Now this...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-pla...man-model.html

MINI is expanding its model line more and more.

 

I saw that over here too...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au..._revealed.html

 

So with those figures it would be between 3 or 4 inches longer then the Countryman. What it looks like is MINI is trying to nickel and dime everyone into believing that it will be small by increasing the size by a few inches at a time. MINI better watch out if they think that people who made MINI what it is today are going to buy into it they in fo a huge suprise when everyone starts walking away from the brand. I personally like the small size and that is what attracked me to the MINI. If I wanted another big vehicle I would have gotten a huge SUV and called it a day. Oh one last thing, if they keep iincreasing the size they are going to have to increase the size of the motor. A small displacement motor on a heavy car is just not going work. You are going to beat the hell out of it just getting up to speed. Hopefully this idea gets shot down I would not want to see it because it is a MINI(meaning small car brand) not a freaking school bus.

 

Someplace on our NAM forum I once seen a picture of a Mini Cooper stretch Limo. I sure wish I could find it again.

 

A cost saving measure: shares the X3 platform?

 

Can we just get the Escalade sized version and get it over with

 

I don't see what the big deal is. They're following in the old MINIs footsteps and making some new ideas along the way. If you don't like it, don't buy it.. but it doesn't mean that there isn't a market for this.

 

me ,I just want to downsize.... bring on the speedster / roadster whatever it is

 

Correct. I really love the fool's logic that people who want MINI Coopers will stop buying them because the company has chosen to offer other models.

 

+1!

 

Jumbo Shrimp

 

Possible new advertising slogan: "The MAXI...fully padded for your protection."

 

There isn't a lot of competition for the standard Cooper and Cooper S. Once you get to Countryman and beyond their are some pretty good other cars to choose from. I wish Mini the best of luck but this seems like a bad business decision to me.

 

and

 

Can't imagine how a "few inches" is going to get a third row seat, would think at least 18" would be needed, 24" to really be comfortable. Two feet longer, now we really have gotten past the MINI idea. Would assume that it would be at least a foot wider to get 3 in the rear seat for 7 people up

 

Here's a few other colors to choose from

 

A 7 seater is highly unlikely IMO.
I'd be more likely to believe MotoringFile...

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/06/...four-variants/

 

True, and I think we'll see an uptick in some nice micro cars (smaller than MINI), too. There was a time when MINI had little competition, but they soon could be squeezed with plenty from both sides. I'd rather see MINI take/retain the lead in the micro-car segment, but as it is I finally bailed on the brand because the center of interest was moving elsewhere for me.

 

I agree, I think Auto Express is blowing smoke.

 

maybe Mini can build the body and Hummer the chassis