R50/53 Shots of Next Gen Mini
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
I don't think that Photoshopped version is "final" either, but I'm sure I'll like it when all is said and done. I may not prefer it, though.
For example, I don't like the 3-slat MC grill as much as the thinner spacing on the 4-slat grill. I like the cheeky bumper strips on '02-'04 Coopers, too. I never cared for the bulge on the MCS bonnet or the body-colored grill. BUT, those are just my preferences. As long as its still basically a MINI I'll be good.
For example, I don't like the 3-slat MC grill as much as the thinner spacing on the 4-slat grill. I like the cheeky bumper strips on '02-'04 Coopers, too. I never cared for the bulge on the MCS bonnet or the body-colored grill. BUT, those are just my preferences. As long as its still basically a MINI I'll be good.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,926
Likes: 40
From: Greensboro, NC
Notice it's lost it's clamshell "bonnet"
It's hard to see in this image but I've looked at the clear magazine photo and it's now a plain-jane hood
No more lighting up the sky with the headlights
NOOOOOOO THANK YOU
It's hard to see in this image but I've looked at the clear magazine photo and it's now a plain-jane hood No more lighting up the sky with the headlightsNOOOOOOO THANK YOU
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4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Westchester, NY
As has been stated in numerous articles about the redesign, the clamshell is being kicked for cost reasons. Apparently its more expensive to produce than run-of-the-mill sheet metal bonnets.
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
What we're seeing here is still best guesses and speculation massaged into photoshop jobs based on mechanical (not design) test mules.
Give MINI some credit for not wanting to screw up what they are widely credited with having nailed the first time.
Sit back and wait patiently until the real concept cars are released.
Give MINI some credit for not wanting to screw up what they are widely credited with having nailed the first time.
Sit back and wait patiently until the real concept cars are released.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
That's pretty ugly, but I don't think MINI would release that. It looks out of proportion, the grille is way too big for such a small car. I think the "real" MINI2 will look a lot better. I don't like the idea of losing the clamshell bonnet though, glad I'm getting an '05.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by MiniCD
Change may not have been warranted by the market, but some changes were required by both changes in safety standards and the desire to get a better engine. The biggest mechanical change is the engine which is rumoured to get variable valve timing. This should improve both low end torque and fuel economy. The biggest style change was to meet the new pedestrian crush zone requirements in Europe. They must have a crush zone between the sheet metal of the bonnet and the engine. The crush requirement could also be one reason why the headlights are now mounted to the body.
How can BMW take something so right & mangle it for the sake of change? It only needs massaging, not a bloody face lift AND Botox!
This revamp wreaks of what's wrong with business today... Marketers believing (religiously) that change is necessary to keep the public's interest. If we were speaking strictly of performance, safety, comfort or refinement all would be fine. But these folks want to change visual cues JUST to say "hey look, we changed something; isn't it new and cool?"
The assumed 6 year model-cycle visual revamp doesn't apply to the new MINI. As a modern interpretation of an automotive ICON change need not be dramatic.
To make the point, can you see Ford taking their new GT (40) and making it more modern or aggressive in 6 years? And if they did, do you think it would sell? P-a-leeeeease!
What safety standards are changing for 2007? How do these new standards necessitate dimensional increase?
BTW
VVT's got nothing to do with dimensional increase... VVT could fit under the current bonnet - easily.
I sure hope you're right about the implementation of the VVT system, because with a turbo the low end's gonna need all the help it can get. ...Sure it'll be a rocket in the mid/upper range, but... Hey wait, isn't this why we have superchargers now? (beats dead horse further
) Can't help but think of how MINI's found a way to remove much of what attracted me to the original MCS. Glad I'm in an 03. Maybe I'll look into a late model 06 next.
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4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Westchester, NY
Originally Posted by minimc
Compared to the current MINI that's one FUGLY concept
How can BMW take something so right & mangle it for the sake of change? It only needs massaging, not a bloody face lift AND Botox!
This revamp wreaks of what's wrong with business today... Marketers believing (religiously) that change is necessary to keep the public's interest. If we were speaking strictly of performance, safety, comfort or refinement all would be fine. But these folks want to change visual cues JUST to say "hey look, we changed something; isn't it new and cool?"
The assumed 6 year model-cycle visual revamp doesn't apply to the new MINI. As a modern interpretation of an automotive ICON change need not be dramatic.
To make the point, can you see Ford taking their new GT (40) and making it more modern or aggressive in 6 years? And if they did, do you think it would sell? P-a-leeeeease!
What safety standards are changing for 2007? How do these new standards necessitate dimensional increase?
BTW
VVT's got nothing to do with dimensional increase... VVT could fit under the current bonnet - easily.
I sure hope you're right about the implementation of the VVT system, because with a turbo the low end's gonna need all the help it can get. ...Sure it'll be a rocket in the mid/upper range, but... Hey wait, isn't this why we have superchargers now? (beats dead horse further )
Can't help but think of how MINI's found a way to remove much of what attracted me to the original MCS. Glad I'm in an 03. Maybe I'll look into a late model 06 next.
How can BMW take something so right & mangle it for the sake of change? It only needs massaging, not a bloody face lift AND Botox!
This revamp wreaks of what's wrong with business today... Marketers believing (religiously) that change is necessary to keep the public's interest. If we were speaking strictly of performance, safety, comfort or refinement all would be fine. But these folks want to change visual cues JUST to say "hey look, we changed something; isn't it new and cool?"
The assumed 6 year model-cycle visual revamp doesn't apply to the new MINI. As a modern interpretation of an automotive ICON change need not be dramatic.
To make the point, can you see Ford taking their new GT (40) and making it more modern or aggressive in 6 years? And if they did, do you think it would sell? P-a-leeeeease!
What safety standards are changing for 2007? How do these new standards necessitate dimensional increase?
BTW
VVT's got nothing to do with dimensional increase... VVT could fit under the current bonnet - easily.
I sure hope you're right about the implementation of the VVT system, because with a turbo the low end's gonna need all the help it can get. ...Sure it'll be a rocket in the mid/upper range, but... Hey wait, isn't this why we have superchargers now? (beats dead horse further
) Can't help but think of how MINI's found a way to remove much of what attracted me to the original MCS. Glad I'm in an 03. Maybe I'll look into a late model 06 next.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by Sticky Wicket
While all the info on the mini2 exterior styling is supposition, the info on the next gen engines is not. BMW has released specs and detailed information about the upcoming engine line slated to power all the various mini's (MC, MC One, possibly a new line between One and MC, and MCS). All the links to the various releases are available at Gabe's site. Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure VVT is part of the equation.
By saying "implementation of the VVT system" I was referring to where in the RPM range the VVT will improve torque. Not as to whether the new engine would have VVT or not. Maybe I could have made my point more clearly?
We all know that VVT is supposed to improve torque across the full rpm range & it all sounds great. ...But I am both skeptical and pessimistic of any significant torque increase that VVT could provide at low rpm.
In my (albeit limited) experience I've yet to learn of VVT making a substantial improvement in low-rpm torque on a non-diesel, low displacement production automobile engine. And quite plainly I fail to see how the new MINI engine will be any different. ...Thus my comment: "isn't this why we have superchargers now?"
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Vermont
I am sure this is only one of 30 different designed mini's so far. To date, every MINI that has come out looks better and better! I can't wait to see what will be next! I too am a little concerned about no hood scoop on the S. It really set the two MINI's apart.
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