Extended Wheelbase MINI Spotted

<p>With all the covered peices, it still looks good… and you know mini will make it look amazing by the time it gets to the market…</p>

<p>I give it one thumb up…</p>

<p>is it just me, or does that bonnet look extremely long?</p>

<p>Two observations and one question…</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I think the front overhang is a little longer, but that is an expected change to be compliant with european pedestrian impact rules.</p></li>
<li><p>There might be some side panels masking the true roofline to make the car seem like it looks taller.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Question: Does it look like there might be sunroof panels on the shot from the rear?</p>

<p>vin.</p>

<p>It’s too long. Now it just looks like a regular car. They shouldn’t call it a “mini” anymore if they’re going to make it so big.</p>

<p>I can make a confirmation…</p>

<p>I can confirm that the car pictured above is BUTT-UGLY!</p>

<p>Don’t pass judgement so quickly. It’s HEAVILY disguised as are most “spy photo’s”. I’m intrigued to see the final production product. </p>

<p>Can’t say it will be a fit for me, but for some where the current MINI is not an option due to size constraints; it will simply allow other driving enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the MINI experience.</p>

<p>Pinnochio has morphed into a MINI! Let’s hope it’s plastic cladding..and what are those little “ripples” under the headlights…?</p>

<p>They’re not going to sell too many of these. Not even in Europe.</p>

<p>Still looks a little too small for commercial use, plus, no one is going to buy it for a being a family car.</p>

<p>Good luck with this one BMW, you’re probably better off doing the pickup first. Or AWD Coupe. Ooooooooo.</p>

<p>Is that dual exhaust pushed out to the corners or just something hanging down on the left?</p>

<p>Sorry, but I am confused, just what is that <a rel="nofollow" href="http://motoringfile.com/pictures/R56_autobilde/70107.jpg">take a look</a> photo supposed to show? That the back end is square too?</p>

<p>Sign me up, I’ll take 2 :)</p>

<p>Whoa.. It looks like a smaller Land Rover.</p>

<p>Hey Gabe, all,</p>

<p>Here’s a pretty faithful translation of the Dutch. Always glad to be of service. :)</p>

<hr />

<p><strong>These are the very first spyshots of the MINI Estate. This new variant on the MINI-theme will for its cost have to account for approximately half of sales.</strong></p>

<p>That BMW is doing well with the new MINI goes without saying. But in order to continue to grow further, BMW is coming with new variants. A pickup and station-wagony variant have been speculated about for a long time now. Now, the first spyshots of the latter have been taken. The MINI Estate was captured during test procedures. There is little to see, but it is confirmation that the Estate really will come.</p>

<p><strong>New dashboard</strong>
The Estate will directly accommodate the new dashboard that the MINI will receive. There is a facelift in the works for the MINI and MINI Cabriolet in which the new dashboard will make its debut. The materials used will be solidly upgraded and there is an expanded in-car entertainment system available.</p>

<p><strong>Estate lives again!</strong>
This is not the first time that Mini has come out with a stationwagon. There was also an Estate model available on the old Mini. Several body structure enhancements are above all responsible for building the regular MINI into a 3-door stationwagon. In reality the new model will have to wait until 2007, but will eventually also be available as a 5-door stationwagon. Surprising is the development of the doors which can be opened in the opposite direction.</p>

<p>I agree that a woody MINI would look really good. Also I can see a MINI pickup (moxie). Other than that I don’t see an improvement over the current MINI’s.</p>

<p>Interesting… Have to see the real thing when it rolls out, probably wouldn’t order one, and that shot of the rear is pretty bad, but…. <em>shrug</em></p>

<p>Terrible, awful, horrible. Here comes the end of MINI.</p>

<p>tHAT IS ONE OF THE UGLIESTTHINKS i HAVE SEEN SINCE THE AZTEK</p>

<p>JUST AWFUL!!! MINI: PLEASE DONT MAKE THINGS LIKE THAT!!!</p>

<p>I have no doubt that they’ll clean it up aesthetically and I think we’ll all be surprised by the polish on the final version. What I’m more curious about is the performance aspects of this new incarnation. These questions may have been addressed in previous releases, but will the longer wheel-base MINIs share the same powerplant as the Cooper/S or will a larger engine be available (2.0 L anyone?). How much weight will the extra lengh/doors/body accents add and what will the final front/back balance of the car be? Performance, handling, and economy are the essential MINI qualities and those are the areas that interest me most when it comes to this new version (or the new R56 Cooper/S for that matter). </p>

