R50/53 Automobile Magazine & MINI Brand
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4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
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Picked up the July issue of Automobile mag at the airport on Thursday on my way to Cape Cod for the weekend. Very interesting article with Helmut Panke, big cheeze at Bimmer. He came off as somewhat arrogant especailly regarding the new styling changes at BMW, but did have some interesting quotes regarding the direction of both BMW & MINI. He elaborated on why a 5 door MINI model has been pushed back to 2008:
"I would really like to do a second MINI Model range. But I simply have not found the right approach. You see, brands need to be treated with diligence and care. There is certainly plenty of talent on the case, but we still need a little more time."
I certainly hope they don't let designer Chris Bangle get involved. They also feature the new 5 series, which they raved about the technology and mechanics, but were very luke warm on the styling. I didn't like the new styling any better than the new 7 series...
They also featured the 2004 BMW lineup and changes:
6 series convertible (E64)
MINI convertible (R50C)
Hydrogen-powered 7 series (E68)
Face - lifted MINI (R50)
5 series wagon (E61)
1 series 5 door hatchback (E81)
1 series 2 door coupe (E82)
Not sure what they mean by face - lifted MINI for 04. Also the pictured 2 door 1 series bimmer looked like a 3 door hatchback, almost like a stretched MNI with a longer hood and slightly longer back, but pretty cool looking.....
I do think Helmut is underestimating the competition from Japan, especially in light of the rebirth of Nissan with the Z, G35, etc, as he says BMW will always provide the "ultimate driving pleasure"......there are a growing number of nonbimmers providing that same pleasure.....worth reading....
"I would really like to do a second MINI Model range. But I simply have not found the right approach. You see, brands need to be treated with diligence and care. There is certainly plenty of talent on the case, but we still need a little more time."
I certainly hope they don't let designer Chris Bangle get involved. They also feature the new 5 series, which they raved about the technology and mechanics, but were very luke warm on the styling. I didn't like the new styling any better than the new 7 series...
They also featured the 2004 BMW lineup and changes:
6 series convertible (E64)
MINI convertible (R50C)
Hydrogen-powered 7 series (E68)
Face - lifted MINI (R50)
5 series wagon (E61)
1 series 5 door hatchback (E81)
1 series 2 door coupe (E82)
Not sure what they mean by face - lifted MINI for 04. Also the pictured 2 door 1 series bimmer looked like a 3 door hatchback, almost like a stretched MNI with a longer hood and slightly longer back, but pretty cool looking.....
I do think Helmut is underestimating the competition from Japan, especially in light of the rebirth of Nissan with the Z, G35, etc, as he says BMW will always provide the "ultimate driving pleasure"......there are a growing number of nonbimmers providing that same pleasure.....worth reading....
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 179
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>>"I would really like to do a second MINI Model range. But I simply have not found the right approach. You see, brands need to be treated with diligence and care. There is certainly plenty of talent on the case, but we still need a little more time."
>>
I hope that they have research that finds that putting a VW-type convertible ona mini is treating it with 'diligence and care'.
Opinions vary I know..... :smile:
>>
I hope that they have research that finds that putting a VW-type convertible ona mini is treating it with 'diligence and care'.
Opinions vary I know..... :smile:
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