The 2005 MINI Spotted

Sections: Uncategorized Dec 14th, 2003 25 Comments

Could this be it… an actual pic of the long rumored 2005 model year re-freshening? This shot was taken by a North American Motoring.com reader recently on a photo shoot in San Diego.

While it doesn't give us much detail it does show a reworking of the front end and some changes in the grille. All very interesting indeed.

Written By: MF Staff

vin

I'm not sure I see a big difference on the outside… any one get any pics of the interiors?
Joel Zimmerman

Looks like what you are seeing is the BMW location car prep guys giving the car a “last look” before it goes before the camera (s). More than likely, if those guys were doing their job the MINI would remain covered any time it's not on camera. It's doubtful the photographer would be allowed close enough to get any interior shots. My eyes could be deceiving me but the front end doesn't look that much different.
http://users.adelphia.net/~rocketboy/index.html Rocketboy_X

The front grille looks rounder to me….
http://users.adelphia.net/~rocketboy/index.html Rocketboy_X

And wow, great job attacking the guy at the start… one of the reasons that I don't make it a point to go there as much anymore…
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

Yeah I was a little surprised at that myself. I suppose some people are just a bit jaded on NAM these days about someone with only a couple posts making such heady claims.
http://www.dolch.net Matt Dolch

The lower grille appears to have some sort of chrome line across it? Perhaps some sort of styling change???

Curious as to the interior changes and what is different on the “S”. The Mini Open (cabrio) isn't of much interest to me. Weight and structure compromises…

cheers, -Matt
http://bridger.us/mini Gabriel Bridger

I was just told that this is indeed a photo of the 2005 MINI Cooper by someone “in the know”.
vin

Gabe–

Do you know if these “changes” (I'm still not too sure what's different) will be applied to the MCS? Are there any mechanical changes coming?
http://bridger.us/mini Gabriel Bridger

The changes will be slightly different in regards to the MCS but similar. Mechanically I don't think anything big will be changing. There was a rumor of a slight power bump in the MCS but I think that maybe a bit ambitious.

BTW it's the front bumper, lower and upper grille that have been most prominently changed.
Joe

Nice work confirming that photo Gabe. I can't wait to see a spy photo of the reworked MCS front end.
Shawn

It looks similar to the treatments of the lower front grills of the new 5-, 6-, and 7-series BMWs. It also looks like the the chrome and black inserts in the front bumper are no longer there and the front license plate holder has been lowered. If indeed this is what MINI has done I don't think I like it much as it removes design references to the classic Mini Cooper.
Josh

I think its just a better lookin car. Can't wait for the interior and MCS.
Jason

I especially like that the front US plate holder doesn't cover the crome anymore. Beyond that, this strikes me as a natural and fresh evolution.
Anton La Vin

I think its ugly
Mark Swieca

I think the front bumper beneath the grille almost has (unfortunately) a little VW Beetle look to it. Not as smooth as the current model.
Jim Winslett

Unless I'm seeing things, there also appear to be BLACK mirror caps with a WHITE roof. I believe they've had to match color before, no? Also, it appears to show a single windshield wiper, rather than dual. I sincerely HOPE that this is just a problem with visibility in the photo and not a change in design. I hate single-wiper cars!
Ken Lucas

“Unless I'm seeing things, there also appear to be BLACK mirror caps with a WHITE roof. I believe they've had to match color before, no?”

It's a black roof.
Amy

I LOVE THESE CARS!!!!!!!!! got any more pics of the 2005 mini??
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Amy – check out the Cabrio pics in the top right corner. That's essentially what the 2005 MINI Cooper will look like – except for the top!
Mike

I've heard rumered that an all wheel drive will be available. Has anyone else heard this? I'd waid to order a 2005 if this is true.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

There will be no all wheel drive version of the current car.
Mike

Thanks for the info. When you say “no all wheel drive of the current car”. Does that mean that there might be another model coming our way?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Yes – the R56. You might want to do a search for more info.
Mike

What experience with the “John Cooper Works” package can anyone share with me.
Colby

I have to say that the Mini Cooper has been the greatest thing they have ever doen for a long time.

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