No, it really isn't the same. Harley's are no where the same level of customization as a MINI. The MINI has 7 models now with 23 trims total. There's over thousands of rules that needs to be ensured for accuracy every season's update. It's a lot easier to just say "it's a simple process" until you've actually seen the behind the scenes.

 

 

I guess we can agree to disagree. Harley has 32 models and a ton more accessories than Mini ever dreamed of having. They launch their revamped site the day new bikes/model years are announced. They do this by working on the website in conjunction with the motorcycle design group so it is ready to go all at once.

Mini can have all of the excuses and reasons it wants for this, but it just tells me that the teams aren't working together and in parallel.

You only have to look at the Owner's Lounge to recognize that the websites aren't a priority, or to go MiniUSA anytime after 8pm Pacific probably 4 out of 7 days a week and get the "sorry, the amusement park is temporarily closed" page. The website just isn't a priority for them.

 

Is that portion of their site even fun to use? I only use it to make a one time payment on my car.

 

No, I can't agree to disagree. Take a look at Harley's Switchback Model. ~40 parts total that can be customized. A regular MINI Hardtop has 19 body colors and roof/mirrors alone and 10 wheels. That's before all the other exterior details, packages, performance options, instruments and accessories. The level of complexity grows exponentially with more and more parts. Harley's config is also severely under maintained - being able to choose two wheels at the same time? Clicking the Add button to a modal that states a conflict with no results? Not to mention their bike renders are not great looking, but that's my opinion.

Granted, the flash configurator is a bit dated, thus the launch of the tablet experience a couple months ago. And yes, the owner's lounge is dated along with the site, but how do you know they aren't working on an update?

 

Edited. I went waaaay of topic, and removing this post

 

I like the interior version that has no seats...is that for the gangster in us and we sit in the back seat to drive? I see the seat adjustment handle, I think it is, on the floor. Does that double as a floor mounted 'hey zeus' bar?

 

you mean this thread isn't about harley davidson motorcycles?

 

+1, my bad for going way off topic and cleared out that prior post.

 

Maybe it's just they yellow and black that makes it look downright awful. The redesign of the front end reminds me of a love child between the Dodge Neon and the Nissan Juke.

That being said, the all-black doesn't look too bad... I'll have to wait to see it in person.

Rich

 

We have only seen one front bumper configuration so far. The R56 had 6 different versions. I would expect to see something less controversial offered.

 

Soooo what do we make of this completely undisguised shot from a more normal and level angle?

The headlights are not so bad from this but I still hate the black bumper going through the grill and especially the lower rectangular valance that protrudes from the bottom.

Mechanically the car sounds like its going to be good, especially since it will have a Rev matching system like the 370z which was awesome; its a shame the looks are not there to back it up.

 

I think it looks fine. I'm not crazy about the thick chrome bezels on the taillights, or the too-large chrome strip above the rear license plate. All-in-all, it looks like a 3G MINI probably should.

LOVE the new engines!

 

Mechanically the car sounds like ****. The hp from the 2.0 and 1.5 engines is behind all cars in it's class. They are using the same slow AISIN 6-speed transmission rather than going with a ZF 8-speed like every other manufacturer including BMW. The F56 is lagging behind the competition (GTI-Fiesta ST etc) and it isn't even out yet.

 

With similar sized engines the Mini is going to be within ~10 hp of both of those cars and will have more torque and get better MPG's (MPG by a long shot btw)
The fact that they are reusing the Aisin 6 speed was an odd decision but it clearly wasn't worth the cost to put a Double clutch or 8 speed at this time in the Mini. I should have stated when I wrote my post that I was looking forward to the Manual transmission with the rev matching.

Clearly the Aisin is a fine working unit. Compared to the older CVT this thing has been flawless. Mine has been perfect in the 5 years I've had it so BMW clearly saw no reason to replace it just yet; Also its been stated that it has been reworked to be better and faster than the current unit (and faster to 60 than the manual version of the new car)

 

Check the site lately?

 

first aftermarket company to recreate that grill will make loads of money... ill be keeping my r53

id also like to know why theres a hood scoop. stock fmic

 

I'll be ready for one in 2017......MCS w/ 200+hp 220+tq 45mpg stock......just what ya need. Quick & economical.

 

First and foremost I am very excited about the rev-match manual. Maybe now people won't be having clutch failures at 20,000 miles.

The Mk 7 GTI has 217hp which is almost 30hp more than the F56 Cooper S. Also the Fiesta ST is a 1.6 and it still beats the F56 horsepower by 10hp, even though the F56 uses a bigger engine.

The AISIN isn't bad when compared to a 10 year old cvt. You might be happy with it, but go drive any car with the new ZF 8-speed and it will blow you waway. You can't deny that this "refresh" is silly given the price of these cars. Paying $25k-$30k for what is essentially last gen technology is inexcusable. Also, you have to pay $250 extra if you want the "sport software" on the transmission. Otherwise it's basically the same old thing they used before. Even a dodge dart has the ZF 8-speed... GTI's have had DCT for years...

I like how you say it "wasn't worth the cost" for them to update the tranny. Have you seen how much these cars cost. Imagine how good a JCW would be with a super fast DCT!

If the AISIN 6 speed was so good why didn't BMW use it any of its cars? All non manual/DCT BMW's use the ZF 8-speed, including their FWD cars sold in Europe. It's because they know that people will buy MINI's regardless of weather or not it uses the latest technology. Your MINI might cost as much as a BMW but you're still getting second hand technology.

BMW could have made the F56 technically much better than they have. Instead they chose to make minimal improvements and wait for the money to roll in.

 

I'm glad I ordered a '14 MCS Roadster. If the new MINI 'sports car' being released in 2015-16 has a front end like the F56, I'll keep my current model until Gen 4 comes along. They couldn't do too much worse with the grill.

 

They did kind of invent it, after all. (OK, Porsche did in the 80s, but VW/Audi brought it to market first.) I wonder how much of a "**** you" licensing fee VW would extort for each DCT put in a BMW-branded car.

 

To get the record straight:

The ZF 8-speed is for RWD applications period. BMW doesn't currently build any FWD cars. They will do so in the future, based on the UKL1 (MINI) platform. The Dodge Dart doesn't have an 8-speed option, it is all 6-speed. The FIAT-developed TCT available on the Dart is limited to about 240Nm of torque handling, so doesn't fit with the new high-torque engines MINI is building. The new engines are more powerful than before, especially in torque rates.

 

AISIN makes a fwd comparable 8 speed auto iirc. Also, the Dodge Dart has a 9 speed transmission option. Other hot hatches in Europe use DCT gearboxes. BMW could have put a new transmission in the f56, expecially given the price of these cars and what the competition is offering.


Also the $250 for a sports transmission software flash is a bit of a slap in the face.

 

Front bumper, for shame shame mini engineers !!! Shame shame !! UGH

 

So I'm in the market around November when this comes out. Love the torque upgrades in the new engines, should make the little go kart even more fun to drive. Would drive the 13 and 14 back to back.

Am a little worried about how it will look in person. Will have to see one in white and how the StormCooper look works. Would have to Plastidip any of the chrome parts black...