auto car home page under breaking news.
www.autocar.co.uk

 

Not sure about how it's different than a Mini Cooper? But this paragraph caught my eye:


Although the new five-door platform will accommodate four-wheel drive, a super-powerful Mini Quattro is not currently on BMW’s wish list, although it could be introduced relatively easily.



Now that would be sweet

 

I like the looks of that better than that Crossman mockup.

 

Looks better than a clubman to me, but I think it would need more than 180 HP for the extra weight it'll end up carrying.

 

That's right on man, I'll be about ready to trade in for one in 2013/2014
Looks like a good move.

 

Golf GTI MK VII (new chassis, bigger, more comfort) will be out around 2012.

 

same here

 

Um the MKVII in 2012, I don't think so , the new MKVI is coming in 2010, just saw it at the Auto show, its only a tad bigger than the current MKV and also doesn't look much different.

I do like this (mock up) much better than the clubman, but they quote the expected price point as being 10% cheaper than a similar equipped VW GTI, that would be lower than the current MCS, that just doesn't sound right.

 

I agree, a MINI equipped to have similar features as a GTI would be pretty $$$ with MINI's overpriced options...

I hope the new one would also have a wider stance, because adding a couple of doors to the current MC's form factor would look pretty disproportionate.

 

I guess I don't understand VW lingo?

 

yeah I read that, and I am not sure what the source is but it doesnt make sense. The crossover is different from the mini, but its supposed to be. The mini is already like the golf. I think this might be confused with that they are just going to make a sporty version of the crossover, which to some extent could be kind of unique.

 

the page wont work for me =(

 

I agree!, pricing does not sound right

 

MK V platform is good but too complex and difficult for VW to manufacture(therefore tons of reliability issues and slim profit margin). That's why MK VI Golf/GTI is out early and very similiar to MKV(exact same footprint).

Basically MK VI is a low-cost/more refined version of MK V, but the true MK VI(Now VII) is still on schedule for 2012 release. Still even the MK VI GTI should give BMW/Mini enough headache:

1.It is designed to run 4-Motion AWD system.

2. That VAG EA888 TSI engine has an bullletproof iron block(VW can get as much turbo power as they want). While JCW only gets 210PS, VW already runs 280PS EA888 on their MK VI R20 Tester(R32 Successor). 09 Audi A4 is currently running VVT version of that EA888(211ps/250 lb/ft vs 200ps/207lb/ft in GTI), guess what would happen if VW drops that into a GTI.

Since our prince engine only has light weight alluminium block(++ for handling, -- for boost power), Mini will have hard time to catch those high psi iron block turbo engines from VW/Ford.

 

hang on, since when did Autocar have any credibility whatsoever?!