get about the new design is why they brought the seam of the front wheel arch down so low rather than keeping it in line with the seams of the front bumper. Seems like a strange design decision and it makes the front quarter area look a little messy. Maybe this is just a preproduction thing, but if you go back and look at other earlier front shots of mules you can see the same incongruent seams.

Usually BMW/MINI designs are pretty coherent in their management of panel breaks and gaps (even in these post-Bangle years.) That front corner kind of feels like a design oversight.

Justin May 25th, 2006 Link

This is truely awful. BIG thumbs down.

geno May 25th, 2006 Link

I really like it. I even like the unpainted bumper. Almost looks rally-like. Put some lights on the front and it would looks super cool.

dickdavid May 25th, 2006 Link

I really like it. BIG thumbs UP!!!

MauiMac May 25th, 2006 Link

WOW!… Whose MINIs plastic surgeon?! DAM! Who ever it is should be SUED! Whats up with his eyes/headlights? Other then the cheap looking grill and the stretched back/outward headlights, the ‘07 MINI looks GREAT!

(Since the Super Charger will be replaced by the Turbo, does the bonnet Scoop really have a purpose?)

Vanwall May 25th, 2006 Link

While I’m withholding judgement ’til all the evidence is in, much of this new look is Stephenson inspired, albeit with less direction and subtlety. I’m not a fan of the headlite configuration with the turn-signals in ‘em - looks a bit cross-eyed; and the not-so-subtle bulge stickin’ out there on the rear corners - I’d be in a body shop straight from the showroom floor, gettin’ a butt-ectomy. There’s no freakin’ way you could add that much useful space with such a poorly inspired and executed design element - it’s a styling caprice, no more and no less, and the smoothly well-integrated R50/R53 rear end will make this particular feature look like a tumour growed from A-bomb testing.

The front may be a bit more vertical, but the downright upright Classic Mini nose is a far cry from the wall-eyed ‘07 to come - truth to tell, one of the best single “looks” on the R50/R53 is if you lean forward and up while in the driver’s seat, and look a little down and to the left, the fender line going to the headlites is simply sublime - I do that now and then to remind me a proper British MINI is kinda like Bettie Page - it has big round headlights and a hint of sensual curves at the fenders. ;-)

              BCNU,
          Rob in Dago

Nurple May 25th, 2006 Link

Does the higher bonnet mean that it will get fewer stone chips?

coop May 25th, 2006 Link

I think the design is nice and progressive. That said, I feel that the wheel wells need to be filled out with more rim. Additionally, and this is a minor gripe of mine b/c I’m picky, I can not understand why BMW would not have gone with the new squeegie type of windshield wipers a lot of the new cars today have. BMW seems to be putting them on all of their new cars. I just think they look cleaner (and probably work better) than the traditional frame and blade style of wiper.

gokartride May 25th, 2006 Link

Please tell me a chrome slat grill will still be available.

cct1 May 25th, 2006 Link

The bonnet scoop is for the intercooler, not the supercharger.

alpinamike May 25th, 2006 Link

Now you can see the M influence…:)

Shamus May 26th, 2006 Link

I’m begining to come around to the new front end changes, but I’m still a bit skeptical of this photo. As someone who uses Photoshop quite a bit, I can’t help but see all the areas that have been touched up. It’s reasonably good work, but I’ll reserve my final judgement until I see the final car ;)

Greg W May 26th, 2006 Link

I don’t like the grille although it looks very similar to the style fitted to Mk1 and Mk2 Morris Mini models.
Leave the venetian blind Cooper grille on the car - otherwise a lot of people will be retrofitting old style.
And I don’t like the wheels - they are BMWish.