<p>Also, let’s remember that as Cooper/S drivers and enthusiasts, this car isn’t as intended for us as much as for people who would be interested in MINI to fill their driving needs/wants but a Cooper just isn’t doing that for them. BMW doesn’t intend the 7 series for people who want to drive Z4’s – nor the Z4 for the 7 series needs. Diversification is our friend in this case, though doing that well will take care on BMW’s part. I’m more concearned with the extent of BMW’s cost-saving measures on the new variants than I am with the aesthetics – especially on the mule pictured here.</p>

<p>This is most surely the end of the True MINI. </p>

<p>Mini’s weren’t made to hold a lot of stuff… </p>

<p>Although MINI will make a profit off this car, it’s going to head in the same direction as the Jetta. </p>

<p>When you upgrade, you leave a lot of people behind.</p>

<p>When you upgrade, you leave a lot of people behind.</p>

<p>That’s reduclous. An upgrade to any product or service is not an automatic alienation of any group that does or doesn’t use that product. If the MINI Cooper/S were being phased out in favor of this variation, then yes, people would be left behind. The reality is the opposite – this “upgrade” will mean the inclusion of more people into the MINI culture. </p>

<p>I’ll agree that the new intention of the Jetta is missplaced – their whole “amost grown up” angle. But in this case, it would be like saying that Jetta owners have been left behind because VW introduced the Passat or the Golf.</p>

<p>We’ll have to wait and see the final product. I think it’ll look good as long as the front overhang isn’t as long as indicated by the spy pics. That’s what ruins good Audi designs and would be a departure from the current look. I like the roof line and am intrigued by a 5 door version as a second MINI.</p>

<p>I believe we’ll be suprised by the market for it. And I do pray for the same attention to handling and performance, which should remain intact since Munich seems to have that down well.</p>

<p>Great MINI news!</p>

<p>I would hope that the styling of the EXT would NOT look like the coupe mini. The Z4 is intentionally styled differently from the 530 wagon. You want them to be appropriate and familial, but not the same. You don’t want something that looks like a limo or hearse, which are basically modifications of an existing car body. I want something distinct so that someone doesn’t get the two types of Mini’s confused. Otherwise the coupe owners will think the EXT is tarnishing the style, and EXT owners will be ashamed of the copycat styling.</p>

<p>Well, that is very well disguised….</p>

<p>The front has a ‘padded’ bra above and around the grill. And the afore mentioned headlight bubbles. All will obviously be gone in the production version.</p>

<p>The roof has extra panels attached. My guess is that production will just be a longer version of the current sheetmetal panel.</p>

<p>Also, if you look real close, the backend is all fake, even the pieces attached to the C pillar. Look through the back glass and you can see what looks to be a standard coupe hatch glass. Again, my guess is total reuse of the existing design. Too bad, I like the orginal twin vertical doors of the original Mini traveler/van. Maybe an option like the Suburban?</p>

<p>There is also a extra glass seam right above the gas filler cap. Also fake. </p>

<p>The things that do look real is a redesigned grill area that is one piece instead of the current two pieces. The front overhang is longer. All mentioned on motoringfile before.</p>

<p>One thing I am surprised about is the windshield wipers. I thought that they would be hidden for the pedestrian safety. hmmmmm.</p>

<p>Also, the sun visors look bigger than my ’02. Is that something that has already been modified on the ’05? </p>

<p>As far as commericial applications, the original mini had a van version that was a great success. It was a two-seater with a nice flat deck in the back which hauled a lot of stuff. Unfortunately, most were severely used and abused and not many survive in decent shape. </p>

<p>Alan</p>

<p>Has there been any confirmation that this will be long enough to fit a regular-size coffin? Is MINI going after the underserved Goth market? What else could they be thinking?</p>

<p>Argh!!! Here we go, a MINI for everybody, a 2 door, 4 door, SUV, pick-up, ambulance and MINI Hummer to name a few so all people can enjoy the MINI experience (?). The experience is (was) a 2 door fast and fun hatch, period. That is a problem with brands, once they are established its time to milk it until it becomes so generic that it looses its original spirit. Coke, Coke Classic, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke lemon, Coke Lemon/lime, Coke caffeine free etc. That’s the future for MINI. It’s also called a victim of post-modernism.</p>

<p>Old Mini made by BMC had a 2-door Estate version, as well as the other variants. New MINI wasn’t designed to just be a “Cooper” model, but as the rest of the world knows, the One, the One diesel, the Cooper, the Cooper S, and the Cabriolet. As mentioned previously, MINI USA only chooses to take “Cooper” models.
If you stick to one variant sooner or later you satisfy the market, sales drop along with values.
How long did Henry Ford stick with one choice – a black model T?</p>

<p>Just a bit confused here. I’ve been following the rumors from July, and have one thing mixed up:</p>

<p>Are they planning on only manufacturing one wheelbase, and slapping a different body atop? Or are they going to go the route of the Plymouth Voyager (for instance), and selling an extended version (ie, grand voyager)?</p>

