Got some hot news! Some you may have heard, some you haven't.

Cooper 121hp
Cooper S 181hp

Anti torque steer coded into the steering system
THE BURBLE IS BACK ON S MODELS
"Joey mod" black headlight housings available from factory - no charge
More sound deadening
Sunroof glass is tinted to 30% (was 90%)
no factory aero kit
Sirius Satelite radio and HD radio become standard equipment (includes 1 year sirius)
greater integration for ipod with integration for blackberry and droid coming.

 

wow...nice. thanks for the update.

 

Where did you hear this news?

A few of those items have been mentioned on MotoringFile and White Roof Radio (hp, no factory aero kit, Joey mod rumored -- but not at no charge!), but all of the other things are completely new to me.

 

I have a history of coming up with accurate news - often before motoringfile

There are other updates too but I listed the ones I thought of as most important (and easy to type out)

 

Great info if these items turn out to be true.

 

Thanks for the info, MotorMouth. I'll probably be waiting a while before my next MINI (Coopster or 3-cylinder), but a BRGII or Ice Blue MCS with the new engine, interior, etc. would be tempting.

 

I wonder how much the price will be bumped up.

 

~$300-$750 ; price details aren't firm yet.

they've averaged about $400-500 increase each year over the last many years (but they usually make something standard that was a cost option before)

 

Hope the android kit is compatible with my 2010...

 

Thanks for sharing, MotorMouth. IMO, the HP increase is small enough to only count on the dyno. But the *burble*, blacked-out headlights, and steering control "fix" are all very cool.

 

maybe, but I wouldn't hold your breath - there is much more to it than a cable. This is one of the other things I don't feel like typing out because there is so much. Motoringfile will probably have a story on it within the next 48 hours.

*hint* think small video screen and joystick and (maybe) internet (not the nav)

 

another tidbit - the nav system is getting rid of disks and going with memory cards. Birdman would probably like the new nav system

 

Yeah, having found some wireless and read the whole MotoringFile article (was too much to get on a phone), it doesn't sound likely... MINI Connect sounds like a cool option, and for $1k, well worth it.

Still hope they come out with something that allows for 2010 Android interface. No interest whatsoever in an iPhone.

 

cool, motoring file has it up now =) I didn't know that until I read your post. See why I didn't want to type all that out?


Also, Gabe seems to be holding back some stuff. Maybe he wants to release it bit by bit. The MINI connect was worth it's own article.

 

joey mod headlights from the factory and the bump in hp + valvetronic are worth it to me. the 2011 is the one to wait for.

 

So the Mini Connect works through your iPhones internet connection? I'm wondering cause I'm still debating whether or not to stay with the unlimited data plan or go down to one of the new capped plans to save a few bucks.

 

i read on autoblog that LED brake lights are going to be standard.

also from autoblog:

"the Minis are now available with a high-resolution screen within in the oversized central speedometer that can display video from an iPod or whatever other device that has been plugged in via the USB port. "

 

I wonder if the burble will be a flash update for the R56?

 

The brake lights will not be LED. There are closeup photos on MotoringFile and you can actually see the halogen bulb inside the taillight. The turn signals are not LED either. The only LEDs are some accent stripes on the taillight lens.

 

A bit off topic, but if you use your iPhone like most people do then those capped data packages are a nightmare and you should feel lucky to be grandfathered in with the unlimited package. I use the internet sparingly on my Droid and still exceed the values for the capped packages by a healthy margin. Your situation may be different though; check past bills for data usage if available.

Sorry about that, I easily know phones and other tech more than cars, but the 2011 Mini does look enticing. I was somewhat hoping my next car would be electric, but from what I hear of the '09 road test from the electric Mini in conjunction with the logistics of owning an electric car while living in an apartment I just don't think it's going to be possible. My 2004 Cooper S is actually starting to sound kind of old... :(

 

mini fail.....

 

yup, tons of improvements are made moot by not giving us led taillights.

 

I hope so. That way I can have the burble for my stock map.

 

i hope i dont sound dumb but i have to ask....what is the "burble"

 

Valvetronic, improved self-adjusting clutch, darker interior plastics, crazy iPhone integration, cheaper and better NAV, and now burble. This is turning out to be one he** of a refresh.

YouTUbe'd