Hope the back end is just for testing purposes..........cuz thats nasty





Pix courtesy of wheels24.co.za

 

Baby got back!

 

If this is indeed the 2007 mini, then they can have it. They're making it look like any other hatchback out there. The reason for the Mini's popularity is that it is attenpting to keep with the traditions of the "Classic" Mini. Step trying to STYLE the car and let the simplicity of the Mini speak for itself.

That's my 2-cents.

 

Car makers regularly add crap to disguise future models. I wouldn't worry. I can't imagine someone at MINI looking at that and thinking, "Now that's a winner."

Unless, of course, they wanted to get some of that Dodge Magnum burly-ness. (Actually, I love the Magnum - it looks mean as s*** in the rear-view mirror)

 

I agree that it's butt-*** ugly, but it's not necessarily the 2007 MINI. Several people here have participated in design feedback forums, and the models they saw didn't have that horrible recessed boot thing going on. I don't have a lot of faith in BMW's aesthetic sensibilities at this point, but I find it hard to believe that anything half that ugly would go anywhere near production.

 

Also, take a look at the door lines - they don't match up. That and the hatch are just part of the disguise. That's normal. Don't sweat it. Everything will be right on the production model.

 

Hmmmmm.....I recall WRC rules said the mini had to be 9 inches longer, I think they have found a place to add it.

 

What’s that button?

 

Thanks, sndwave, for the spy shots. Perhaps MINI will offer a padded version along with a performance one. That seems in keeping with the original concept of a universal car, Austin's if not Sir Alex's.

 

Nice wood dash and arm-rests, but what does anyone think the button is on the gray/black door? Notice the two spoke steering wheel is back.

 

Auto folding side mirrors Just a thought.

Nik

 

What is with the sport button?

 

Just like the BMW the Mini is a "throttle by wire" by activating the Sport mode the throttle is more responsive. In the BMW it also give you more input from the Steering.

 

I had a variable suspension switch that worked very well in my probe years ago – maybe that.

As far as the auto folding mirrors (button), I think it may be depressed to easy being on the arm-rest, but who knows?

 

OHHHHHH............. Maybe its like the original MFSW's center button on the left side. . You know ejector seat, or SUV be-gone button. I'm sure it will be programable


Nik

 

That button is the new mirror adjustment ****. It's currently near the handbrake but will be moved to the door.

I personally prefer it where it is, but...

 

A mini in WRC would be awesome!! I would love to see if they would keep the SC or go a straight Turbo. MMMMMMMMmmmm....nothing like one off rally parts

 

well, it's odd to say the least. guess that means we all need to start buying the current generation while we still can

 

I have to remind everybody out there of a very good example of what I think will happen to the beloved Mini. Three letters GTI, anybody out there driven the original? Great car truely special feel. Drive the new one and you see how the powers that be can take a great thing and take everything great about a car and then get people to buy it. I really hope BMW can figure a way to keep the Mini special, but I am not holding my breath.

 

I seem to remember a comment a few months ago, concerning the 'bulky-butt' of the 2007 MINI shown above. The comment was that due to changes in euro safety regs, they had to lengthen the MINI?...and that resulted in a longer boot. Hence the body work sticking out.

...Anyone else remember that? (Thought I read it on Motoringfile.com, BTW)

- - m

 

Man, that speedo looks like something out of an airplane! Does it tell altitude?:smile:

 

Great interior pix! I haven't seen those before. Thanks!

 

I see they still haven't decided to put a functional storage pocket in the doors. It would be so easy!!!

 

Excuse my ignorance, but are all models going to have that 3rd door? I personally don't like how the 2007 will look maybe thats because my 05 MC has grown on me but whatever. These aren't final products but they'll probably look a whole like this huh?

Oh ya forgot to add..the new pics of the rear of the MINI sorta reminds me of a "mini" suv.

 

I hope others are correct in saying that these prototypes are "uglied up" a bit for secrecy sake. If you kill the looks of the MINI, that is it for me. My 2003 Cooper will be my final one if these looks are consistent with the final product! Again, let us all hope they are holding back the true shape and have disguised these prototypes with cladding and shapes that they have no intention of using.