<p>So, they’d have the Cooper, and then the Cooper Ext, or is the entire new MINI line going to be on the extended wheelbase/platform?</p>

<p>We’re first in line for a Countryman, as long as it has barn doors in the rear. ;-)</p>

<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>

<p>I agree with JAG’s posts. Perhaps by the time MINI is done greedily milking their brand with a MINI version Hummer it will then be called the MAXI. </p>

<p>Farewell MINI brand, perhaps thats why MINI’s advertising jumped ship….They realized that in a few years they would all look like liars!!!!</p>

<p>Frank, by personalizing my commentary would not take us to intelligent observations, but call it egocentric; I call it degradation of the brand. The more variations that are brought to market (13 possibilities in the last count by CAR magazine) the more its core values are diluted, that simple. That goes for MINI as it goes for Mercedes-Benz in its own respective segment.
I am for variations in the hatch like the convertible, ONE, Cooper, the S, JCW, diesel, special editions, etc. Not a 4-door utility wagon or pick up.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Are they planning on only manufacturing one wheelbase, and slapping a different body atop? </p>
</blockquote>

<p>No.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Or are they going to go the route of the Plymouth Voyager (for instance), and selling an extended version (ie, grand voyager)?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Yes.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Is the entire new MINI line going to be on the extended wheelbase/platform?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>No. The standard hardtop two-door MINI will of course still be available with the introduction of the R56 in the fall of 2006. In fact the MINI hardtop will essentially the same size in every demension.</p>

<p>After manipulation, the rear shot seems fairly undisguised compared to the other pics. I’m seeing a split door there – not a hatchback – possibly of unequal proportions, with an offset to the right. There doesn’t seem to be any real sign of rear passenger doors, tho, unless there’s a seam between the 2 duct-tapes. I wouldn’t be surprised if that door is on one side only – the side w/o the gas cap.</p>

<p>I’m all for a Sportwagen MINI – with an ‘S’ version. Just think of how pissed some’d be when one kicks their butt in the twisties. 😉 Now there’d be no question about a WRC-length MINI. </p>

<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>

<p>Wouldn’t this look cool chopped into a fastback like <a rel="nofollow" href="http://customfastbackca.com/500e1.htmthis">this</a></p>

<p>Off topic:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>But I think the dilution of the MINI brand is already well into its death spiral. Many trace its beginning to the de-tuning of the suspension for the US market after the first year of production. </p>
</blockquote>

<p>nrkis – I won’t disagree with anything you’ve said above. It’s all your opinion and your welcome to it. But the last sentence in the above statement is totally ridiculous. Have you driven a pre-May 2003 SS+ MINI back to back with a post-May 2003 SS+ MINI? Have you tracked them? Have you lived with both extensively? If not, how are you in a position to make any assumption like the one you made above? I’ve done both of these things. </p>

<p>I (like many here) was very concerned at the time that the MINI was indeed being softened up for our American tastes when they changed the fluid in the SS+ shocks. Well I’m happy to reports (as I have done previously) that the change isn’t detrimental to the handling in any noticable way. Furthermore, the ability for the suspension to absorb the enormous potholes I dodge on a daily basis has been subtly improved.</p>

<p>So how this change somehow signaled the ‘death spiral’ of the MINI brand in your eyes, I’ll never know.</p>

<p>I hope to God they don’t call it a Clubman – that was not the name of the wagon. It was a seperate Mini line, that included wagons, but also was the first step to diluting the performance aspect of the Mini. The normal Mini wagons were Morris Traveler or Austin Countryman. The Clubman was the flat-front re-style of the Mini done at the end of the ’60’s in an effort to “modernize” the look, but altho it sold in moderate numbers, I, and many other Mini owners, felt it ruined the looks.</p>

<p><a href="http://motor.terra.es/addon/img/motor/15f70c4mini3g.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://motor.terra.es/addon/img/motor/15f70c4mini3g.jpg</a></p>

<p>Bad juju with that name. </p>

<pre><code>BCNU,
</code></pre>

<p>Rob in Dago</p>

<blockquote>Gabe: So how this change somehow signaled the ‘death spiral’ of the MINI brand in your eyes, I’ll never know.</blockquote>

<p>First, thanks for giving me the space to voice an opinion, as opposed to deleting my post. I appreciate it. Second, I did not say that I felt that the detuning of the dampers signaled the death spiral of the MINI brand, but that “many” do. I’ve indeed talked to many who do, but I personally feel this position is a bit extreme. Seems that you agree. So, I think we’re good, right.</p>

<p>Gabe and Eelke,</p>

<p>Thanks! I was starting to think I’d have to get an 06 to retain the same size MINI for years to come (kinda crazy to say this).</p>

