Comments on: More Details Emerge on the Next MINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:20:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: pete http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9499 pete Sat, 21 Aug 2004 04:45:49 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9499 <p>nice. i agree with you matt, the estate wagon would be a perfect family car for carrying around kids. plus, it just looks kool. if you go to google images and type in mini wagon, your sure to find a picture or two of the concept. i just wanna save up some money and buy all the mini models. i just finished buying an 05' for my wife, and i have an 04 mcs, i want to get an 05 mcs cabrio, and for sure the wagon, i dont know about the van, but the pickup sounds kickass!</p> nice. i agree with you matt, the estate wagon would be a perfect family car for carrying around kids. plus, it just looks kool. if you go to google images and type in mini wagon, your sure to find a picture or two of the concept. i just wanna save up some money and buy all the mini models. i just finished buying an 05' for my wife, and i have an 04 mcs, i want to get an 05 mcs cabrio, and for sure the wagon, i dont know about the van, but the pickup sounds kickass!

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9498 Matt Sat, 21 Aug 2004 03:38:44 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9498 <p>So the 5 door is going have a wheelbase 120mm longer? Can somebody help me with the conversion, 12cm? I guess it will still be a MINI but with two extra doors. </p> <p>The Estate wagon is what i want to see and the timing, '07-'08, would be perfect. We just had our first child and the wagon would be just about in time for number 2. I'd keep my '04 MCS and get the wife an Estate with CVT. </p> <p>I'm so ready to start dreaming and specing my next MINI.</p> So the 5 door is going have a wheelbase 120mm longer? Can somebody help me with the conversion, 12cm? I guess it will still be a MINI but with two extra doors.

The Estate wagon is what i want to see and the timing, '07-'08, would be perfect. We just had our first child and the wagon would be just about in time for number 2. I'd keep my '04 MCS and get the wife an Estate with CVT.

I'm so ready to start dreaming and specing my next MINI.

]]> By: Stuart http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9497 Stuart Thu, 19 Aug 2004 12:31:42 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9497 <p>Smiles inwardly ;-) , Keep Guessing folks, its fun watching your anguished commentary from afar. The photochop job is horrible BTW !</p> Smiles inwardly ;-) , Keep Guessing folks, its fun watching your anguished commentary from afar. The photochop job is horrible BTW !

]]> By: Humourless http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9496 Humourless Wed, 18 Aug 2004 12:20:56 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9496 <p>Interesting that the article clip above didn't mention (unlike CAR magazine) that the doors will probably go to a framed design for the next MINI iteration. </p> <p>-CW</p> Interesting that the article clip above didn't mention (unlike CAR magazine) that the doors will probably go to a framed design for the next MINI iteration.

-CW

]]> By: pete http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9495 pete Wed, 18 Aug 2004 09:49:45 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9495 <p>i dont like it. no clip on roof-very crappy, no turbo- not fast off the line, i hate the facelfit, the original mini was the same until they stop making it. i like the van, estate, and pickup, but i believe that only the pickup should have a turbocharger. the rest should stay supercharged. no v6's, none of that, the mini was bron a 4 cylinder, and should die a 4 cylinder</p> i dont like it. no clip on roof-very crappy, no turbo- not fast off the line, i hate the facelfit, the original mini was the same until they stop making it. i like the van, estate, and pickup, but i believe that only the pickup should have a turbocharger. the rest should stay supercharged. no v6's, none of that, the mini was bron a 4 cylinder, and should die a 4 cylinder

