As some of you have probably seen Motoringfile is reporting that the R57 will incorporate a pop-up rollbar system (instead of our permanent, visibility impairing roll bars), which will be technically similar to the 1- and 3- series BMW convertible systems.

By the way, this is how the 1-series cabrio, press release describes the system:

 

imagine a DEFINITE increase in price... making the "other" options possibly not an option anymore... :(

 

That would be super-cool. Flip down the back seats (possibly a bench back to create a flat surface for atonneau cover) so there is no sight impediment at all except when you put them up for people to sit back there? The car could even take on something of a roadster look - OK, that may be pushing it, but it would create a completely new look for the car.

 

I hope they don't do that for couple of reasons:

1. It adds complexity to the system and one more thing to break. I don't know would I trust that thing is working at all???
2. It adds weight and cost
3. Current setup looks good and is simple, you know it works when you see bars up

 

I don't think I'd ever get a cabrio, but still, the technology that's in the bmw verts is sweet!

It will definitely add weight though. If I remember reading about the technology, the windshield can withstand the entire weight of the car in case there is a rollover and the bars don't operate correctly...

 

And boy, you can sure see them!!!

 

You bet, I like hunk of aluminum over complex electronics any day

 

then why did you buy a mini?

 

In this context, its mini-hunk-of-aluminum over electronics.

 

Those roll bars you see are only 1/2 of them. When needed they pop up higher and if need be will punch right through your convertible top. Hunk of aluminum..I think not. please.

 

I don't think we know what the roll-bars on new model look like. Do you know something we don't? Please tell.

On current one roll-bars certainly don't popup up...

 

I had the opportunity to speak to a Mini-USA VP during MTTS about my concerns re: the new convertible. Although a bit cagey on the topic, he confirmed that it will have a BMW-Style popup rollbar, the seats will still fold down, and pretty much the only sight-line impediment will be the convertible top stacked on the back deck. I didn't think to ask if it will be two separate bars or one, but I think it will be just one, as 2 separate bars would make putting down the seats a moot point.

He also confirmed that the price difference on an S model between hardtop and convertible will be about the same percentage-wise as it was between the 2006 models was (pre-R56)

 

What's the difference in the performance of Turbo and Super Charger? I'm loving my 07 Bullet...but thinking about going with an 09 JWC. Who's driven the new Turb's? How do they perform versus our SChargers? It would be very hard to part with Bullet...but if I could replace him with better performance and handling I could be talked into a deal....

 

Just check on the discussions in the regular hardtop sections on the forum comparing the R53's with the R57's. The difference in performance will be about the same. Both convertibles weigh a bit more than their respective hardtops, so expect about 1/2 second slower to 60 regardless of turbo or supercharger version.

A quick summary though - The R56 is a bit bigger, a bit faster, and a bit better on gas than the R56 (hard to believe, but the numbers bear it out), but the suspension feels less darty depending on which suspension option you choose. Also, tuning is pretty much limited to software on the turbo engine, you can't just switch out a the pulley - but stock power on the turbo is about what you got with a 15-17% pulley swap anyway.

Those with more experience, please chip in to point out where I'm wrong.

 

I'd guess that it's two separate bars, one for each seat. It more than likely uses a pyrotechnic like your seatbelt pretensioners and airbags to force the bars up, then they mechanically latch in place. The whole system is VERY likely to be controlled by the airbag control unit since it has accelerometers and G-sensors in it already. It'd just be a matter of adding a couple channels to it for these outputs.

I'm just speculating based on my knowledge, as I work on airbag systems (albeit I do not work at the company that makes MINI's airbag systems).

D

 

That's about right.

The R56 is a bit bigger (inches), it has a lot more torque and a bit higher HP and gets significantly better gas mileage. The handling feels softer but still sticks to the road just as well (IME), it just isn't as confidence inspiring.

Performance mods are coming but the engine is still new to the market. There's certainly more potential for power with a turbo charged engine though.


As far as the R57 is concerned, I would gladly take a little more electrical complexity in order to remove the rollbars from the current model. They severely impede your rear view. Plus they're bound to be tested on a regular basis to see if they work, don't you think? They probably even throw a code if they stop working.

 

New colors (or colours) for the R57:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/07/...comment-228643

 

Yep, great news. Hot-chocolate on cabrio! Tempting.

 

^ Yep -- but I think HC with the optional brown top would be a bit much.

 

I want the yellow. Want to see it first though

 

OMG.... Space Blue is my all time favorite color...... I could build a Checkmate cabrio.... hmmmmm.............

 

I just got back from the Mini dealer and will now agonize between a hardtop and a convertible....

I looked at the BMW 3 series pop up roll bars while I was there. This is believed to be the same system that is being employed on the 2009 Cabrio. The seats do fold down, but guess what? There is NO opening between the trunk and the back seat. Just a solid panel where the roll bars retract into. At least that is the case in the BMW. They feel pretty confident this will be the case on the Mini as well.

I hate that.

 

Hmmm... and on top of that, the roll bars will take up some of the trunk space. The new convertible boot may have even less capacity than the current (already tiny) boot.

 

JMO, but I don't think the boot will be noticeably smaller with this system. The roll bar panel isn't very thick, and the seats are thinner (at least on the BMW) than are the convertible seats that do not have the solid panel behind them. My gripe is that you will no longer have the opening, and that will make transporting certain types of items pretty challenging, if not impossible.

 

by the way, I think the roll bar system on the BMW is ugly. I much prefer the current Mini roll bars. Visibility is not a problem if you learn how to use your side view mirrors properly.

This was an unfortunate design change IMO, however it won't be a deal breaker for me, just a number of factors I will take into consideration.

*sigh*