I'm not surprised. If it's anything like the R56 coupe there'll just be lots of little things tweaked in here and there, but I will say overall they do add up to be pretty significant. This will probably be less to w/ the '09 cabrio, though, as some of the changes have already filtered down. I'll be very excited to see one in person...it's true, pics raise as many questions as they answer sometimes.

 

I will be happy to be able to get a real automatic in one. The CVT I now own has to go. Better gas mileage will also be a plus.

 

I have a real automatic in mine... only the JustaCoopers had CVTs...

But yes, a real automatic in the Cooper - that's a new and good thing.

 

http://www.motorauthority.com/galler...s-oct-001.html

I came across this spy photo of the new cabrio, and what struck me as hilarious is that they blacked out the MINI logo on the hood. As if no one could tell what it is. "You almost got me, guys, I thought that was a Vauxhall for a second."

 

Pretty funny - if you look at the last picture, the car still appears to have external boot hinges (which the new convertible won't). But if you look more closely, you can see that the boot hinges are just old 1st-gen hinges that have been taped to the boot - the two halves of the left hinge don't even meet, and the right hinge is tilted a little to the right.

I know designers do this all the time, but I still think it's funny that they would go to the trouble of putting on fake hinges, and then covering up the fake hinges with electrical tape.

 

This looks really good to me, hiding the roll hoops is a big improvement.

 

It really is funny how much trouble they go to, to "disguise" the cars.... ya gotta hope that they get a kick outta stuff like the hinges... "Hey, let's do a half-azzed job of taping some of THESE on there... that would be funny..."

And covering the MINI wings... just stupid...

And the graphic on the rear window... so you can see how much or how little rear visibility change there is...

 

Some more pics

 

thnx

 

Where are the 4 circular rear bumper alarm/sensor thingies (standard on the R52s)!!? That is a fantastic feature I will get on every single car I buy from now on.

Electrical tape residue is a pita to remove!

 

In 2nd gen MINI, the parking sensors were relocated to the black trim at the bottom of the bumper. Look closely and you can see them in the LeftLaneNews 2nd photo.

 

Love the new wheels

 

+2

...but I also really like the wheels.

 

Does anyone know if the new tops will be the same size as the old tops?

I just wonder if you could swap out the new and improved 2009 color selection with a 2006

 

Can't confirm -- but I SERIOUSLY doubt it...the beltline is different on the 2d gen cars.