]]> By: Vanwall http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9494 Vanwall Wed, 18 Aug 2004 02:01:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9494 <p>Nice to see the "ain't broke..." attitude seems to be the strategy for the long term. I'm for the Estate with barn doors, !!!, but not the turbo - I'm for the blower as a forced induction option, for much the same reasons as dgszweda1. I'm hoping the factory will become more involved with a racing program for MINIs, the one thing I miss from the BMC days. ;-) I wish they were WRC eligible now, and in the future mebbe so.</p> <p>One thing that will prolly never happen is the continuation of the commercial heritage side of the original Mini, so no vans or pick-ups per se. :( They were a unique part of Mini and I miss the full-range aspect of the marque. Besides, a Cooperised Mini pick-up was a kick-ass truck! </p> <p>BTW, If they ever do go Moke, I hope its as skeletal as possible, looks like a shingle on a skate, and feels like drivin' a magic carpet!</p> <p><pre><code> BCNU, Rob in Dago </code></pre></p> Nice to see the “ain't broke…” attitude seems to be the strategy for the long term. I'm for the Estate with barn doors, !!!, but not the turbo – I'm for the blower as a forced induction option, for much the same reasons as dgszweda1. I'm hoping the factory will become more involved with a racing program for MINIs, the one thing I miss from the BMC days. ;-) I wish they were WRC eligible now, and in the future mebbe so.

One thing that will prolly never happen is the continuation of the commercial heritage side of the original Mini, so no vans or pick-ups per se. :( They were a unique part of Mini and I miss the full-range aspect of the marque. Besides, a Cooperised Mini pick-up was a kick-ass truck!

BTW, If they ever do go Moke, I hope its as skeletal as possible, looks like a shingle on a skate, and feels like drivin' a magic carpet!

          BCNU,
       Rob in Dago

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9493 Gabe Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:50:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9493 <p>And that follows with BMW's typical product cycle... just look at the 3 series.</p> And that follows with BMW's typical product cycle… just look at the 3 series.

]]> By: fedward http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9492 fedward Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:38:11 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9492 <p>I for one will wait to comment on the new design until it actually comes out. A magazine artist's rendering of the speculated changes goes straight into my "whatever" file.</p> <p>But on the changes coming so soon after the release of the convertible, that's pretty much the way things go. The convertible comes out towards the end of a model run, sells as many as they can push through manufacturing in a couple years, and then it's gone. I think this ends up helping demand for the convertibles in the years they're available, even if it does somewhat orphan their owners for maintenance in the later years.</p> I for one will wait to comment on the new design until it actually comes out. A magazine artist's rendering of the speculated changes goes straight into my “whatever” file.

But on the changes coming so soon after the release of the convertible, that's pretty much the way things go. The convertible comes out towards the end of a model run, sells as many as they can push through manufacturing in a couple years, and then it's gone. I think this ends up helping demand for the convertibles in the years they're available, even if it does somewhat orphan their owners for maintenance in the later years.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9491 Gabe Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:14:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9491 <p>I agree it'll be more subtle than that but I would guess there will be quite a bit of retooling with the new design.</p> I agree it'll be more subtle than that but I would guess there will be quite a bit of retooling with the new design.

]]> By: James http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9490 James Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:13:24 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9490 <p>Nice photoshop job, but I think the end result will be more like that hazy video file floating around. Slight bonnet changes to accomodate the new engine and maybe some trim differences. I mean really, re-tooling the whole car after just introducing the cabrio seems a bit questionable.</p> Nice photoshop job, but I think the end result will be more like that hazy video file floating around. Slight bonnet changes to accomodate the new engine and maybe some trim differences. I mean really, re-tooling the whole car after just introducing the cabrio seems a bit questionable.

]]> By: Bart http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9489 Bart Tue, 17 Aug 2004 20:02:16 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9489 <p>I kinda like tilting the oval headlights a bit, gives it a very agressive look... I just want to see that attached to a 2 seat fastback GT =)</p> I kinda like tilting the oval headlights a bit, gives it a very agressive look… I just want to see that attached to a 2 seat fastback GT =)

