Finally, a really positive review:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...d=116748?imw=Y

Apologies if this has been posted - looked but didn't see it.

Well I really liked that article. The author seems to know his stuff. There is good and bad in there, but for me since I haven't owned a mini before, the current wine of the super charger engine will not be missed. I assume that will be the case for most new purchasers of the mini. The current mini owners however maybe disappointed. Still you have to like the extra power of the new engine.

So, sounds like some cat-free headers... an exhaust... K&N... a little suspention drop and some 18" wheels will bring the overall package together nicely.

Still, though... I can't wait to drive one for myself and decide once and for all.

I don't think this quote is correct:

"The steering wheel is now adjustable for both rake and reach — previously it was only adjustable in reach —"

Maybe I just haven't found my "reach" adjustment yet?

Woo! The reach adjustment is one of the things I wish my wife's '04 MC had, and one of the things that will enable me to use a manual transmission. I'll be able to get the seat all the way back and still reach the wheel.

Also -- why are there about 20-30 different "exclusive" first drive articles out there from the Zandvoort preview? Maybe they mean "exclusive" in the sense that it was an invitation-only event.

This also reveals height is the same, and the length increase is a whopping, world-changing 2.4 inches.

Never thought about the exhaust on the front having a positive effect on heat in the cabin, but I've had that problem on other cars, where the center dash would get warm.

I've intended to install a cat-back on my previous vehicle and the one I have now, but I've never had the will to do so. I also couldn't decide between Flowmaster and Borla. I will probably do so when I get the 2007, when they start to become available. Then I'll have to go through that process of researching and deciding.

Interesting review....I can't wait to sit in one.

I have torque envy!

I find I always enjoy car reviews more when they basically agree with me.

It is interesting to see that when a reviewer speaks less than flattering about the R56... the thread is full of action.

Here we have a review that paints the R56 in a positive light and there's barely a dozen posts about it.

What's a new-guy to think? (rhetorical question)

the reviewer didnt put out any numbers or talk about anything besides overall feel comments and impressions.

it sucked.

"It's never easy to judge a car from a quick run around a circuit..."

Don't we all? I'm guilty of that, too! I think we are all grabbing for information that supports our own individual beliefs and presumptions. Just look at how all the pro-R56 types (myself) are pulling every little positive tidbit out of each "first drive" article released... while the other half looks for any small negative that can be found. Those in the middle occassionally post the "I'd like to drive and see for myself"... but that's NO FUN ON AN INTERNET FORUM! What will we do if we don't have someone to disagree with?

Me, I chose to hang onto the quotes:

"There's no point in delaying the inevitable. What you really want to know is this: Yes, the new 2007 Mini drives like a real Mini — full of verve when pushed hard over challenging sections of blacktop. And, yes, it achieves the specific aim set out by parent company BMW by improving on its hugely successful predecessor in just about every conceivable area."

and...

" In conclusion the question remains: Will the new Cooper S appeal to enthusiast drivers in the same way the current model does? Most certainly, although they'll likely find themselves craving more, if only because the new car has increased in ability."

But this is all one review from one journalist. We'll see where the chips fall when the car actually comes out. I can say, It'll be an interesting and fun wait in the meantime.

From looking at all the video on YouTube & Google of the Zanvoort press release... and reading some of the other articles out there (including MC2 #4)... it looked like they got to run the track for a while, then do an autocross course for a while as well. Kind of seemed to me like they all got the opportunity (if the writer chose to take it) to wring the cars out at least a little bit.

All sounds good, and I'd love to get an 07, but I'm scared of spending half my life in the dealership due to first year problems.
Plus I'm worried about my headlights breaking every time someone shuts the hood-er-Imean-bonnet.

Ditto... Hopefully not as buggy as the new-from-scratch '02, but there WILL be issues that only surface after thousands of people start putting miles on the car. Some people aren't bothered by warranty work, others would rather avoid it. I'd rather avoid it...

It'll vary though.

I've been lucky. Owned a 1997 Ford F-150, first year of a redesign. Had no problems. Until the brakes started going out randomly and no one could find anything wrong, but that was in 2002. It did have 2 recalls though, one for new nuts on the wheels. Seems they had a tendency to shear off in certain situations. But that wasn't a 1st-year problem, the recall covered several model years

Traded it for a 2003 4Runner, also the first year of a redesign and a brand-new engine for that matter. Only problem I had was a relay on the A/C. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

OTOH, the 2004 MC had to have the CVT replaced under warranty after it started making growling noises.

The added risk for me will be that the nearest dealer is 75 miles away, even though there's a perfectly good BMW dealer in town, it doesn't look like they're going to pick up the brand any time soon.

I, too plan to let the dust settle on '07, but I am staring squarely at the prospect of another MINI in '08...although I'd love to wait 'til '09 (doubt I can really do that, though). While I do tend to come down on one side of the R50/53 vs R56 debate, objectively it is gonna be a fun year to watch everything sort itself out one way and/or another.

Y'know....I'm curious as heck about that C-pillar contour that's supposed to affect aerodynamics in some way or fashion. It ain't necessarily there for looks, but what does it do?? I can't find anything on this.....so it's open for speculation at this point.

I read that it was more of a rain/dust/road grit deflector... keeping the rear window from getting gunked up (the technical term) so fast in dirty/raining conditions.

I'm in the same boat, after selling new cars I'm dead set on avoiding first-year releases. My plan is to keep under 12K/year on my 05 S and upgrade to an 08 or 09 model. Hopefully the resale value will be as good in 2 years as it is now.

Plus the author didnt mention that one interior option is the ability to change the ambient and dash lighting to something like 5 different shades. U can do this on the MINI International Site configurator. Sweet.

As for the looks, I prefer the 06 interior. The exterior is a toss up.

My wife, needs the automatic, leading me to the Cooper S. Yet, I do not know enough about the differences between the Supercharger vs Turbocharger to make a good decision.

The other problem is that as the 07 is a completely new model, I have no desire to be a rolling test bed. Living 100 miles away from the nearest dealer could be expensive.

It also would be a much better fit in the garage, come hurricane time.

Pleeeeeeeeeze tell me you're saying the '07 would be a better fit than what you have now, and not that the extra 2.4 inches on the '07 would take up too much space in the garage compared to an '06!

-W-

Hey, there are a ton of places where 2.4 inches make a huge difference!

192 lb-ft

I'm envious. Too bad they don't look like the current model.