The Next Generation MINI, Your Way

Sections: MF Feature | R56 (Hatch) Aug 23rd, 2004 98 Comments

Recently, I heard from a friend at MINI who mentioned how he finds it great fun watching MotoringFile visitors speculate on the next generation MINI – the R56. I suppose he's right – it must be really interesting to know how the new car is shaping up while simultaneously hearing what people are guessing it'll be like. I'm sure many of our assumptions will be on target, but I can almost guarantee that we'll all be surprised in some way or another by the new car.

So, instead of endlessly speculating on the R56, I thought it might be nice to turn the tables and ask our visitors at MotoringFile what they'd like to see in the next MINI. For instance, would you want a revolutionary or evolutionary design? For example would more power be enough to offset increased weight? Or is it time for the interior design to become less whimsical and more serious? Lets hear your ideas!

Note: More on the R56 can be found here.

Written By: MF Staff

RB

Gabe…

That about covers it for me.

I also like the comments about options, just give us more and stop taking away choices.

…RB

PS Don't really mind the painted wheel arches though, but should be an option if it's not allready. I like the all one color cars, wish mine was all CR.
Rick

AWD Telescoping Steering Wheel and fix the tach visibility issue. Factory Installed JCW. Either scrap the backseats for more boot area or set them back for legroom – can only have both if you stretch the car a few more inches. Bi-Xenon lights Std iPod connectivity – don't need CD players in cars anymore (even sell the iPod through the dealer) – my factory CD player is dying after 1 1/2 yrs of shake rattle and roll and if that is the avg life, I will be on my third before the warranty is up – BMW could save a lot of warrany work. Perforated leather or leatherette seat material to enhance breathability (for those who suffer without cloth) Active/variable suspension stiffness – driver set or auto (stiffer in the corners a little softer in the straights). Change the dash lighting colour (I like VW blue) and reserve the red for the needles & warning lights (perhaps a driver selectable colour lighting like that to be introduced in the new Mustang – that would keep everyone happy and entertained trying out different colour schemes) Variable intensity 'Ambient' lighting for the cubby/floor area.
Aniawn

I would like to see a slightly higher idle speed/rpm. An interier boot release button. More foot room for the back passengers. A higher top speed for the MCS. Transparent roof decals. Higher rpms without sacrificing acceleration. Rain sensing rear window wiper. Atoumatic heated seats.
http://fedward.org fedward

I'd like to see the design last 40 years with as few changes as the original. That bit of sentimentality aside, I think more in terms of evolution than revolution.

The problem I have with “more power” or “more options” is that they're both going to increase the cost; “more room in the rear” would increase the size. I like the size and I like the base price, so I wouldn't want to touch either of those. Even adding options makes production more complicated and expensive (all those different options have to be stored, and factory workers have to know how to install them properly) so I wouldn't be affronted if MINI didn't add many options over the years. Simplicity keeps the price down.

I can see a stripped factory “rally” model as being a decent idea for those who are already planning to mod their cars out the wazoo. I don't think the car actually needs more power from the factory. I'd really like to see either the more efficient MINI One or the diesel in the states for people who just want a city runabout and don't care about racing against Scions and other small cars from every stop light.

I think the one new option I'd like to see out of all the ones discussed is the removable (or omitted) back seat, for those who need boot space more than rear seats. I've driven two-seaters for eight years of my life and I could get behind that option.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

fedward – well said.
Humourless

*Less weight (by deleting/making optional many luxury options, including A/C, power windows, headlamp washers, etc.) Do we need heavy dual-mass flywheels, six airbags, and 25+ lb rims? I think not. Take the money saved on those fripperies and spend it on an aluminum block.

*More displacement. Nothing radical, of course. An increase to 1.9-2.0 litres would be fine.

*Ditch forced induction. Focus on making it the best possible atmospheric engine. Not as highly strung as an equivalent Honda plant, of course, but a nicely torquey mill that stretches to 180hp in 2-litre guise would be ideal.

