I work around the corner from the site of this weekend's press launch at the Valley Ho resort in Scottsdale (Yes, it's really called the Valley Ho).

When I pulled up in my E61 BMW, I think the guys thought I was part of BMWNA. I mean, who the hell else drives an AWD wagon in the Arizona?

A nice valet, who scored some beer money, took me down to the garage to see the R56 collection. Man, sitting inside my dream car was better than I expected. Sparkling Silver MCS, black roof & bonnet stripes with red interior looks terrific. The engine note is good; but I'm a lifelong bimmerphile, so it sounded just right to me. The interior fit and finish is very good and there's a great sound of solidity when the door closes.

I didn't see the factory aero kit, just a lot of MC and MCS in sparkling silver, astro black, laser blue, yello. Didn't spot lightning blue, but there were so many down the dark garage, I could easily have overlooked it.

Well, just wanted to share since it was quite a highlight for me to see the cars after waiting so long. We'll see what the American press has to say about the cars.

 

Thats like peeking into the gates of heaven.!!!

 

Saw them at the "track" earlier that same day when they were setting up the tents

 

Looking good.

 

I cant believe I thought they looked weird before, maybe it was just the change, but I cant get enough of the R56 now!

 

HOT D**N, there's a place for the front license plate bracket! No drilling!

Although I feel sorry for the gominigo.com guy, as I was planning on buying one of those if I was going to have to drill.

 

I saw that too. Its very nice not to have holes drilled into ones new car.


You do realize that 5 BHP is only with the doors open. Only 2.5 BHP per side.

 

Good catch!

 

What state is that in?.................

 

... Uh the state of Arizona? You kinda answered yourself

 

they still look a little funny to me... every time i look at r50/53's, they strike me as basically the perfect design. can't say i feel the same about these yet

 

We will all know for sure in 15 days.!!!

 

R50/53 perfect? The grill on the chin? The funny bump of the hood of the R53?

Well anyway, I hope somebody is counting 3 spoke wheels w/o MF - I wonder how many Mini USA miss-ordered for the launch.

 

I don't care if everybody else gets sparkling silver with red interior, I can't wait to order mine.

 

Awesome pics! Thanks!

Can't wait to see an 2007 pic of mine...."pure silver" w/ black mirrors and bonnet!

On the way via the Asian Emperor, and comin' home to momma!

 

I was also confused... I swear that one of the cars has Jersey Tags. I guess it came from Mini USA headquarters here in NJ.

 

OK,

Some of us from the DMC here in AZ - went down to the raceway and got some photos of the 07's

check out my flickr page

I guess tomorrow is the big day at Firebird - lots of roadcourse's set up!!

 

All the cars we saw had Jersey tags - they are all from HQ - and all will be shipped to next location next week. -- according to the MINI person we talked to

 

My garage photos don't hold a candle to the quality of the ones already posted by the moderators, but here're a few.

By the way, any of you folks here in Scottsdale should stop by the Valley Ho. The staff is very cordial to dudes like me walking around with a camera. They just assume you're a hotel guest.

 

I see Georgia tags too.

 

does anbody like the standard alloys they are stinkers

 

somehow, I'd like to swap the red English Panther Leather seats in for my R53 grey EPL's. Hawt!

 

I think they look a little funny too ... the front end is too long, or flat, or something.

Hyper Blue sure is simyular to Electric Blue, the best color ever. They shoulda just stuck with EB.

 

what size, style? there are so many you can get "standard" between the MC and MCS

 

Based on photos, I do. They also look like they will be the lightest OEM wheels for the S -- less unsprung weight, more comfort and fun, no?