Some of the images from today Washington Auto Show.


07 MC



07 MCS with aero kit


07 MC


07 JCW convertable


07 Mini Cooper

 

More pictures in detail....


This is my favorite one, the 2007 MCS.


The front...


The back...


The interior...

 

More on the MCS...


The engine bay.


07 MCS Xenon light


The engine.

 

nice pics but i dont think the 4th one is an 07'

 

Actually, it is. The convertable won't have the new body style until '08 I believe.

 

Convertable is not going to change until late '08. That JCW is considered a 07 Mini.

 

ohhhh...i was wondering what they were doin with the convertibles

is there any difference between an 06 on those?

 

Nice pics. Thanks for sharing! I heard the same thing that the convert. is not changing body styles until 08

 

Some nice features for 07...


Double panel sunroof.


View from the interior.


New seat folder lever for back seat entry.


New wind deflector.. no more rattling.

 

I don't believe so, but I could be wrong.

 

I was there today....I am very impressed with the interior build quality - seems very solid. The speedo is HUGE, the hood release is now on the right side...err left side of the car, the seats felt much better with added support (I have the checkmate seats - leather and cloth - but the new ones felt much better to my backside), telescoping wheel is a nice touch, I don't mind the dash layout - its different, and I like the aero kit (I think its a must).

I don't buy first model years cars so I plan on waiting until the rumured "M" series like JCW is in production - not the standard JCW but the step above that which may see the showrooms by 08 or 9 hopefully.

 

thaks for the pictures

 

maxi, is it bigger in the back seat.

 

To be honest, I don't see any different. But the cargo space (boot) is slightly larger though.
Note: I love the new aero kit.

 

A few clarifications for all...

When talking about the "new" stuff, it's best to talk in terms of the model code. The new 2007 hardtops are the R56 model. Indeed, as stated above, the convertibles are not changing for 2007, they are still the R52.

However, the new convertible isn't coming out in 2008... it actually will be a 2009 model, and will be known as the R57. So the R52 will continue again in 2008.

I suspect there will probably be some minor changes to the R52 for 2007 and 2008 models (similar to the "tech refresh" updates to the R50 and R53 (hardtops) for 2005), but the changes will be quite minor.

We need to be careful how we talk about models moving forward - it will get very confusing! If you want to use the model year, be sure to say which kind (i.e. hardtop/coupe or convertible). Otherwise just use the model code, it's a lot simpler. Or if you really want to, you could just say "1st Generation", "2nd Generation", etc...

 

Actually, here is a better clarification.

 

Thanks, Maxi for taking those nice pictures.

I know there are those that hate negativity....but I just cant stand the back bumper for the aerokit. Makes me wonder... WTF?? The center stack inside is just off....they actually had to have a flat plastic piece just to fill up the space between all the components. And, I just cant get over the skewed headlights. Looks too bug/fish-eyed. Is it me or does the whole thing just look more....utilitarian?

Things I do like: dual sunroofs, new key and push button start, concave trim rings on interior, and uh....well maybe thats it.

One question....theres one pic with what looks like a dual radio and satellite radio antennae.....is that what I would get for a 2006 as well or is that a new design for the 2007?

 

Yes but that article doesn't list the individual model years of release.

 

cool, can't wait to see the new MINI in person. goin to the auto show this weekend. either sat or sun. not sure which though. i'm sure i'll bump into some of you guys there at some point. I will let you know which day i'm goin when i find out.

nice pics maxi!

 

No pictures of the booth babes?

 

Rilly? I don't. Especially the scoop on the side skirts, I think they look tacky.

 

I went to the Washington Auto Show last night and I was impressed overall by the visual changes in the R56. The car definitely has a more bold feel to it, especially up front with the new larger bonnet. The interior felt slightly more "upscale" with seemingly better materials and a few minor ergonomic improvements. However, the center console was kind of cheesy, and I did not like the placement of the volume **** for the stereo system. It seemed too separate from the rest of the controls. The ability of both sunroofs to open was a nice touch as was the placement of the rear seat access levers. I tried to compare the old MINIs with the new as best I could be looking at some of the convertibles and then quickly walking over to the R56. I think the new design is a nice progression and it looked better than the pictures I had seen. However, it seems to me that the original design of the R50/53 is a little better.

Overall, I was impressed with the R56. I think MINI has done a good job and many of the changes were needed in order to compete with some of its rivals. However, my impression was that BMW stuck to the winning formula that made the MINI successful in the first place while making minor improvements and changes. All I can hope for is that I will be able to say the same thing when I actually get to drive this new MINI

 

 

Hmmmm, that booth babe looks very familiar!?