Above all, stress clever design, and superb handling. There are 30 other cars in the price range that can get me from A to B; precious few will put the same smile on my face.

-CW
keith

Baseline Mini Cooper: – 130 Bhp is good enough (eg. 0-60 in less than 8 sec) – better built quality, especially interior parts – scratch prove paints (as I find it too easy to get scratches and chips) – more innovative storage spaces

Mini Cooper S: – 180 Bhp is going to fly (0-60 around 6.5 sec) – optional AWD – better looking front (as current model looks like a bulldog, baseline cooper looks much better) – xenon for low beams as well – more colors to choose from (both interior and exterior)

Other verisons: – an econ-edition of Mini Cooper using electric or hybrid motors instead of disel – Mini cooper Van (similar to Benz A-Class)
RB

Wasn't the Euro press' nickname for the A-Class…something like “rollover?” I do like that vehicle though. Tried to import one, around, 3 years ago.

BULLDOG front end is where the love is…RB
Evan

Please keep it subtly evolutionary, the way that all BMW's design language used to be.

DO NOT make it bigger. I fit just fine and two in the back in a pinch is fine. There is already plenty of room.

The only thing I would work on would be the engine- which they are. A little more smoothness on the way to the power and a tad more grunt at about 2500rpm.

DO NOT change the driving dynamics. This is the most fun, most planted car I've driven- even compared to Bimmers.

Keep the price where it is!! I would never have gotten a Cooper if it was more than $18000 with a few small options.

I love my car. Let me motor in the next just as well!

If you want a lot of changes, or AWD, there are other cars out there and you just don't get the MINI.
Alejandro Sanchez

Hybrid engine, the rest is perfect.
DaCrema

Keep it small. If anything make it weigh less. Keep the MINI a 4 seater. More power would be nice, but not at the expence of additional weight. Keep the options list as is, items or packages. Offer a factory wheel in 16×7 inches. In a sporting package offer a count down clock, an timing clock a count down odo and a second odo (the clocks and odometers could be done with software).

Bring back the “Sprite” name for a two seater that uses many of the same parts but weighs less than a ton. I would give up the 6 speed and wheels larger than 15″ to get the weight down. For cost keep the car made of metal. The two seater should not cost more than a well equiped MCS (improbable dream).
http://www.sweetdaisy.net CometGirl63

I think a 2 seater hardtop roadster would be AWESOME, and so would a stripped down performance-enhanced version.
Vanwall
Geez, I get home from work, and all the ideas are already up! West Coast blues, I guess. ;-)
1. I don't really see a significant weight loss for the MINI and letting BMW leave the MSRP in the same niche because:
A. Use of lighter steel and / or a redesigned chassis, which would be likely less stiff, would therefore not be desireable; unless more expensive materials are used, (like aluminum), something also not too desireable.

B: Use of lighter interior materials, which'll have the same cost-value limitations as above. You get what you pay for.

C: Go all alloy with the engine and it's another relatively expensive proposition that adds to the cost.

You could have a helluva lightweight car and keep it down to a price, that like as not twists like wet dog gettin' dry, and has an interior that looks, and sounds!, like a Geo Metro's, or you have a nice stiff chassis outta quality material, that can have a reasonably compliant but sporting suspension that isn't too hard on the pocketbook.

I prefer a stiff monocoque that can support some serious suspension tuning, or can just be let alone at an already high level of performance. Leave the Chassis alone, I say.
1. The styling is just about spot-on as far as I'm concerned. The original held up for 40-some odd years, and its contemporary, the Porsche 911, has done the same with careful tweaking, so DON'T SCREW AROUND WITH THE LOOKS! I'm already not too happy with the new lower front end, but it's minor – No major messin' around. MINIs and Minis are like sharks – they have reached their niche's evolutionary perfection, and could go on for eons. And orange rear turn signals, dammit.
2. I'm all for a wagon with barn doors, a 2-seater version of the present car, and a Moke of some kind. No SUV, small or not. I'm not averse to a van version of a wagon body – you had to own an original one to appreciate that part of Minidom, and even a pick-up wouldn't be too un-cool. ;-)
3. Keep the blower, dump the turbo. 'Nuff said.
4. Beef up the CVT a whole lot, give it a better off-the-line, add paddle shifters in Murica, and put the same one in the 'S'. They were banned in F1, so they can't be all bad. :)
5. After I get to 200,000 miles, I get a free MINI of my choice. ;-) (No joy there, huh? HeHe!)
  
