Sections: Best of the Web Jan 15th, 2005 23 Comments 
With the Detroit Auto Show about to open to the public it's time to sit back and check out some photos. For those that didn't go it's a great way to see some MINI's new 2005 options and take a look at a very impressive MINI display. For those that will be making the trek it's a nice preview. We've got two outstanding galleries for you. The first comes from our friends at OutMotoring. There are a few things to notice in this gallery; the JCW brakes, the new range of MINI watches, the MINI drag car (which will be talking soon), the color shift knobs, the orange washer fluid warning light, and JCW carbon fiber.
The second gallery comes from Mark Scheuern (whose photos also appear in this post). In Mark's photos we get to see nice overview of the show and some of the more interesting cars there. In the MINI display we also see the new web-spoke 17″ wheel that are sure to be a popular option on the MCS.
drew Jan 15th, 2005 Link
very cool shots. did anyone happen to catch the amber wiper fluid warning cap on the end of the control stalk? is it safe to assume that current 2005 builds coming to the usa will have that?
especially curious as i am awaiting my '05 mcs!
cheers – drew
Gabe Jan 15th, 2005 Link
Drew – I can't believe I forgot to say something about that… I just added it, Yes should be on all MINIs from 1/1/05 on.
Anyone interested can find out more from this previous post: motoringfile.com/2004/11/05/washerfluidandorangelights
Ryan Jan 15th, 2005 Link
Coming to a close? The show doesn't open (to the public) until Jan. 15. It runs until Jan. 23. Cool post though.
Damon Jan 15th, 2005 Link
Are the new bonnet stripes for the Cooper now the same as the ones for the “S”? The “S” always had white with black edges or black with whites edges like the picture above and the Coopers had just plain stripes. Anyone know why the Cooper above has “S” stripes?
Jim Jan 15th, 2005 Link
Wow ! Just like being there, Marks photos are just great, thanks
Ryephile Jan 15th, 2005 Link
It was great hanging out with Mark S. during the press days. As you can see his photography skills are top shelf!
I did see the amber warning lamp on the end of the wiper stalk where the red alarm light used to be. Same thing, different color and function!
Rick Jan 15th, 2005 Link
I am heading up Thursday. Anything I should seek out?
Mark Scheuern Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Thanks, guys, and it was great fun running around the show with Ryan.
Mark
Evan Jan 16th, 2005 Link
I noticed a few subtle things too. First was the new windshield washer fluid light- all of the 10/04 builds at the show had that addition (which I wish I had on my 2004). The second was the addition of two “phone” buttons on the MFSW that I had never seen before. Apparently the R/T and phone symbol buttons are now on the wheel to the right of the audio controls. And the corresponding bluetooth fob on the down post looks smaller, but still awkward. And the answer is that yes the wheel with the extra buttons is retrofittable (at least according to the MINI rep at the show) and he said it would be about $400 w/o labor…
There was also a MINI with a center armrest. It was aestetically good but quality wise seemed flimsy and blocks the rear cupholder for all but a soda can. It did flip back though, supporting arms and all. I have the “official MINI armrest” from the group buy that's not official anymore and it is a much better piece, even if its legs look a little awkward.
The webspokes are very nice in person with great detail and the revised interior is nice too, subtle changes that help it appear in better shape. One last thing was a “passenger airbag” light near the sunroof controls. I didn't see a keyturn shut off but maybe they've added a weight sensor to the passenger seat? Any info on that would be cool.
The MINI display was incredible and tons of fun! If you can get to the show, you really should. The best part was spending 8.5 hours there looking at every car and realizing how perfect my MC purchase was. The only car I considered taking home was another MINI….!
Motor On.
kcollins Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Hey if anyone is interested (or cares) I managed to get the NAIAS MINI Press kit! Pretty posh – but not as nice as the kit that came out of Jaguar or Land Rover! :-)
MrV Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Yeah, anyone got more interior pics ? My MCS doesn't get here for another 1.5 months.
Marcus Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Evan, thanks for the info! I needed confirmation on the new bluetooth! Awesome! Any pics you have would be great! Thanks!
MrV Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Drew,
Have you seen these ?
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=453664#post453664
drew Jan 16th, 2005 Link
i did – very cool! i'd love to see the back of wheel if anyone has a shot.
cheers – drew
Vanwall Jan 16th, 2005 Link
Nice shots! There are some really nice ideas coming up for the car world in general, to judge by some of these. Yeah, I know, there are a lotta butt-uglies too, but lets hope the Aztek has cured any delusions of grandeur that might linger in the air. Nice to see the MINI is still holding its own as a styling exercise – because it's so iconic, anything even remotely resembling it seems like a cheap knock-off. ;-)
Very surprised but pleased to see Kling's Panamericana class-winning Porsche 550 in attendance – it's ultra simplistic design is so clean and cool-looking, (like a MINI's!) it's actually quite refreshing. Those first few 550s were just beautiful.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
morknmini Jan 16th, 2005 Link
I couldn't decide between the Lexus convertible or the Mercedes Grand Tourer for Clever Design in the Real Car category. Both are beyong my means anyway.
Auto Pacific claims there are 251 car models to choose from in 2005! Mark Scheuem has shown some of them at their best (but how did he get that bird's eye view of the family of large mouthed Audis?). An excellent photo gallery. I got tired just thinking of how many hours it must have taken to get those beautiful photos!
I agree with Vanwall that the Mini, compared to all others, comes off as a classic. Perhaps not quite in the same league as the 550. But quirkiness counts and the current Mini design has plenty of that. I hope BMW doesn't smooth out the shape too much in the next series.
Thanks for a quality post! Happy MLK Day.
Pete Foglia Jan 16th, 2005 Link
LIke those BBS's-gotta look into that…
Thanks for the coeverage!
Pete Foglia MyMini
Marcus Strom Jan 16th, 2005 Link
MrV & supergimp, excellent pics of the steering wheel! That confirms the new bluetooth pack and the paddles for me! Muchos Gracias!
nick Feb 1st, 2005 Link
hey, my name is nick barger, im 16 yrs. old and i live in Columbia City, OR. im a big fan of cars, especially all of the new ones that are now comeing out also the concept cars. i have bunches of pics of my own designs, i was hoping if you saw them you’d like ‘em. P.S.write back soon.
Nick.
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