R55 2007 MINI Concept in Frankfurt...
#101
After reading replies here, on MINI2 and MotoringFile, it seems to me that our friends across the pond are generally much more favorable in their comments about the concept design efforts than we are in the States. I wonder if, in pursuit of a larger global market, the designers discounted their U.S. opinion research?
#102
#103
#104
I like the back and hate the front (Remember the new European front-end requirements for pedestrian-crash safety - it shows.)
Nice dual exhaust
Nice hidden storage in the rear
Nice clean look on the side
But I'd miss the neat wraparound look of the waistline/glass of the current version
.
.
OH yeah: Hate the "zucchini-slicer" wheels
Nice dual exhaust
Nice hidden storage in the rear
Nice clean look on the side
But I'd miss the neat wraparound look of the waistline/glass of the current version
.
.
OH yeah: Hate the "zucchini-slicer" wheels
#108
Let's keep in mind that this is a concept only, so we do not know if it is going to be in production, if it wii, when will it be released? As far as the idea is concerned, I am not big fan of spreading the production lines to little SUVs...etc. From their point of view, they need to make a little more money to expand. This actually shows how loyal BMW is to Mini name, Germans only see it as a $ sign. But on the other side, they are well experience to know that it is a suicide messing with Mini. I think it will be alright. I am just waiting...
#109
The wagon (not mini-suv) will be out as a 2008, the next 3 door MINI will be out as a 2007 at the end of next year.
I like what they've done to extend the MINI range with this model. I think the overall shape is very nicely executed. With a more convential bonnet (ableit clamshell like the current one hopefully) and more round, less swept back headlights, the MINI will look very similar. BMW knows it has a good thing and that it must keep it close to the MINI history.
I think a slightly longer MINI will be perfect to compliment a 3 door Cooper. I'm sure it'll retain the best of MINI's driving characteristics while allowing MINI owners to have a second different MINI.
I can't wait to see the new 3 door with its new engines and slightly revised exterior. The interior will be the real point of interest as I love the design of the current interior, spare some of the cheaper materials...
I like what they've done to extend the MINI range with this model. I think the overall shape is very nicely executed. With a more convential bonnet (ableit clamshell like the current one hopefully) and more round, less swept back headlights, the MINI will look very similar. BMW knows it has a good thing and that it must keep it close to the MINI history.
I think a slightly longer MINI will be perfect to compliment a 3 door Cooper. I'm sure it'll retain the best of MINI's driving characteristics while allowing MINI owners to have a second different MINI.
I can't wait to see the new 3 door with its new engines and slightly revised exterior. The interior will be the real point of interest as I love the design of the current interior, spare some of the cheaper materials...
#110
Holy Sheeeeeet! Aston Martin incoming..
What do you guys think??
Actually looks interesting. Now I REALLY want to see it in the flesh.
Gabe has more info at http://www.motoringfile.com
Edited: After reading MF, I think think this is what they hope Gen 3 will look like, but I'm still not 100%.
Actually looks interesting. Now I REALLY want to see it in the flesh.
Gabe has more info at http://www.motoringfile.com
Edited: After reading MF, I think think this is what they hope Gen 3 will look like, but I'm still not 100%.
#112
#113
I think the grille will make it to production, but hopefully not those headlights. They need to tone them down.
Also notice the more swept back windshield it is not as straight up as in the current car.
My gut feeling is that in despite of all the hoopla surrounding the 2007 launch, this car will retain much of what has made our MINIs so successful and appealing in the first place. Us MINI owners are very resistant to change (Witness the pre-launch debates of the MINI cabrio and the Automatic MCS).
BMW isn't stupid. They know very well they have a very successful formula in their hands that can not be altered radically to the point of deluting what the car is all about.
Also notice the more swept back windshield it is not as straight up as in the current car.
My gut feeling is that in despite of all the hoopla surrounding the 2007 launch, this car will retain much of what has made our MINIs so successful and appealing in the first place. Us MINI owners are very resistant to change (Witness the pre-launch debates of the MINI cabrio and the Automatic MCS).
BMW isn't stupid. They know very well they have a very successful formula in their hands that can not be altered radically to the point of deluting what the car is all about.
#115
Originally Posted by camelpilot
Thats debatable.
