More Next Generation MINI Mock-ups

Sections: In the Press | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) May 18th, 2005 60 Comments

This time from Autobilde. These images look to be heavily based on the information we first revealed at MotoringFile a few months ago. Based on the information we’ve seen and reported previously, these are the first 3rd party mock-ups that truly close to what the final design might be.

Update: AutoBilde’s corporate cousin, AutoExpress, has more information on these mock-ups in this week’s magazine. Here’s an excerpt:

MINI’s parent firm BMW knows when not to mess with a winning formula. The MINI has been a huge success since its launch in 2002, and the next model has the same classic details buyers have fallen for over the past three years.

Most of the new metal can be found at the front, which – contrary to early indications – will retain the ‘clamshell’ bonnet. This is to ensure the MINI complies with strict new pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the distinctive shape of its front end. The more upright grille is in keeping with the original Austin Mini’s angular nose, while the fresh body panels also allow other MINI variants to be produced at a realistic cost. After the Clubman, it’s thought a minimalist Moke is planned, along with a sporty Speedster model.

Again, I’d like to point out that the majority of this detailed information was first published on MotoringFile this past March. You can read that original story (and lots more detailed on the new car) here: Next Generation MINI Revealed.

Written By: Gabe

Scott

Biggest complaint about the interior – no aftermarket stereo upgrades!
Alex

“I was at one of the focus groups and the blue MINI depicted in the drawings above is nearly identical to the car I saw (especially the bumpers, tail lights, fog lights, headlamps, etc.). They’ve pretty much got it spot on I’m afraid (including the interior as well).”

Oh no… Thanks for the info!
aleks

As was said by many others before these are just mock ups and I am sure the final versions will be very nice. It’s difficult to get a design that makes everybody happy. Even on the current car there are people who love the design, and then there are those who are disgusted by it. The only thing we can hope for is that more will appreciate the new form than not.

only time will tell…
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I’ve gotta tell you guys.. these pics, especially the interior shots, are very very close to the versions that are heading for production.
Rusty

Let’s face it, the MINI is a tough act to follow. Frank Stephenson did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of “motoring”.

I do not envy the people that have to come along behind him and somehow improve the MINI while reducing manufacturing costs. It is not impossible, just very difficult.

Hopefully these designers are reading motoring file every day and listening to the people that are 100% fanatical about these cars.
EBMCS03

MINI isnt mini anymore… looks bigger and more aggressive!
http://followthisurlyoufool.org Dario

All of you guys realy let me down. The mini is much more about performace in a different car than just its look. All of you are so concerned about cosmetic aesthetic that it is my opinion that we could easily slip in a perfect looking mini with the guts torn out.
Then all you “hey, look at me” adherents could get your rocks off while driving around a glorified econobox.
Be careful, BMW is not as foolish as you think. It IS possible to design/build a small car capable of ANY performance/utility needs. but if you can’t let the theme carry forward, then all you have is a car tailored to the consumer and NOT the enthusiast.
Get a clue and quit worrying so much about the appearance, as opposed to its performance.
Be careful tho, If you ask too many times, BMW WILL aquiesce and build you a cheap little car, or outsource it to renault. wake up. If you want a cute little car, go to honda or toyota. If you want a COOL little car that HANDLES, then quit being so concerned with the aesthetic and not its performance.

thestickman

Looking to rock the boat, the 3dstickman.
Fahed

hi everyone i ordered my mini cooper s before three weeks and its gonna be a 2006 model and its arriving after 3 months my question is is it gonna be diffrent from the 2005 model or not ?? is it gonna look like this http://motoringfile.com/pictures/R56_autobilde/70108.jpg please anyone reply thanx
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

The next generation MINI will be released as a 2007 model in late 2006. The 2006 model year MINI (released this fall) will look no different the 2005 and will have no mechanical differences.
fahed

Thanx

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