err.. the BONNET was raised to satisfy safety regs. The beltline was raised to keep proportions.

 

 

Partially...only the front bonnet profile required change. That change was followed-through further in the car (the entire beltline all the way to the back) to keep proportions correct.

Ooops....yeah, that.

 

Beltline has zero to do with safety as noted.
The cleaner hood line we have, without exposed wipers, is due to the Euro regs. They aren't all bad.

 

Why do I see the unpainted rear control arms as if I am looking at an SUV such as a RAV4?

 

To show off that new light weight aluminum!

 

I get it.... no bra after a *oo*job.

 

If you want something a bit prettier:

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...r-Control-Arms

 

Yup.

The beltline then carries higher along the car, hence the larger wheel arches to fill the proportion gap.

 

I was wondering about that. Do you have a link to some reading material on that perhaps?

 

Honestly, it's scattered all about. Most of the authoritative stuff I've seen has been on MotoringFile. It is true about the wiper blades, though.

 

some us read this statement with the opposite spin hint: wheel gap

 

I don't remember reading anything about the wiper blades on MF... oh well.

The few times I have to scrub the windshield at the gas station and the runoff from the squeegee trails onto the bonnet and quarter panel... I wish I had an R56

 

jascooper you need to go here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=117298
i think you'll fit in.

 

I remember a discussion on MINI2 about the pedestrian saftey regs. It had some specific in it and if I remember correctly, a couple good links. I'll go poke around and see if I can find it again.

I also remember in that thread it was suggested that MINI didn't want to increase the beltline and make the hood any higher to meet the regs, so they made the car ride higher, creating that horrendous wsheel gap. Thankfully, there's an easy fix.

 

Welcome to the site and I'm glad your setting a tone that is not like the rest of the MINI community.

This is a community of everyone interested in the MINI. Comments like this only serve to drive away members and cause problems. If that is your goal then please move on.

If other members have been suitably impressed by this post feel free to click HERE to add DuongR56 to your ignore list.

Mark

 

Seemed appropriate considering the thread topic:


Audi A1 photos and details revealed


"The Audi A1 makes BMW's Mini Cooper look like Minnie Mouse, a colorful, fun and quirky friend you once thought was cute as a child. But now that you're an adult your interests lie more toward Heidi Klum or Seal."

 

Now that's some fugly right there.

 

Wow, no kidding. Looks ugly, and it looks like it knows it's ugly, and is not happy about it!

Just my own 2 cents of course, mixed in with a little MINI bias.

 

Now that's funny!!

 

As a former Audi owner, I can uncategorically state, It's UGLY!

 

I do believe the new A1 looks 'grumpy' in that picture. Not sure I want to drive a grumpy car.

 

Uh... sorry, but WTF is that supposed to mean?? Adults are all supposed to be mean and aggressive and "stay the **** outta my way!!" ? Nice guys don't find Heidi Klum attractive?

Gawd, advertising is annoying and offensive sometimes.

 

+1

 

So that's why it looks ticked off, because it just got smoked by "Minni Mouse."

Not to mention it's named after steak sauce. Poor looks, poor name, poor performance...three strikes....yer out.