  Ok I'm caught up now.
```
 BCNU,
```
  Rob in Dago
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Nice work Rob – I'll second everything …except “dump the turbo” :)
Patrick

I think that a lot of people are opposed to Turbos only because their idea of Turbos come from a 1986 Volvo, for example… Turbo's are not the same things that they used to be. lag is minimal and it is hardly noticeble besides the nice increase in power.

Check out the turbo-charged Jetta's. They have nice and relatively smooth power delivery.
Franz

I love the comments about maintaining the character and features. I also love the racetrack versions proposed, but I have to disagree with the hybrid option. To take the Mini hybrid, we would have to give up the boot storage and maybe the back seat. However, an electric would be GREAT!! They actually retrofitted the Mini for electric for the subway scenes in the Italian Job. It can work and be a very sporty city car!! I'd certainly keep my '05 Cooper for longer distance motoring, but why not be a bit more eco-friendly for the commute.
Timothy Sipples

Certify the engine to run on E85 as well as gasoline (petrol). E85 is 85% ethanol, and it's enjoying some popularity in the corn-growing USA. It'd be a relatively cheap and easy way to “green up” the MINI — not a bad marketing move — and there's a tax break some owners would get. Might also help in the Brazilian market.
Kevin

I'll second Rick's suggestion for different color dash lighting. I like the BMW orange, but LOVE VW Blue! I think a color changing option would perfect for the 'oh-so-customizable' MINI!

On a side note, my first time ever test driving a MINI I asked what the button at the left of the speedo (the dash dimmer button) was for. The MA said it was the button used to change the color of the dash lighting; “there are 6 color options.”
A mean trick, but I think its a GREAT idea!
pete

i say dump the turbo. leave the supercharger and have the S with a kit exactly like the john cooper works already in it from the factory only without the john cooper works. make the john cooper works 250 horses.
john

Since BMW also has a line of motorcycles I think mini should come out with its own line of Vespa-like scooters as well to give the dealers something to sell when they have no cars in stock becuase the factory cant make enough cars.
Stuart

“Since BMW also has a line of motorcycles I think mini should come out with its own line of Vespa-like scooters as well to give the dealers something to sell when they have no cars in stock becuase the factory cant make enough cars.”, Re: the quote, Look for BMW C5, it was an attempt at what the Vespa, maybe a restyle and it can be re launched as a MINI Scooter :-)
Stuart

So nobody want a change light ?, so when you have a manual (stick) shift, it lights up when you reach the optimum change up or down rev/speed combination for each gear ?. Would'nt cost much, and would be something no other road car has as far as I'm aware???.
Stuart

Sorry, Its C1, for the scooter thingy, heres a link. http://www.motobykz.co.uk/BMW/BMWC1200.htm
DanTheMan

Lots more suggestions, including a flux capacitor ;-) , over on NAM at http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25064&page=1&pp=25
Scott

How about a telescoping steering wheel? It's great that the seat goes back so far, but it's a tough reach for the wheel then. I'm 6'4″ so my seat is 2 notches from the full back position. Legs are then comfy, but have to stretch for the wheel.

Change the type of brake pads to pads that improve performance and cut down on the ridiculous amount of brake dust.
Kurt Collins

Now that oil is nudging 50 dollars a barrel in the US – it makes sense to promote the notion that you can have fun while sipping fuel – that said who wants to be sashing around in a hybrid with skinny tires!