<p>I think expanding the line is necessary, as many people on the online boards make comments like, “I’m getting married, and she wants kids -> the MINI has to go” or “We’ve just had our third kid, and I have to get a minivan.” If MINI wants to retain their customers, realistically, they need to change, not the customers.</p>

<p>Though this shoots down the reason I purchased my MINI -> because in a few years if I do get married, I won’t be able/allowed to have such a fun car. Do I mind? Heck no!</p>

<p>Eelke “I am allergic to caffeine and caffeine free Coke is a blessing for me. I really don’t follow your logic on this. I presume by your statement that you’re a vanilla ice cream ONLY type, wow how narrow minded.”
We do not have the pleasure of meeting but thanks for the tip, maybe you save me years of expensive therapy but in no way I am talking about your personal taste, I am talking about brand and brand values. Different topics. Now don’t tell me that you feel the same passion when you open a can of Caffeine Free Coke than when you start your MINI? Coke, with its many variations is in effect looking for market share, MINI on the other hand is a Premium Hatch looking for a segment in that market and BMW charges for that, so to do so it has to offer intangibles like: lifestyle (Lets Motor and all that groovy thing) Heritage (Monte Carlo rally) and so on. That is called the spirit of the brand and my only question is if a 4 door or an SUV will spoil that, on the other hand Caffeine Free Coke has… mmm…???</p>

<p>RB, you are right, Eelke I am truly sorry for the mistake.
RB, don’t do battle, nobody is doing it, those knight dreams from video games and the lack of caffeine are getting into you, ride more your MINI or ask a friend for one, chill out.</p>

<p>now this is interesting, i found it after my about post was well, posted.</p>

<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102989">Autoweek&#8217;s take</a>
on the differences between BMW and MINI’s corporate structure.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Mini’s new chief, former BMW marketing guru James McDowell, sports a green polo shirt and a striped worker jacket from the Oxford, England, factory with his name on the pocket.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>There is alotta hate in this thread. This variant is perfect for MINI couple’s that just need something a bit bigger but still love the MINI.</p>

<p>For example, we recently had to trade in our 2002 MINI because in the next year or so we will have a new bundle of joy in our family. The standard mini just won’t cut it.</p>

<p>I think too many people here are erroneously equating “MINI” with “Cooper”. I hear it all the time. I hear someone call it a “Mini Cooper” as if it’s one name. I very rarely hear “Ford Mustang”, just “Mustang”.</p>

<p>MINI is a brand like Chevrolet is a brand. So far, MINI has only two vehicles. A coupe and a cabriolet. Each can be bought with a base trim (MC, MCc) or with a performance package (MCS, MCSc). MINI will indeed need to add model offerings to stay relevant to aging owners whose needs will change. It did so the first time around, why is there so much resistance on this board to doing it again?</p>

<p>I’ve bought 3 (THREE) MINI’s how about you?</p>

<p>Thank you also David. Right on!</p>

<p>RB</p>

<p>“” I presume by your statement that you’re a vanilla ice cream ONLY type, wow how narrow minded.””</p>

<p>“”I’ve bought 3 (THREE) MINI’s how about you?””</p>

<p>Excuse me? Did I hear vanilla THREE times??</p>

<p>i dont understand why people are so against adding in hte rest of the MINI line.</p>

<p>all these cars were avaliable at one time, they are just the modern day rendition. its not like there some designer over at bmw’s studio going ” hey franz, come look at the MINI wagon i just drew up!” </p>

<p>deal with it people, there were other models besides a 2 door.</p>

<p>The photos on this site shows the newly designed Mini fully covered to prevent people from seeing what the body really looks like. I found a spy shot that proves that everyone is just over reacting about how bad the new “Extended Wheelbase Mini” will look. If <a rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" href="http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/news/2005/0909/mini.500.jpg">this</a> is how the new Mini will look, I’ll be ordering on ASAP!</p>

<p>It is a shame that greed rules…BMW had such a solid winner and the resale on the vehicle has been fantastic…The new mini coupe is a logical move for profit, emissions, and new european laws governing design of the front end. However, the station wagon is a joke…why not build on the very reason people love the mini, rather than trying to capture the entire range of car buyers..BMW can do that with the rest of the BMW line…Why not leave the mini for those who appreciate what it is…..remember your advertising success and why!</p>

<p>Why can’t we all just get along. The classic MINI will outsell any varient that gets put out anyways. There are too many die-hard fans (see above) to let a new Mini take control.<br />
The EXT only makes since for the few people who have more than one friend, are of a decent hight, or wish to carry anything.
As for a pickup version, the only way it could get going would be an awd or rwd drive version.
If there was a s/c, 6-spd, rwd mini available…college may take a little longer.</p>