from mini2.com

http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/meldu...tikel_id=11597

 

Looks like there's still some tape hiding details...

 

Looks taller than the current mini.
Not as wide either.

Not too much of a diversion though, the tape is hiding a lot of the curves.
We shall see!

 

Even though this is obviously an S, it looks less S-ish(esque?) than the previous model. I'm sure the 16-or-so" wheels and whatever's behind the remaining tape have a lot to do with that. The more I see that grille, though, the more I dig.

I actually think this appears a little wider than the '02-'06 model. To me, the wider-looking license plate indent and the bigger, "uninterrupted" rear grille serve to bring out the apparent width.

Also, the spoiler looks better integrated and less "stuck on" than the current model. Not that this is necessarily better than the current one, but different.

Not having seen anything decidedly undisguised, I'll admit I'm still a little nervous about the headlights and tail lights. I guess I always envisioned a Mini's headlights (from any vintage) as upright and very forward-facing. The pictures I've seen so far make me think "walleye-vision." We'll certainly see.

All that said, I'm optimistic. I couldn't imagine MINI building an Edsel or an Aztek or doing anything to "ruin" it's product. They're professionals, afterall.
John

 

I think the more pedestrian friendly front looks a little less "cute" than the current model. That should please some people. I was told it was more pedestrian friendly, although I'm not sure why. Maybe it breaks your legs in a better place? Otherwise it looks pretty darn good to me.

Also, it's easy to tell it's two inches longer.

 

I was kinda thinking that the new grill with the chrome surround on, looks a little Buick. I liked it in all-black though.

 

LOL you've not seen the estate concept then apparently! That thing fell out of the ugly tree and hit *every* branch on the way down...

 

Loose translation of the German text:

2006 marks the end of the second generation of the cultish Briton at the dealer. Clearly larger, remains the MINI-ness of its classic line, however faithful. The second generation of the MINI will clearly differ only in the length of the preceding model. The successful BMW-marque gains around 25 centimeters. Otherwise the new car can hardly be distinguished from the predecessor. At the same time the front is of completely new constructuction: A conventional lid replaces the costly one piece (??)hood. In the future, the flatter headlights are firmly installed in the fender. At the rear, the exhaust and larger lamps are new. Premiere at the dealer: Due at the end 2006.

 

Could be worse. I don't see a panel line between the fenders and hood, still see it by the side grill. The front grill looks good, never liked the skinny part in the bumper.

 

25 cm? that must be a mistake...what is that like 10 inches? ooo maybe that was about the traveller?

 

Okay when in the hell are they going to show us what it REALLY looks like. I mean the last day to order an '06 is going to be in September or so. That's kinda bogus when you see a car from another manufacturer completely un-masked and un-camoflaged two years before it's sold. I think MINI completely jacked up first year sales on this new generation by doing this. At this rate, i wouldn't be suprised the least if they showed what it looks like the day before production started. Yeah it creates hype, but like this rant some of it's negative. You would hope by the middle to end of August they would release it to the "Build your Own" section of MINIUSA.com, but with no news from MINI itself as to if they are even building the next gen MINI, how can we be for sure?

Mike

 

The hood scoop is still Fugly

 

Some would argue that IT IS the ugly tree!

As for me, I'll just wait and see what my options are when my lease is up. I'm leaning towards an S again.

 

It's supposed to be functional, not pretty.

 

It's at least gettin better looking as we come close to production. I don't think it will look as good as the current generation. But it is getting better. Maybe it's an illusion, but it looks like there is a single muffler behind the center pipes!

 

It's not an illusion. The exhaust looks like it goes straight back now.
Mike

 

thats not true^^

If it were completely function, it would look like an STi scoop that actually blew air ONTO the scoop rather than over the scoop (assuming the intercooler setup stays the same on the 07s)

 

More like the end of this month, according to my dealer and a few others who are "on the fence" about ordering an 06 and were told by their MAs they had to hustle if they wished to order one. Oxford closes again the beginning of August for a short spell for further 07 retooling, so they can start cranking out the 07s sometime in November. Jimbo

 

I think they should call it a facelift. The size is a little bigger and only the front change a bit.

 

is it really larger than the MK1? i have been out of the Mini scene for quite sometimes

 

I know it will be cheaper to do the bonnet in the way they're doing, but it will eliminate the "seamless" look of the current bonnet, which I like. Plus, having the headlights on the bonnet is sort of cool- it's different. I'm glad I got an '06.

 

i was nervous when i seen the origional pics a long while ago, but the closer to production these things get, the less changed from current they beccome.

imo a good thing

oh, and turbos are a welcome upgrade IMO