]]> By: dgszweda1 http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9488 dgszweda1 Tue, 17 Aug 2004 18:57:12 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9488 <p>It sounds like they will have both body styles being built at the same time, or there will be gaps. For example, if the new body style will hit in '06 and the soft top won't come until '08, then the old body style convertible must be made til '08 even though the new style three door has been out for two years. Either that, or there won't be a convertible for a two year period.</p> <p>We should be able to see the new engine in action in mid-2005 as it begins to debut on some Peugot models.</p> <p>I do not like the new look of the 2006. The bulge does not look anywhere near as nice as the hood scoop on the MCS. Turbo cars are just becoming stereotyped as cheap jap cars, it will most likely suffer some lag, and not be nearly as smooth and linear as a the supercharger. Since the hp is rumored to be about the same it won't make a difference.</p> <p>Some people will like the turbo's because of their upgrade potential, but it will really split the Mini performance tuning camp into two parties. Tuning the two engines will be totally different. The turbo engine will start bringing a lot of japanese tuners into the scene. I think this will change the tuning scene as well, from a niche tuning market geared toward a unique engine, to a jap rice rocket scene, with Blow Off Valves, piggbyback turbo controllers, wastegates... Some people will say I am being too pessimistic, but Gabe mark my words on this site somewhere and let's bring it back up in 2008 to see how close we are.</p> <p>I don't think it will be all negative, I just like the uniqueness and character and exclusivity that the car has now. When they start pumping out 50,000 a year or more with all the variants, it will lose some of that. Start throwing in a common turbo engine and you lose a little more. It is great telling curious people that the car has a supercharger. They all say wow, that must be quick. Turbo doesn't quite have the same cache.</p> <p>I think the car will be pushed more and more mass market, and because of that it will loose some of it's original core following. The design is timeless in my opinion and I thoroughly enjoy these little updates. My guess is that the design will start migrating the car into a whole different look.</p> <p>Again, these are just my opinions.</p> It sounds like they will have both body styles being built at the same time, or there will be gaps. For example, if the new body style will hit in '06 and the soft top won't come until '08, then the old body style convertible must be made til '08 even though the new style three door has been out for two years. Either that, or there won't be a convertible for a two year period.

We should be able to see the new engine in action in mid-2005 as it begins to debut on some Peugot models.

I do not like the new look of the 2006. The bulge does not look anywhere near as nice as the hood scoop on the MCS. Turbo cars are just becoming stereotyped as cheap jap cars, it will most likely suffer some lag, and not be nearly as smooth and linear as a the supercharger. Since the hp is rumored to be about the same it won't make a difference.

Some people will like the turbo's because of their upgrade potential, but it will really split the Mini performance tuning camp into two parties. Tuning the two engines will be totally different. The turbo engine will start bringing a lot of japanese tuners into the scene. I think this will change the tuning scene as well, from a niche tuning market geared toward a unique engine, to a jap rice rocket scene, with Blow Off Valves, piggbyback turbo controllers, wastegates… Some people will say I am being too pessimistic, but Gabe mark my words on this site somewhere and let's bring it back up in 2008 to see how close we are.

I don't think it will be all negative, I just like the uniqueness and character and exclusivity that the car has now. When they start pumping out 50,000 a year or more with all the variants, it will lose some of that. Start throwing in a common turbo engine and you lose a little more. It is great telling curious people that the car has a supercharger. They all say wow, that must be quick. Turbo doesn't quite have the same cache.

I think the car will be pushed more and more mass market, and because of that it will loose some of it's original core following. The design is timeless in my opinion and I thoroughly enjoy these little updates. My guess is that the design will start migrating the car into a whole different look.

Again, these are just my opinions.

]]> By: Deborah http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9487 Deborah Tue, 17 Aug 2004 18:50:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9487 <p>Gabe/Matt,</p> <p>Would you guys consider posting a piece for novices? The whole r56, E## type of naming that gets used and many other terms lose me. I've always liked cars, but I'm new to the more technical aspects. I just went to a BMWCCA track event and felt totally lost with all the terms being tossed about... oversteer, understeer, E some-number car, slip angles, apexes... I know only the most general terms, but I want to know more. Can you guys help? I hate feeling like a such a girl... LOL</p> Gabe/Matt,

Would you guys consider posting a piece for novices? The whole r56, E## type of naming that gets used and many other terms lose me. I've always liked cars, but I'm new to the more technical aspects. I just went to a BMWCCA track event and felt totally lost with all the terms being tossed about… oversteer, understeer, E some-number car, slip angles, apexes… I know only the most general terms, but I want to know more. Can you guys help? I hate feeling like a such a girl… LOL

