Heck, there's a number of folks out there who consider the R53 to be a travesty as it's not a "true Mini".

There will be fans of both. This isn't the Mustang vs Mustang II, or TR6 vs TR7, after all, no matter what some folks say.

The biggest complaints will remain in the autocross/performance community, because it's a different platform. These are the folks who debate MINI vs GTI, for example.

Heck, I started to reconsider for various reasons, but I don't like the looks of any other "competing" vehicles at all, and to get a fun to drive car that *I* like the looks of and *I* like the features of and has enough interior room for my height and girth, well, there really isn't one out there right now. I'd end up going with an Scion xB, or maybe an Accord or Camry Hybrid.

Besides, it's going to be interesting being in a two-MINI household. We might have to double-up for trips to Costco.

-W-

 

A MINI2 writeup on an MCS test drive states that "the car now sits as low as the law will allow in terms of ground clearance." Interesting appearance-related factoid, I thought.

 

Yeah...it's great to be able to sneek into British cars shows in a German car

 

is it just me, or do you guys see any resemblance between the new R56 cooper and Birdo from SMario2 ???

 

That's a hot comparison.

I applaud that.

He should be the new mini emblem for 2007.

 

That comparison is too funny.

 

Apparently it's not, but I sure don't see it. If we're talking resemblances...and I could pick anything, cartoon or not, I'd have to say it looks most closely like our present MINI, but I guess that's the intention.

 

to me it looks like an austin martin in the front
the single stright exhust easy aftermarket replacemet at a cheaper price
fender flares are to much they need to tone them down a bit

 

it looks too regular european hum drum.

it also looks cheaper to make. Lo and Behold! it is!

 

In a couple of pics it seems that the R56 has had the front end stretched. The slope from above the scoop down to the bumper is not so steep. The snub-nose bulldog look is dimished. HATE IT!

 

well put!

its terribly depressing, to keep hearing comments that people don't notice the visual difference, terribly depressing!

 

Get over it! Your posts about "betrayal" by BMW with the new R56...hey, that's when you're wife is found in bed with her boss, not some upgrades and changes to a car! You say you're "sad", "very sad", you find the car "depressing" or even "very depressing". Have you read a newspaper lately? Now THAT is depressing! Continually referring to the car as HORRIBLE, when the average Joe wouldn't notice the differences, pretty much reveals your viewpoint. But that's all it is...your viewpoint.
Here's how to get over it. Go find a minty 62 Cooper. Buy it. Now THAT's a Mini before the real betrayal went down...ROLLUP WINDOWS! And the guys that believe that (they're out there) are in the same league with the guys who will tell you it's not a "real" Bug unless it has an oval rear window (57 and back). Seriously, your negative posts and histrionics over the new car have caused you to lose any credibility, I'd guess.. You're the senior "Negative Nellie" of this forum. Bask in the glory. You've earned it.

 

It's not a real Bug unless it has a _split_ window.

 

wow that really puts it into perspective. so glad i kept my 04. it looks much more finished and expensive .

 

and these upgrades are where?

 

You are absolutely right, and I STAND CORRECTED... but don't forget it HAS TO HAVE SEMAPHOR turn signals too. Mechanical brakes are a plus. Nothing too archaic for the purists. And THANK YOU for catching my drift on this!

 

here is a fact; there was nothing visually wrong with the 53. some mechanical problems were being worked out. the car was fine . WHY change it . really i could care less ;i'm happy as hell with the 04 . but some day i'm gonna want another mini.... therein lies the problem.

 

Uh, the engine compartment, maybe?

 

please design a new comaro that DOESNT look like the new mustang . thx .

 

true....probably better now what with running them completely over.

 

guess we gotta take real good care of our babies . know anyone to call for resleeving ? lol . the only way i'm going is this 04 and a classic later.

 

hey nice shots..... all the 53's look great!!!

 

did you sell your pacer? what'd you get for it ?

 

WOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!

 

You need to get up on the roof of your house and shout those two CAPS lines in your original post down below, and use a bullhorn in order to get the full effect on this major "announcement" of yours. I suggest you drink at least a twelve pack before you climb up there, just to catch the proper tone.
"HIDEOUS"..."BLASPHEMY"... you've blown your cover. Take your meds.
Now read this definition from Webster's...
"Blasphemy: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable." NOTE: Nowhere can I find a statement from BMW promising to never change or "violate" the original new Mini. It's their car, their factory, they can damn well do what they want. Just like you can drive what you want. You don't like it, don't buy it. Hell, go all out...flip off every R56 you see. Walk up to every R56 owner and give him a piece of your mind. Tell him his new car is a piece of crap. Be sure and let us know what hospital you're in, so we can send flowers.

Seriously, you guys need to calm down. Or maybe you think that BMW is going to listen to a bunch of self proclaimed experts turned major league whiners.
If you want to be a purist, go buy an original 62 Cooper. Then you can tell everybody with rollup windows all about it.