Give me a thifty yet beefy 2.0 turbo diesel – something with a stupendous amount of torque and decent horsepower. Think VW TDI with an aftermarket chip that produces 140 hp and 250 ft lbs of torque at 1500 rpm!!!
peter

I feel that if MINI really wants to capitalize on the historical value of the success of the Mini in racing, and to continue that history into the modern era, something has to be done.

The car needs more horsepower to be competitive in modern day SCCA or GrandAM racing.

The LSD will help.

Maybe offer racers the choice of a limited edition model they can customize in terms of performance – no convenience or luxury extras, just increased performance packages, a la JCW Tuning kit, but also including other drive train components, such as shocks and springs, sway bars, wheels and tires, and other motor enhancements, such as lightweight flywheel, increased displacement and power…….mind you…….

JUST FOR COMPETITION……

there ya go…….. a MINI special edition ONLY FOR RACING, production……. that'll win some NEW MINI trophies ! ! ! ! !

Just do it ! (please :)) )
Stuart

So Peter, what would you be prepared to part with for such a car off the shelf so to speak?., $20k – $30k, or more, say MINI offered a complete bespoke build option, similar to the BMW Individual programme , but with more ass kicking options, just how far would your bank account be dented?. I'm just curious BTW ;)
http://www.teammightyminiz.com iDiaz

I like the shift light idea, Stuart, but I'd take it a step further. They should make it part of the on-board computer package. Add a screen on the OBC that shows you the current gear and flashes a circle of some sort when you're approaching the rev limiter. That'd be good stuff.
http://www.michaelburchill.com raven34

Twin front-mounted .50 caliber machine guns with a 'heads-up' display and steering wheel mounted firing buttons…

Just the ticket for stubborn SUV owners who won't yield the left lane!
GSKChicago

raven34… Either you are a big speed racer fan, or you just got out of horrible traffic. ;o)
http://www.michaelburchill.com raven34

Hi GSKChicago – I love to drive quickly.

Unfortunately, I live in New Jersey and most drivers here don't realize that 'speed' is relative. Slower traffic should keep right and the left lane is for faster passing traffic. I don't usually stay in the left lane. Once I get by a slower car I move over into the middle lane until it's time to pass slower traffic again.

With that said, sadly most people think that if they're traveling at 60 MPH, they 'have a right' to be in the left-hand lane… I think they feel that if a smaller car wants to travel faster than them, it's taken as an affront to their manhood (or womanhood, whichever the case may be) and REFUSE to budge. It's at these frustrating moments that I wish to visit extreme violence upon the rear tires and tailgate area of these pig-headed drivers. I'd just love to see their faces as the rear of their SUV (or minivan) exploded in a rain of shredded plastic, metal and glass :-)

Know what I mean?
Scott

Stuart – shift light, check out Saab. If someone needs to be told when to shift, they probably shouldn't have a stick shift.

IDiaz – the tach isn't enough to tell you when you're getting close to the rev limiter? I can't see the benefit in having another display when there is a big one right there in front of ya!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Actually the new M5 has something similar to what iDiaz is talking about.
pete

hey i agree with the .50 caliber machine gun thing, but i also think that the S turn indicators should have hidden rocket launchers in them that sense when a bird is about to take a dump on your new wax job! haha
pete

look, no shift light, just for normal driving, shift above 3000rpm for a smooth shift, and if your racing, 6 is about respectable, although i once shifted at 7300, never do that.
GSKChicago

raven34… I know exactly what you mean. I live in Chicago and most people act like they are the only ones on the road, in their own little world. Then, they look puzzled at you when you honk or gesture or grab them by the neck (kidding on the last one). :o) Speed limit signs firstly are mere suggestions. At least, on the highway anyways. I am not one to go 200 mph per se, but you are correct. If you are going less than 15 over the limit, stay out of the left lane. :o) Rocket launchers Pete would be interesting. I always thought modifying the horn with various statements would be good. “Move over”, “IDIOT”, “inser your own colorful phrases hear”… But, I suspect I will get the you know what kicked out of me if I had that. :o)

G.
http://www.teammightyminiz.com iDiaz

Scott,

I don't know how much canyon or track driving you do, but the last thing I want to do is take my eyes off the road for anything. A momentary lapse in concentration can have dire consequences if it happens at the wrong time. A shift light is there to provide you with a visual reference that can be easily seen out of the corner of your eye without breaking any concentration whatsoever.