]]> By: RB http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9486 RB Tue, 17 Aug 2004 18:11:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9486 <p>Right on....Matt.</p> <p>Hey Coop, think of this way, my 2002 MCS hasn't changed a bit. I'm not sure how smart I was to buy a 1st year model car but once me & MINI got all the little stuff ironed out , except that stumble thingy, it's been all good.</p> <p>I will say, if some these design changes talked about come true, I hope Audi doesn't change the TT much in the next few years. The TT was my choice until I drove the MINI.</p> <p>...RB</p> Right on….Matt.

Hey Coop, think of this way, my 2002 MCS hasn't changed a bit. I'm not sure how smart I was to buy a 1st year model car but once me & MINI got all the little stuff ironed out , except that stumble thingy, it's been all good.

I will say, if some these design changes talked about come true, I hope Audi doesn't change the TT much in the next few years. The TT was my choice until I drove the MINI.

…RB

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9485 Gabe Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:43:30 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9485 <p>MINI's not the ones talking about the changes - we are :)</p> MINI's not the ones talking about the changes – we are :)

]]> By: Chris http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9484 Chris Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:38:47 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9484 <p>Can they get the Convertibles out before they start talkin' about changing them? Geez!!!!! That's bad PR!!!</p> Can they get the Convertibles out before they start talkin' about changing them? Geez!!!!! That's bad PR!!!

]]> By: ajigel http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9483 ajigel Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:38:25 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9483 <p>Yeah, I heard that we'd be getting more widespread consumer grade diesel here around 2006.</p> <p>Most of my interests come from friends who've had VW diesel engines and love them. Wouldn't mind getting some of the benefits of diesel with my Mini.</p> Yeah, I heard that we'd be getting more widespread consumer grade diesel here around 2006.

Most of my interests come from friends who've had VW diesel engines and love them. Wouldn't mind getting some of the benefits of diesel with my Mini.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9482 Gabe Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:26:30 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9482 <p>Supposedly in '06 low sulfur diesel will be mandated throughout the US. That's what manufacturers like BMW are waiting for.</p> Supposedly in '06 low sulfur diesel will be mandated throughout the US. That's what manufacturers like BMW are waiting for.

]]> By: Frank http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9481 Frank Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:24:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9481 <p>It all depends whether the USA will start selling low sulfur Diesel fuel, something that trucking companies have been opposing for years.</p> <p>All the high tech diesel engines currently sold in Europe require low sulfur diesel fuel that we don't have here.</p> <p>BTW, the MINI ONE "D" uses a 1.4L Toyota diesel engine (4 cyl) and it is mated to a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission identical to that used in the Cooper S but with very different gearing ratios.</p> <p>Go to www.mini2.com and look for the MINI ONE Diesel discussion forum if you want to learn more about the Euro market only MINI Diesel.</p> It all depends whether the USA will start selling low sulfur Diesel fuel, something that trucking companies have been opposing for years.

All the high tech diesel engines currently sold in Europe require low sulfur diesel fuel that we don't have here.

BTW, the MINI ONE “D” uses a 1.4L Toyota diesel engine (4 cyl) and it is mated to a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission identical to that used in the Cooper S but with very different gearing ratios.

Go to http://www.mini2.com and look for the MINI ONE Diesel discussion forum if you want to learn more about the Euro market only MINI Diesel.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/17/more_details_emerge_on_the_next_mini/comment-page-1/#comment-9480 Gabe Tue, 17 Aug 2004 17:21:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/08/17/#comment-9480 <p>I think BMW is waiting to see how it's own diesels will do in the US market place in they are introduced in a couple of years. Obviously if they are a big hit I'm sure they'll look to replicate that with the MINI.</p> I think BMW is waiting to see how it's own diesels will do in the US market place in they are introduced in a couple of years. Obviously if they are a big hit I'm sure they'll look to replicate that with the MINI.

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