Mark Hendrie May 26th, 2006 Link

I can’t wait to see the car in the metal. Overall I like the new design and I am sure that the end product will be excellent and better than the current version, however, despite some of the comments above I think that it looks more feminine and less chunky than the current model. Perhaps it is because the car pictured does not have colour coded bumpers? Despite this I still love the new car and I would place a bet on its huge success.

schüppe May 26th, 2006 Link

We tried to do a little bit more photoshop on the existing picture above mentioned.
thx kolus for your photoshop

http://www.mini2.info/forum/showpost.php?p=854368&postcount=408

PeB May 26th, 2006 Link

French Mini Club tried to do it better.
Maybe somebody can try for the grille ?

http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=modified1wb.jpg

PeB May 26th, 2006 Link

Now I did this :D
http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=modified2wb0di.jpg

With white roof, white mirror, and actual grille.
With colored bumper

PeB May 26th, 2006 Link

The best photoshop from this picture :

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/672/60605250021l7wdcopie4gp.jpg

Mark May 26th, 2006 Link

In a perfect world, I’d be interested in see the redesign without the need to adhere to the new euro pedestrian standards. That said, I tend to agree with those who prefer the lines of the existing car to the direction the new one is heading.

It would also be nice to see a little more rim and less tire as already noted. Overall, I’ll reserve judgement until the final version shows itself.

Billy May 26th, 2006 Link

IT’S A FAKE!!

I work at Plant Oxford (as I’ve mentioned before) and it is safe to say that a photograph of a Camouflaged R56 has been taken and “spiced up”.
It’s all wrong ladies and gents. The colour has obviously been photoshopped but the most OBVIOUS thing for me is the side repeater (indicator) that is for the current generation One and Cooper, they don’t even have that on the current S!!
The new side repeater is a large chrome affair, much more square and bulky.

Poor effort Mr. Lehman.

lTZMTOR May 26th, 2006 Link

And what say ye Mr. Bridger of Billie’s remarks?

Starting to wonder if some of what is shown in this “Teaser” file I got from
MINI.COM is what may be coming. Especially the rump.

http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/2006/05/nextminitease.shtml

Gabe May 26th, 2006 Link

Starting to wonder if some of what is shown in this “Teaser” file I got from MINI.COM is what may be coming. Especially the rump.

I can assure you that is not the new car but actually a sketch of the current MINI.

And what say ye Mr. Bridger of Billie’s remarks?

I honesly don’t know what else to say about this subject. I’ve literally filled pages in the past year within the context of similar discussions and I don’t know if I can go through it again.

I’ll end with this, when Frank Stephenson tells me that MINI design is in very good hands, I tend to believe him.

Enzo May 26th, 2006 Link

Am I the only one that thinks this is a picture of the new Mini Cooper and NOT the new Mini Cooper S?

Remember that the new Mini Cooper is supposed to come with a turbo charged version of the new engine, that is how we can explain the smaller cooper wheels, the cooper stile side vents and the lower cooper stile bonnet stance.

Yep I think we are looking at the new Mini Cooper and not the new Mini Cooper S.

Dave May 26th, 2006 Link

The R56 MC will not have a scoop. Here is a photo of an R56 MINI COOPER test mule.

John B. May 26th, 2006 Link

Would it be possible to display a picure of the current car along side of this new one?

Kolus May 26th, 2006 Link

I tried again:

http://www.mini2.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15979&d=1148659666

Enzo May 26th, 2006 Link

Dave, you might be right and the mule might be a mini cooper. But if the rumors of the cooper coming with a turbo are true, then i don’t see how they could setup a turbo system without a scoop or without placing the intercooler right behind the bottom front grill.

In the picture i don’t see an intercooler, so maybe the cooper will not come with a turbo, or maybe that is a picture of a lower model.

Enzo May 26th, 2006 Link

If the posted picture is that of a mini cooper, that might also explain the smaller hood scoop, since it will probably be running a smaller turbo or have the same turbo running at lower pressures.

Locomini May 26th, 2006 Link

That thing is butt ugly,and that front black bumper aggg! its awful,the grill is ok but dont like the chrome border, it should have been all black similar to the aero grill convertion. I am glad I ordered a ‘06 Mini S, first mod on my new mini will be the aero grill and driving lights.

Dave May 26th, 2006 Link

Just because it has a turbo doesn’t mean it needs a scoop for the intercooler. Just look to the VW GTI, it gets 200 HP out of a 2.0T with no scoop and the 1.8T before it didn’t have a scoop either.

