Got this from MINI in email this AM, I would assume 18 November means UK only, given what we've been hearing from dealers, but you never know. The email also had the new accessories link, and the UK financing link.


-W-

 

I can't wait to test drive one!

 

http://www.newmini2006.co.uk/

check out that checkered dash option. and the cd changer is in the dash now. one little thing i really like is how the glove box opener is on the top.

 

Apparently, the official launch date is also the 100th birthday of Sir Alex Issigonis....which is fantastic that MINI/BMW still go to such lengths to connect to Mini history/heritage. Yes, they are selling cars...but I think there is some very honorable effort being expended here that is above and beyond. Good job!!!

Can't wait for the launch!!!

 

I know...that is so cool!!! I hope the folks doing custom vinyl are also taking measurements!!!

 

Wow! Great news. Anyone know of the date of the R56's USA debut in dealer's showrooms? How about the MINIUSA.com website updating to show the R56 instead of the 2006 MINI? Can't wait to begin configuring my R56 MCS! :impatient

 

sabre-
my understanding was that the R56's would not be customizable on miniusa until december however with a UK release date in november I find that a little hard to believe

 

I will be one of the lucky few , as I have a VIP invitation to the pre opening night on the 17th Nov .Free food and wine etc and a mystery prize ,lets hope its the first R56b on the road !!!

 

-

 

Safe money says December. Why? you ask. When MINI did their 04-05 model transition waaaaaay back in late spring 2004 the UK configger was up something like 6 weeks before MINIUSA had theirs up and running. Impatient yanks everywhere were going mad. At this time I discovered what people were talking about re "Chili Pak." So yes history will repeat itself.

Damn am I pysched!!!

 

[quote=JCW210;1176499]I will be one of the lucky few , as I have a VIP invitation to the pre opening night on the 17th Nov .Free food and wine etc and a mystery prize ,lets hope its the first R56b on the road !!![/quote

Boy howdy I hope my MINI dealer has the free grub and booze when they unveil theirs!!

 

My dealer said that U.S. would only have pre-configured 07' models for January and probably starting in February they would start taking custom orders.

 

Originally Posted by familiarstranger --

sabre-
my understanding was that the R56's would not be customizable on miniusa until december however with a UK release date in november I find that a little hard to believe



Arrrrrgh! December?
Oooooh, the wait is killing me! :impatient I do so wish that those chaps at MINIUSA would learn from their bretheren across the pond and get on with it! I suppose that I'll just have to rely on the pics of the R56 that have been posted and my fertile imagination!

 

It is a killer. Seems I read somewhere the Aussies would see R56 in the Spring!!! Somehow, though, it always seems fitting that the Brits get everything first. I can live with that...it is their car.

 

It is easier for me to wait, I ordered a 2006 and if the new model proves to be a winner as far as reliability the 06' should have a decent resale value and I can upgrade when all of the hoopla has died down. I am looking forward to a peppier, lighter, safer, stronger MINI.

 

Those poor blokes Down Under! Spring 2007! I thought I had it bad! You're right though, gokart, it is only fitting that the Brits get 1st crack at their beloved MINI, that and the fact the factory is local. I guess that we Colonials will just have to wait our turn! :impatient

You lucky devil, BECOKA, you've got a 2006 on order. Pity us MINI-less chaps who are ticking off the days (slowly and tediously) till we can get our mits on a MINI! I too am looking forward to the peppier, lighter, safer, etc. R56! Oh well, waiting til '08! :impatient

 

November 18th is also Mickey Mouse's birthday!

 

Now why the heck was this omitted from the official launch information???

M-I-C.....see ya in an R56!
K-E-Y.......why?......because it's freakin' awesome!!!
M-O-U-S-Eeeeeeeeeeee!!!

(oops, did I just date myself?)

 

November 18 will be the official launch date also here in Italy. I've just got this info from my local dealer. Some friends of mine put their orders for the new one at least a month ago.

My guess is that November 18 will be the official launch date for whole Europe

Anyway, I've been invited for a pre-launch presentation (with party) of the R56 on next monday. I can't wait!

 

Oooooh! You're making me so envious!

Why don't you get back to us after the presentation party and give us your opinion of the R56 after having seen it in person. Pics of the event please. Thanks in advance!

Say, I almost forgot, see if you can get the scoop on whatever happened to the Oxgen Blue colour that MINI has said would be available and that no one has seen yet!

 

We'll expect a full report, Agent Pinko.

 

Ok, I was at the presentation party yesterday night. It was pretty amusing because of the show (circus style) and open bar (thanks BMW)

Coming to the new Mini, it was a chili red/W cooper. Unfortunately no picture, sorry. The S didn't show up, but i saw it already on September 30, so no problem

My overall impression is positive. Ok, it's not changed a lot, but there are some relevant changes, especially at the interior side. Maybe the new speedo is too large and the central console looks too much a toy, but my feeling is that materials are solid and of good quality. Driver position seems a little bit more comfortable as well. A wide choice of materials and colors is also available.

Outside looks slightly larger, but without leaving the impression of being heavy. I liked the new fog lamps, headlights and bumpers (less for the S rear bumber). Seeing the hood open with two large holes instead of the headlights made me .
I think they could have done a better job with the rims. Much better the old ones.

Sabre: i have the new Mini booklet in my hands right now. Oxygen blu is not mentioned. Lighting blue and laser blue (S only) are the only ones. Maybe later on...

I will havemy test drive on November 18 or 19 (early december in the worst case). I'll let you know

Any question?

 

So side by side looks wise which to you like better the 06' or the 07'? (Inside and out) From pictures I would have to say the interior of the 06' looks much better.

Can't wait for the test drive report.

 

At the moment i still prefer the interior of the old one, but i think it's normal looking at something different than that you're used to. Generally speaking i still love the first version, but the new one has some positive different features. At the moment there is a balance between positive and negative aspects of the new one

I don't know if i'll buy the new one (in this case i will upgrade to a cooper S), it's a difficult decision, but it's not unlikely. From the first test drives (not mine), the new overcharged direct-injection engine and new suspensions perform much better than before leading to an outstanding driving experience. At the end the decision making driver will be my personal test behind the wheel

I'm still trying to understand if the LSD will be available from the beginning

 

Thanks for the report!! So OB is still a mystery, eh? Oh well. I haven't been too thrilled w/ the wheel offerings either....I'll be watching the weight of those and go aftermarket if need be. I do agree, the way the car drives is the most intriguing bit right now, but if the reports are in any way true, I'm sure I'll be quite pleased w/ an R56 (Cooper in my case).