Next Mini looks familar

Although it’s wearing a disguise over the new nose, it’s easy to see the changes to the next-generation Mini. Looks similar to current car, but there’s a conventional lift-up bonnet and fixed- position headlamps.

Look closely at the shape of the much bigger grille and the bonnet’s leading edge. In order to meet next autumn’s pedestrian safety regs, the bonnet has been placed well above the engine bay’s hard points.

Codenamed Prince, the new engine range is being developed with Peugeot, to be built in the UK at BMW’s Hams Hall plant. 1.4- (88- and 104bhp) and 1.6-litre (140bhp) are designated VVT — a Toyota link, maybe?

The new Mini will get a much modified frontal understructure, including bigger wheel wells to accommodate 18in wheels and allow more suspension travel. The wipers have also changed sides.

 

I give it a resounding "meh".

 

ehhh....nothing special,i like mine better

 

Nice! Interesting revision to the grill (slightly Orciari)...I like it. Very relieved the "bonnet bulge" is gone. I'd be willing to bet, given the "improvements" to the '05 MCS, JCW kits, and Cooper gearbox that the revised MINI will have may of us salivating (..or at least nodding with approval) in spite of our understandable reservations at this point. I'm optimistic!!!

 

i don't understand this part...so the headlights are no longer attached to the hood? when you lift the hood the headlights don't rise too? that sucks.

 

There was a conventional bonnet on the original Mini... As long as it makes the car lighter/less complicated I'm OK with that. Personally, my bonnet doesn't close right: the gap is uneven from side to side. I guess I need to get the latches "aligned" It seem like the latch on the passenger swide engages but not fully. The gap seems to be a bit bigger than on the drivers side. I know I'm being picky...but you notice these things while waxing the car.

There is a post about this on VWvortex's "car lounge" section too. One guy mentioned a lot of the changes probably reflect ways to try and cut some manufacturing costs. The MINI is expensive to build, CAR magazine arued that they in fact were loosing money on very one sold (that's not uncommon for a totally new car..considering that they had to build a factory, tooling, etc.). Rumors are alsoflying about simplifying the z suspension in the rear...

 

I am not exactly thrilled about the body touches-I especially think the grille looks tacky and not very ergonomic...and what's up with an 88-HP engine? the MINI has been given a DOWNGRADE Personally, I think the nose looks more like a Porsche than a MINI...look closely...

-Paul

 

Hmm...unless it's turbocharged as the rumors say, the old one (current one) sounds like a better deal. we shall see.

 

...posted from somewhere in the mid-Atlantic...

Glad I ordered my MINI when I did. Now if the durn thing would just get here!

"So tired, tired of waitin', tired of waitin' for you-hoo-hoo!"

 

By the look of that pic I would say the break line on the wheel well and no hood seam near the headlights would mean it's the same hood design as current. Headlights would raise with the hood.

But the poster may have more info., I'm making this observation by the photo only.

 

...and the rumor mill builds speed again....

 

Hehheh, no kiddin'.

I say ignore that picture for awhile and wait until things get closer... if Mini does come out with a cheapened version, they could lose respect from their current customers. I personally wouldn't buy one if it looked like that.

 

When I get to sit in one,drive it for 50 miles,look it in the eyes,then I will decide.Untill then,me and my MC are happy

 

Looks to me like the hood lowers OVER the headlight (with two holes like a mask). The 88 HP engine is for the ONE, and we'll never see that here. The redesign is for the new pedestrian impact regulations. The idea is to move all the hardpoints underneatl further away from the sheetmetal so the crumple zone is larger.

I'm not a huge fan of the new look but its hard to tell from this picture only. Its definately not as quirky as the original, but I liked the quirkiness.



--
Cheese

 

I'm ok with the redesign ...I'll reserve judgement until we see real photos. I am more curious about the new engines though. I really like my current MCS, but I have to admit, it ain't the smoothest engine out there.*cough*stumble*cough*. Maybe V39.x will fix that . I am most interested in what offspring the new MINI may have: clubman, countryman, etc.... If this new platform makes it easier to bring us some other models...I'm happy ...I want some other MINI product to park next to my MCS

 

Relax. That's for Europe (the 88hp). I'm sure the 1.6L 140hp will be for the Cooper and the S will probably have a 170-180hp turbo.

 

I see something different. You're right about the seams though. The bonnet would raise exactly like it does now - except (according to the photo) it looks like the headlights are NOT attached (you can see they are set back versus the current ones).