>> "I think they should make a MINi Cooper S "Lightweight." Delete the radio, install lightweight seats, no backseat, etc... Make it a barebones factory racer available to all, and make it cheap. "
>>
>>Daron/2Minis-- I'd be willing to bet that a lightweight racer is only a few years off. MINI people are obviously into racing their cars...and BMW has historically raced small, lightweight cars. Just this year they released an updated version of the 330CSI, a stripped 3-series meant for the track. The CSI ain't cheap, but it's fast and about a pure a racer as BMW is making for the public (so pure, I'm not sure we can import it over here with our saftey laws...). I'd be willing to bet that BMW could sell a couple hundred just to folks on this board. Heck, I even saw a stripped/race modded MINI on my dealer's showroom floor. I've had Beemers for a while, and I know if there's a demand, they'll meet it. It's a matter of time...


It is interesting BMW released the 330 CSI (stripped, race ready 3 series), hopefully they continue the mindset and apply it to the MINI. BMW is currently operating outside of their normal parameters with the MINI. Assumptions based on past market strategies may not apply.

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I'm hopeful it'll happen...I'd put in an order. What I's like even better is a stripped, AWD rally version... While the classic rally Minis were not AWD, the idea of a little softroader stripped for speed and not afraid to get dirty sounds like a blast...and I wouldn't mind AWD to get me through the mud puddles.

 

Actually the technology you want for opening and starting the car without a key is a reality. Renault, with the Laguna has something like that. Instead of a key there´s like a credit card. When you approach the car it automatically opens and when you sit inside, the car "detects" the card is inside, so you just push a button (like in old cars) and start. It´s pretty cool and it will probably become more widespread in european cars. (which the Mini is).

 

It would be nice if MINI would add the actual speed to the computer function on the tach... then you could choose to display your actual speed along with avg. speed, fuel consump. temp, range... I know actual speed must be there to compute avg. speed. Happy Holidays .... Paul

 

Isn't the actual speed displayed in the big round thing in the middle of the dash?

 

I would love to see a MCS offered with a SMG transmission.

I would love to see a MINI "Traveller" 5-door wagon offered again in the new MINI for those of us that are planning on having or have small children and already have a 3 door MINI as a second car.

 

Yes the speed is on that "Big round thing" in the middle of the dash.... But it is in the middle of the dash not in front of you... and a quick look down at the computer area on the Tach would sure be nice in my book... Don't get me wrong I love that "Big round thing" in the middle of the dash... It makes the car but it seems like an easy option for MINI to add... Oh well... Only my opinion... Happy Holidays... Paul

 

How about a mini limo!

 

What about a MINI SUV?

 

>>What about a MINI SUV?


No, I don't think so. For the SUV role, BMW already has the X5.



Seriously, I expect MINI to offer a small pick up truck , a traveller wagon, a convertible a roadster along the current 3 door hatchback model.

BMW's CEO has made it quite clear that MINI in order to be successful in the future and survive as a standalone brand, they must offer a wide range of variants to appeal to slightly different market segments that fall within the range of interest in the MINI.


MINI will not survive in the long run offering just one body style.

 

AWD, 200+ bhp would hit me just on the spot!

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Bullet: DS/DS MCS, all the goodies in the book (Ex: NAV.), All Packages, 17"R90's, Rally Lights, Clear Tail Lights, Painted Wheelarches & Front/Back Spoilers. SeX oN WhEeLs!!!

 

>>What about a MINI SUV?

I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner, but what about a tent option?

 

I just want to say it again......
How about a SMALLER key, even if its an option.
One touch UP windows.....there must be a way.
Why can't the computer have a timer, for trip TIME.

How about a key thats smaller, or slim or BMW key, they are much smaller. :evil:

 

I believe BMW produces the McLaren F1 Motor....


Carbon Fiber Trim... Widebody Kits in Composite materials. ALL plastic box covers under the bonnet - replaced by composite materials.
Make the bonnet, bumperand fenders a full tilt front body forward hood.
Put the Skid Plate as a Factory Stock Piece, not an option.
Factory Struts and Sways.
The entire body Minus the Roof could be done in CF if you had the $$$

I think they should open the hood on the Cooper, right over the intake.
Hollow the doors out more, like a real racer, CF dash, not cheap appliques, super light wheel options. Bigger brakes, Bigger wheel wells, tighter shift, move the stick back about 4-6 inches for us taller drivers, M3 race bucket seats. No Sunroof (too heavy) FOB Import style WING... See the QVICK M Mini..

Now after all that... remove the back interior.... flatten it out with aluminium or CF. Maybe even the entire floor - CF.

we could go on for days and days...
Seperate our options into "FANTASY OPTION PACKAGES" such as Track and Touring Package, Bling Bling Package, Sissy Package, Speed Package,
Sunday Driver Package, Money is not a question Package....

Also, MINI is going to have to bump up their HP ONLY to compete against the New CLIO which I believe is made by Puegot? It's a Fast little Demon with MINI in it's rear views... Only thing it's got against it is that it's a notch below the Mini Styling.

WATCH OUT!

 

Hey All,
Like many others, I'd like to see the mini topless. The picture 8Ball placed on the thread looks a lot like what I would envision. Hey 8Ball, can you change the color scheme to Pepper White?
Jim

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Turning head syndrome began on 09-21-02. (Indi Blue)

 

>>Yes the speed is on that "Big round thing" in the middle of the dash.... But it is in the middle of the dash not in front of you... and a quick look down at the computer area on the Tach would sure be nice in my book... Don't get me wrong I love that "Big round thing" in the middle of the dash... It makes the car but it seems like an easy option for MINI to add... Oh well... Only my opinion... Happy Holidays... Paul


I did this the other day with my CPU. I was driving down the hwy and cleared out the average speed, and you can get a somewhat "accurate" digital speedometer (if only for a few moments).

 

>>>>How about any other innovative ideas, lets get this thread back on track. But debate… how would Martha say… It’s a good thing. X2??? How about some toggle switch activated artillery (for defensive purposes only, a la Yemeni Scuds). I will give up my Mini when they can pry my cold dead fingers from the leather multifunction steering wheel!
>>>>
>>Now there is an option I would pay for


I ask for the missile option when I picked up some floormats at the dealer on Saturday evening. I really need something to get people out of my way on the passes in Colorado and trying to cruise down I70 on a weekend.

They didn't have any for me.
:???:

Keith Hamburger

 

The one touch up windows is not as simple as it seems. Because of the safety laws in the USA you need a special window motor that can sense obstruction and stop. The new Mercedes have this feature as well as some other high-end cars. My friend who is a Mercedes technician says that he has been replacing these motors routinely because they have been failing and they are very expensive. This could add an additional $150.00 to the Mini but I would pay the price myself for this convenience.