As is customary, MINI will be rolling out a handful of key changes for production starting this March. As is typical they call into three categories: color and trim, new and/or updated options and restrictions. Let’s take a look at all of them after the break.

• The White Silver package with the Clubman will not be available with a white roof starting 03/12
• Clubman gets the optional JCW Package complete with aero-kit
• Clubman JCW also gets the aero-kit as standard
• New iPod/iPhone cradle for the Countryman
• The Countryman Cooper S gets a new 128 mph speed limiter
• The Clubman to be offered with Spice Orange
• The Hot Chocolate convertible top is phased out
• Laser Blue and Laguna Green phased out.
• MINI Yours bonnet stripes and side scuttles offered in black
• All R5X models get Reef Blue (replacing Laser Blue)
• Special editions start production: Baker (R56 MCS), Baywater (R56 MC and MCS, and the Highgate (R57 MC and MCS).

And the biggest news? The R59 MINI Roadster goes on-sale February 25th.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/02/...es/#more-22674

 

I saw that too...

I wonder if they mean an actual cradle that goes in the armrest (and therefore not specific to the Countryman, I would think), or if they mean a "holder" for the center rail?

 

I wonder if they'll ever deliver on their promise for Android compatibility.

 

:( Laser Blue was my favorite color!!!

 

I read somewhere, perhaps MotoringFile, that MINI said there are technical limitations with the current Connected interface that limits connectivity only to iOS devices and that Android would have to be supported in future iterations of Connected.

Sounds like Android users are going to be SOL.

 

where did you see that?

 

I'm just hoping they'll adopt Android for future Connect technology soon (for my next MINI purchase

It appears they are working on it, and it's on their roadmap for the future.

Mini Space Blog posted on 12/07/11:
"MINI Connected technology depends on available smartphone technology and operating systems. At the moment, adoption of Android and other operating systems/smartphones is possible and on the roadmap, however, each platform offers different features that can be accessed by software developers with different options to connect the device to cars. This means that major changes in the car’s software might be necessary, which leads to a longer time to market for various smartphone platforms. Although on MINI’s radar, Android support is not offered at this time."

 

"...This means that major changes in the car’s software might be necessary..."

I hope they really mean software, and that the hardware that we have in the current model will be a part of that roadmap.

 

Doesn't sound like android is viable until connected gets a rev. Now need to consider if iPhone is worth having vs getting a touch for the car strictly to run the app with no connectivity.

No connect for Android.

 

Is there any information or photographs regarding the "New iPod/iPhone cradle for the Countryman"?