Did you guys see this?
http://motoringfile.com/2007/05/25/m...r-2008-models/

(Some other really "interesting" features will become available.)

 

Nice post. Hmmm, do I wait until August now?

 

Yes, been discussed before.

But I don't think these changes have yet been confirmed in the United States. I believe that is a European press release.

 

NOW ALL THE EARLY ONES ARE OBSOLETE THANKS MINI

 

Yes, I hate my lowly '05 more and more with each successive new update to the line.

 

Feh, nothing that makes me regret my shiny new '07!

 

I read somewhere it was a software update. Nothing preventing them from doing an upgreade if that is indeed the case.

 

MINI's European offerings for 2008 reflects the fact that much of Europe is using a taxation system based CO2 emissions. Next year less C02 = less taxes.

 

check the other threads, already discussed extensively and these interesting things may not be good. depends upon your perspective.

 

When will production switch over to the '08 model?

 

Early August would be my guesstimate.

 

Does anyone have an educated guess as to the difference this will make in MPG? Are there many or any other cars out there that use these new technologies? I am on the verge of ordering a MCS but this could make me delay things.

 

very interesting. 2008 might be better for me who wants a Mini Cooper with a little more power. I would never buy a car that has no
place for a spare.

 

As I read these press releases, what we have is an alternator with a computer controlled clutch so that it can control when it is charging, an engine cutoff to avoid extended idling, and a shift light on the dash.

This not earth shattering stuff here folks - the difference in fuel economy is probably on the order of tenths of a percent, and it's not even clear if the US cars will get these features anyway. You can probably duplicate the fuel economy savings with your current car - just shut down the car at long stoplights and short-shift it.

There is no way I'd postpone a decision to buy a car waiting for these "features". This is minor stuff and many buyers might prefer to have the car without these gizmos. They're also a opportunity for software glitches and many of the problems with today's cars are software related.

- Mark

 

I'm a bit in the opposite boat. If I -knew- the 08 R56 MCS would not change at all, I'd pull my order and wait for the 08 model, simply to assist with resale years down the road and the myth of owning a first model year car.

So if anyone can confirm these changes will -not- happen, please tell me so I can hold off my order

Kevin

 

You should wait for the 2009 model. It will be even better.

 

I looked a bit but didn't find any. What other threads are talking about the 2008?

BTW I'm slightly annoyed that MINI still isn't going to use a DSG transmission. This is the one thing stopping me from buying an 07.

 

EDIT: Not worth it

 

Apparently, the really intrusive change of turning the engine on and off at a "junction" will be user-configurable (ie, user-defeatable). The other changes appear to be benign.

Myth, what myth?

 

I wonder if this is going to cause the starter to wear out faster, alot faster

 

Interesting changes. Quite unexpected. Maybe they got it right, I hope so. With these kinds of innovations, it seems that Toyota is the only one with experience (IMO) to feel confident that it will be right in the introductory year. The R56 was a change, especially engine an software, from the previous generation -- and they mostly got it right. On the other hand, if you read the posts on Mini2 newsgroup, there are a lot of frustrated MCS owners. For me, I'd have to think hard about being on the "bleeding edge of technology" with the '08 model.

 

I get the impression that the MINI will continue to be a work-in-progress. It could be awhile before it stabilizes to only tried-and-true technology. It seems that the escalating gas prices, and recent upsurge in public concern over global warming -- especially in Europe -- is pushing automakers to innovate at a somewhat faster than usual pace.

 

Not really obvious
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=102612
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=102378

 

It LEADING edge, not bleeding edge.

 

The "bleeding" is the cost of early adoption. Ask any first year model owners of any car. As for tech, to get the latest and greatest before the second service pack is indeed the bleeding edge.