when are the current models out and the new ones in?

 

2009 before the R56 Cabrio will reach the US so i hear.

 

Timeframe:

This time 2008: Clubman on U.S. shores
This time 2009: R57 Cabrio on U.S. shores
This time 2010: Another model all together (R58)

 

You mean to say that the life cycle of the R56 is a scant 3 years?

 

No, I mean

• The R52 (current generation cabrio based on the R50/R53) will be produced from 2005-2008
• The R57 (cabrio based on the R56) will start production in 2009 model year, until probably somewhere in the 2014 range.
• The R56 should be produced from 2007-2012
• The R58 is not the replacement for the R56, it is an entirely new model all together

 

Hello,
I am new to NAM, had a 2003 MINI CooperS and added the JCW kit a year later and then sold "Newton" in Aug 06. Missed so much, I ordered a 2007 MINI CooperS Convertible in November and it is on the Asian Emperor headed up the coast ... most likely March 07 delivery. My question is, what did I buy?:impatient All I really know is that I love the heck out of motoring about in the little thing. Is it a 2007 MCSC R52?

 

Yes, you have a 2007 MCSc R52 (same body style as the cabrio has been since 2005)

 

yah yah it sure can be confussing

 

What I would like to know is what are the different R models and what they mean.

Also, has anyone heard of an AWD version of the MINI coming out?

 

The R models are just model designations. They are loosely based around the UK age related number plate system.

In this system an 06 is a car produced in the 1st half of 2006 and a 56 in the 2nd half.

Mini Just add an R in front and use the 2nd half "5x" portion.

There have been rumours of an AWD MINI but I for one have not seen any more info than this.

 

Hmm not exactly, unless you mean when they are first produced? The numerical year of production has no direct bearing on the R code. For example, the R56 (i.e. 2nd Generation hardtop MINI) will continue to be built throughout 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (and probably more after that), but it will still be known as the R56.

Here's the full MINI-related breakout:

R50 - 1st Generation MINI Cooper hardtop (2002-2006 model year)
R52 - 1st Generation MINI Cooper convertible (BOTH Cooper and Cooper S) (2005-2008 model year)
R53 - 1st Generation MINI Cooper S hardtop (2002-2006 model year)
R55 - 2nd Generation MINI Clubman (due for release as 2008 model year)
R56 - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper & Cooper S hardtops (2007 model year onwards)
R57 - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper & Cooper S convertibles (due for release as 2009 model year)
R58 - as yet unannounced new model

So you see, because the different models are coming out in different years, the R codes are the easiest way to distingish them.

This is why, when you are talking about the "new" designs, you should say "2nd Gen" or even R56 right now, not 2007... because the 1st Generation design R52 convertible will live on all the way through the 2008 model year!

 

Cool!

now I know what they mean. Thx!

 

Good point, I keep forgetting BMW is making the rag-tops in the older style.

 

If the next iteration of the convertible is a 2009 model, shouldn't it be coming out in mid-2008? or are the folks at mini serious about the number? Or do we just not know yet?
I'm hoping to coordinate 100k on my sept-04 MCC with the arrival of the new one, and upgrade.

 

Its probably something more with weight issues and going TURBO like the hard tops... and if they changed the rollbar that probably really changed how to make the car rigid enough not to have a top.