Displaying the current gear isn't as important, since you should probably know what gear you're in anyway, but for those moments when you forget, it's better to be able to look at the tach than have to look at the shifter.
http://www.teammightyminiz.com iDiaz

The MINI measures lateral acceleration for DSC, too… so why not have that visible on the tach display with the on-board computer option, too? Maybe a little friction circle in there, for good measure. =D
http://omor.com/mini/ dc
1. Adjustability in the suspension, as the current MINI only allows for toe adjustment. Camber and caster, too.
2. Lighter.
Aluminum. Carbon fibre. 2200 lbs.
1. Wider, not taller wheels 15 x 7, 16 x 7.5
2. A-arm suspension with negative camber under side load, like the old Acrura Type R.
3. A smoother revier engine for the Cooper.
4. A delete option for the rear seat. More cargo, less weight.
5. SatNav-DVD touchscreen faster and easier to use than an iPod, optional.
Would synch address, destinations wth Palm/Treo etc via bluetooth for fiewire craddle.
1. Ventilated perforated seats like SAAB.
2. Some outstanding safety feature innovation, like SAAB's head restraints which move foreward when you're rear-ended.
3. Rubber trim on bumpers, 1980s style.
4. Offer paint in ///M3 colours.
5. Shift light LED/beep between redline and fuel cutoff, like Subaru Impreza WRC STi.
6. Improved rear aerodynamics– less drag.
7. Slightly wider driver's footwell.
8. Keep the classic looks, shape. Smaller and cheaper than a 3er.
Nreyes

Here's a thought, maybe it's too late in the game. I would like to see at least one factory trained Mini tech at every BMW dealership, so that those of us who live 100 miles or more from a Mini dealership can have thier cars worked on. That would be my dream.
Timothy Sipples
1. I think there ought to be a reverse indicator (yellow lighted R, perhaps) that displays in front of the driver whenever the reverse gear engages. It'd be a good safety feature, frankly. For comic effect, make a backup beeper (as trucks and buses have) an option.
2. Some special edition MINIs: (a) Woody MINI (with whitewall tyres and real wood, hopefully); (b) “DeLorean” MINI (stainless steel); (c) racing MINI (mentioned above, with weight stripped out, e.g. AC and rear seat).
3. Find a real spot for the tyre kit in the Cooper S. It's a messy afterthought right now. Stick it in a built-in tray under the front passenger seat, for example.
4. Add rear seat pull straps, so you can return the seatbacks after you fold them down. If possible, fix the rear seatbelt location so they don't get in the way during such an operation.
5. Improve the front seat controls. It's still a mess. Until random people off the street can operate it, it's not fixed.
6. Dealer-type official accessories: multipurpose trailer, SUV-style “bull catcher.”
RB

Stuart…

JCW's has a manual gear change indicator but they won't sell it outside their shop.?

Speck & others…

I'm not sure what the beef is with the tach? I see it fine.

…RB
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

BTW if anyone is curious why Stuart would phrase a question the way he did – just check his email address :)
Joe

I would love to see a smaller MINI :), I only drive myself, I don't need the extra seats

something with the idea of toyotas PM concept car http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/pm.html

… but look like a MINI
MiniGuy

I want them to keep the air intake on the bonnet instead of replacing it with a bulge
Jose Marcos

PLEASE KEEP THE CAR AS IT IS, THE DESIGN IS PRECIOUS, THE HANDLING IS AWESOME, AND THE POWER IN THE MCS IS EXCELLENT I DONT NEED ANYTHING ELSE!!!!!
Hunter

Keep it exactly as it is…minor (and I mean MINOR) changes are okay. Also, keep it the same size as it is…definitely no bigger!

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