I'll reserve judgement when I get to see, touch and drive the final product. Until then, speculations about a car that is still 1 + years away from introduction based solely on photoshop muck ups and auto show concepts are entertaining but are nothing more than hot air at this point in time.
#117
Not to take this off line, but BMW isn't stupid. Huge market value and sales are up. Old time BMW owners may not be happy with the current direction, but they seem to have no problem replacing defecting owners.
I will say one thing though, BMW does not do a good job with initial model runs. Expect quite a few bugs with the 07s.
I thought much of the current fornt end design was to meet the new EU pedestrian crash rules.
Looks like evolution vs revolution.
I will say one thing though, BMW does not do a good job with initial model runs. Expect quite a few bugs with the 07s.
I thought much of the current fornt end design was to meet the new EU pedestrian crash rules.
Looks like evolution vs revolution.
#118
BMW is an independent and highly successful carmarker. They didn't get there by making "General Motors" business moves..
The current MINI is already a highly successful product whose direct challenge is to keep it intact during its production cycle changes.
Remember that the Classic Mini was manufactured, virtually unchanged, from 1959-2000. Not until the BMW MINI, Minis in general were cars that were indifferent to the pass of time. But to think that the current MINI does not have to further change in the current auto industry is simple asinine. After 4-5 years buyers lose interest in cars and are ready fir the next big thing. The days of cars lasting 40 years with the same basic design are long gone.
The current MINI is already a highly successful product whose direct challenge is to keep it intact during its production cycle changes.
Remember that the Classic Mini was manufactured, virtually unchanged, from 1959-2000. Not until the BMW MINI, Minis in general were cars that were indifferent to the pass of time. But to think that the current MINI does not have to further change in the current auto industry is simple asinine. After 4-5 years buyers lose interest in cars and are ready fir the next big thing. The days of cars lasting 40 years with the same basic design are long gone.
#119
C4, fyi, in the BMW press release they said "... the MINI brand has sold more vehicles in each consecutive year since it's relaunch, and has thus defied all conventional rules regarding the sales curves of automobiles.."
Our gen is far from "old" and people are far from bored with it. I'm still convinced that we would have sold more MINIs for each consecutive year under our current design for the next 3 years, before it will start to flatten then bottom out. The car would have had a good 10 year run if they had let it.
Our gen is far from "old" and people are far from bored with it. I'm still convinced that we would have sold more MINIs for each consecutive year under our current design for the next 3 years, before it will start to flatten then bottom out. The car would have had a good 10 year run if they had let it.
#120
I don't doubt it, Camel. But in this fierce and highly competitive marketplace you can't simply pretend to keep a car unchanged for 10 years and keep people interested. Remember the competition out to get MINI's piece of the pie.
Originally Posted by camelpilot
C4, fyi, in the BMW press release they said "... the MINI brand has sold more vehicles in each consecutive year since it's relaunch, and has thus defied all conventional rules regarding the sales curves of automobiles.."
Our gen is far from "old" and people are far from bored with it. I'm still convinced that we would have sold more MINIs for each consecutive year under our current design for the next 3 years, before it will start to flatten then bottom out. The car would have had a good 10 year run if they had let it.
Our gen is far from "old" and people are far from bored with it. I'm still convinced that we would have sold more MINIs for each consecutive year under our current design for the next 3 years, before it will start to flatten then bottom out. The car would have had a good 10 year run if they had let it.
#122
Originally Posted by rwd
awful! it's cold in the front and boxy in the back.
what i love about MINIs is their "faces" -- they are great to look at. this thing is cold, lifeless. it would never make me smile.
i can't help but smile when i see the current MINIs!
what i love about MINIs is their "faces" -- they are great to look at. this thing is cold, lifeless. it would never make me smile.
i can't help but smile when i see the current MINIs!
The lights and grille of the current MINIs give them a classic appeal and a warm, friendly look. Sort of like the original bugeye Sprite. It separates them from the sterile look of most current designs and brings out a smile in many people when they see one.:smile:
I wouldn't worry too much about a modest size increase to include a wagon model, but I would worry about a big change in the shape of the hatchback.
At least for now its still a concept car intended to generate comments like ours and is not the next MINI (I hope).
- john
____________
en route: 05MCS all Jet Black ("Topper")
#123
#125
MINI Traveller @ Frankfurt Car show (thanks to TopGear!)