MJO MINI May 26th, 2006 Link

Dave is right. I own a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo and it didn’t come with an intercooler at all let alone a scoop. It isn’t the most efficient way to setup a turbo engine but it has been done it the past by other MFGs. I don’t anticipate Mini will follow this course since the cars considered a high end sport compact not an econo box car.

Enzo May 26th, 2006 Link

Dave, the GTI does have an intercooler and it’s position right behind the front bottom grill, although it is kind of small, at least it was on the mk4s, i haven’t inspected the mk5s yet.

Mjo Mini, i think you have answered your own comment by saying that the Mini is a high end sport compact, and with the engine being state of the art, i don’t think they would jeopardize performance going to a turbo setup without an intercooler.

MillieTheMini May 26th, 2006 Link

I can’t get over the look of the headlights with integrated turn signals - it was bothering me, until I realized where I had seen something like it before - looks just like the headlights on a Dodge Neon (the SX 2.0 in Canada).

When features on a MINI begin to look like everything else on the road - that’s when you know the end is near!! (just kidding)

I have a feeling that silver turn signal bulbs are going to be on the must-buy lists of R56 buyers when this car comes out……….

Dave May 26th, 2006 Link

Dave, the GTI does have an intercooler and it’s position right behind the front bottom grill, although it is kind of small, at least it was on the mk4s, i haven’t inspected the mk5s yet.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. All I was saying was the GTI doesn’t have a scoop, not that it doesn’t have an intercooler. With a lower output turbo, perhaps the MC does have an intercooler tucked behind the lower grille. From the shots I have seen so far it’s too hard to tell though.

I have a feeling that silver turn signal bulbs are going to be on the must-buy lists of R56 buyers when this car comes out……….

100% agreement on that. Hopefully they are PY21W so we can get Philips Silver Vision Bulbs.

Billy May 26th, 2006 Link

The black bumpers are just “slaves”. Put on if the correct colour bumper is not available for whatever reason. I assure you that the R56 WILL have color coded bumpers.
Only the CooperS is turbo-charged. It’s known as a PSA N14 and is a 1.6litre unit. The non turbo version is called the N12.
All this speculation turns my stomach because I see the damn things 4 days out of 7!!

05DSMCS May 26th, 2006 Link

Well, thanks for sharing what you can, Billy. It helps all the people who probably aren’t even in the market for an ‘07, but feel a loyalty to the brand feel a bit more calm.

Dave May 26th, 2006 Link

Thanks for the insight billy

Ralph May 27th, 2006 Link

The outside/exterior of the new model doesn’t bother me. From the pictures I like it, although I don’t particularly like the integrated turn signal in the headlight, but I could live with it. What I dislike is the new interior, specifically the Speedo/radio/cd/and “kitchen sink” integration. In fact let me be frank about it - I hate it!

It seems the Europeans (German car Mfg) are going towards a “No buttons - all high tech” type controls. IMHO most Americans still want buttons and knobs (I certainly do). I could live with a balance but from the pictures I’ve seen here, the 2007 Mini will have very little of that.

Because of that, I will not be a return customer to buy a 2007/08/09 etc Mini. I guess I’ll have to wait 5 yrs (standard number of years) before the next Gen Mini comes out.

IMO I think Mini made a mistake in going with the intergation style. I guess time will tell.

aiiee May 27th, 2006 Link

One thing I really don’t like is the new side glass on the rear. It no longer meets the tailgate glass and doesn’t curve. Not going to look quite so nice as the current treatment.

Ivor Biggun May 27th, 2006 Link

Ralph, you’ll have plenty of knobs and buttons to keep you happy

Ken (WingNut) May 27th, 2006 Link

The most important thing to take from all of this is…

“undisguised” is not a word.

John May 27th, 2006 Link

I said this before when I first saw the spy photos, I hate what they’ve done with the headlights. I’m glad I got an ‘06.

Billy May 27th, 2006 Link

One thing I really don’t like is the new side glass on the rear. It no longer meets the tailgate glass and doesn’t curve. Not going to look quite so nice as the current treatment.

