Frankly, I think that its general appearance will stay the same like the new beetle. The service manager at my Mini dealer claims that sometime in 2006 or 2007 it might. Any thoughts?

 

Many of the British car magzines report that the Mini will change around 2006 when the current contract with Chrysler expires for the engine. It is
rumored to be replaced with a BMW/Peugeot joint venture engine. The new Mini will likely become a larger car than today (VW Golf size).

 

Aside from making it a convertible, I'm sure they won't do anything to it for at least a couple of years.
I'd be afraid that they would do something rediculous to it (so many new cars that are coming out now look so DAMN rediculous.)
I love the way it looks now! :smile:

 

It is rumored to be replaced with a BMW/Peugeot joint venture engine. The new Mini will likely become a larger car than today (VW Golf size).

But then they'll have to change the name!!! How about the new "Middie"?

Welcome to the site Nigel!

 

Sure! Didn't you see the one that center-punched a tree?

 

I would certainly expect some evolution in looks down the line. Can't think of any car that hasn't happened to. I've seen pictures of early prototypes etc. also there are supposedly a convertible and "wagon" versions coming out shortly, so some changes over all have been obviously considered and must be expected, if for marketing reasons only. But basic size, concept etc I would think would stay somewhat similar or it just wouldn't be a Mini. Actually I'm waiting to see what the Bmw Series 1 looks like as BMW will need to keep the MINI look different from the BMW 1 as they'll be fairly close in price.

 

I was talking about "factory installed" makeovers. Was'nt that the first Mini in an accident in the U.S.?

 

>>I was talking about "factory installed" makeovers. Was'nt that the first Mini in an accident in the U.S.?

This sure is a serious site!

 

"Do you ever see the MINI changing in appearance?"
No. Every morning I go out and it pretty much looks the same.
Why? Does yours change??

 

I have seen pics of the upcoming BMW 1 series and it is an ugly duckling car. I was pretty dissapointed with the looks. The front end is similar to that of the controversial BMW 745i sedan. I am not sure where Chris Bangle is taking BMW with his new design philosophy, but I feel that he is ruining the looks of these cars and is also aliniating the BMW buyers community. The new BMW Z4 is yet another example of the Bangle era looks. Not happy about it.

Unless you want a slightly bigger 4cyl engine and RWD, the 1 series might be up your ally. Otherwise the MINI is a much, much, much better looking car in comparison.

I would love to see a MINI Cooper wagon (Clubman Estate) and possibly a 5 door variant.

Although I like the Pickup and Convertible variants, I am not too crazy about them.

2004 and up should be a very interesting time in the evolution of the MINI range.

I am not expecting to see drastic changes to the basic looks. Remember that the classic Mini remained virtually unchanged for 41 years. The old Mini was built from 1959 until 2000.

 

I don't see any significant changes for the MINI. I think great care went into the evolved retro design. To change it radically would be a mistake. I do see offering a greatly expanded line of MINI based cars. A car this well received by the public is certain to be exploited for all its worth! I would think a larger version would sell, something like Saturn did with the L series. But I would think BMW would respond faster to the market. Also BMW would not want to compete with itself with other versions. Look what happend to GM and Oldsmoblie. I like MINI the way it is... UNIQUE!!!! :smile:

 

Also remember that very few changes in terms of appearance will ensure uniqueness and solid resale values. Right now the MINI has a projected resale value of 61% off original MSRP after 3 years of service. That is higher than even the new 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK. Compact cars typically have resale values of 42% off MSRP in average after 36 months of service.

The MINI is not your typical Japanese appliance sedan that needs to be recycled every 4 years to keep customers interested and coming into the showroom.

 

>>Many of the British car magzines report that the Mini will change around 2006 when the current contract with Chrysler expires for the engine. It is
>>rumored to be replaced with a BMW/Peugeot joint venture engine. The new Mini will likely become a larger car than today (VW Golf size).

Where did you read that the MINI will grow from Subcompact to Compact when it gets the Peugeot gasoline engines?

I have not seen that reference anywhere.

Please post the link.

 

I can see some different versions comming out (Convertable (which the pre-production shots that have been floating around look HORRIBLE), a MINI panel van, etc... but they really can't change the look of the Cooper much w/out it not looking like the origonal MINI.. (i've had a few people who know what my Mach 4 was because they were familiar with the origonal Mini.. change the MINI Cooper (S) too much, and that won't be happening anymore...)

Rocketboy_X

 

I read an interview with Jack Pitney, President of MINIUSA where he made a comment that the MINI design would evolve much like that of the Porsche 911.

I really liked that comparison a lot. The 911 is one of my favorite designs and if over time, even though the 911 has modernized (both in style and technology - water cooled now) there are consistent design elements that make the 911 recognizably a 911 from generation to generation. I believe this bodes well for us that MINI is thinking in these terms.

 

I take heart in this comparison to the 911 as well!

I do hope to see the pickup version and some of the other varieties would be interesting, but I think the change should be limited.

Another thought to keep in mind is look how little overall change there was in the original mini from the late 50's to the early 90's!!! It still sold over 5 million units! No reason this can't happen with the new MINI!