No I agree! There’s a mildly awful looking black piece of plastic instead. As far as I know all of the plasics (including arch extensions or “spats” as they’re known locally)are still under development, which is why they have a smooth appearance at the moment. Grained pieces are starting to trickle through now, as all of the press and “photo” cars are currently being built - about 5 a day now!
September seems so far away Lol!

Giacomo May 28th, 2006 Link

“…mildly awful looking piece of of plastic…” means good awful or bad awful? Awful means very much bad no? Also, from picture I see, front headlamp looks awfully awful! The turn indicator inside headlamp and big black gap between lens and chrome surround frame are terribly awful. Overall, I feel horribly awful that this is the “new and improved” look :( But I am awfully happy I have the current design :)

Shamus May 28th, 2006 Link

So Billy….not a chance you could snap a few shots of the press cars for us, is there?

Billy May 29th, 2006 Link

Others have attempted, using the cameras on their mobile phones, and have been caught. With reguards to the awfulness of all the aforementioned examples - they look BAD awful at the moment, but only because they are prototype parts, and as I said, now that the press cars are being built the quality is really under the microscope. The gap between the headlights on the picture above is not a true representation on the finished product as Lehman themselves have admitted photoshopping some minor camo. I thought there would be an issue with gaps, but as far as I know problems are being improved upon all of the time. One major problem I have heard about is the ability to freely select reverse whilst driving forward in ALL of the CooperS Automatics that have been built so far! BMW have taken one person from each of the three shifts, from each Process Area, to identify and re-work any niggles that we’re having!
I must say, look out for some lovely new colours (no sarcasm intended! Lol)
Sparkling Silver - A much nicer, more reflective colour than the current Pure Silver
Mellow Yellow - This one is a slow burner! I didn’t like it at first, then I hated it more, BUT the more and more I stared the better it appeared!
Laser Blue - IS GORGEOUS! Imagine a mix between Hyper Blue and Electric Blue and you’re there!
Keep a look out guys, only 3 months to go!

Dave May 29th, 2006 Link

Thank You!

Any word on a non-metallic BRG or a metallic red?

Billy May 30th, 2006 Link

BRG Looks the same, and the only red I’ve seen so far is CR. The only real stand-out colours being Laser Blue and Mellow Yellow. I’ve seen enough black ones to last me a life time! lol

Gabe May 30th, 2006 Link

Yes both BRG and CR will be on the 2007 MINI. Along with a new black (non-metallic I believe) and the others Billy mentioned. As we reported a few months back there will be a total of seven new colors in 2007.

Billy May 31st, 2006 Link

As far as I know the only black exterior colour will be Astro Black (metallic) - Piano black, which is non-metallic, is used on interior parts. :-)

Bruce Jun 4th, 2006 Link

While on vacation in the UK last week, I took the MINI factory tour, and in the bodyshell assembly portion I came upon a R56 bodyshell just sitting in front of me!

It was sitting on the production floor next to a current bodyshell and I was the only one on the tour who noticed it as being different. It was easy to spot because of the wraparound shaped headlight openings in the hood. The openings for the rear taillights were much wider than the current car, and the wider rear hips (or shoulders) were also noticeable. No big news there if you’ve been following the R56, but it was exciting to see one. I had a minute or so by myself to look over the body and my overall impression was favorable.

They aren’t doing daytime tours now. Our tour was at 7pm in the evening because they didn’t want us to see production of the new R56 which is already being built in small numbers alongside the current MINI during the day. Off the record, one of the tour guides told me the occasional R56 model ran down the bodyshell production line during the day interspersed with the current MINI models (just like a convertible or hardtop version of the current car comes down the line intermittently). I was surprised the production line could handle a new model mixed in with the old ones, but he said the robots were programmed to handle it with no problem. The guides pointed to a new building there that was dedicated to the final R56 assembly which is to run faster than the current production line, helping increase annual production and reduce the customer waiting times for a new MINI. They said these R56 bodyshells being produced now were for evaluation purposes. I guess that means sorting out the new assembly process before the line goes “live“. They also said they would ramp up R56 production in July so as to supply dealerships with demo cars when the new model is launched in September.

whiteroofradio.com » Woofcast #64 Jul 22nd, 2006 Link

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