Extended Wheelbase MINI Spotted

jared Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Ummm….I’m not sure about that.

I would get a MINI pickup in a heartbeat, though. That would be sweet.

Kurt Gillespie Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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…

I give it one thumb up…

Lee L Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Is that a diving helmet or is it the worlds largest headlight bubble?

Wraith Sep 6th, 2005 Link

is it just me, or does that bonnet look extremely long?

Gabe Sep 6th, 2005 Link

is it just me, or does that bonnet look extremely long?

You have to remember that much of the front of the car seen above is tacked on to the prototype underneath to hide the real shape.

vin Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Two observations and one question…

1. I think the front overhang is a little longer, but that is an expected change to be compliant with european pedestrian impact rules.

2. There might be some side panels masking the true roofline to make the car seem like it looks taller.

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

vin.

Gabe Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I think the front overhang is a little longer, but that is an expected change to be compliant with european pedestrian impact rules.

Yes this was an expected change with the R56.

There might be some side panels masking the true roofline to make the car seem like it looks taller.

Yes, however take a look at the last picture and you’ll see that the rear portion is indeed taller and more sqaure.

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

Yes it does to me as well.

Bob Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

MrV Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Will the rear doors be retorfittable to our current MINI’s ?

:)

Aaron Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I can make a confirmation…

I can confirm that the car pictured above is BUTT-UGLY!

Trevers Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Looks like a MINI-Hearst to me.

GSKChicago Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

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.

Gabe Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I can confirm that the car pictured above is BUTT-UGLY!

Of course… it’s a heavily disguised prototype built for testing mechnicals. You have to look beyond the mis-matched body panels and all the tape when you see something like this. The overall shape is what’s so telling in these photos.

Pete/MyMini Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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

Kurt Collins Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I actually like the general look – I can see it as a good compliment to my 2005 MCS – I’d most likely use it as a business car for my business as I have to run around all over the place – please let them have this car in a diesel for the US market!

Camelpilot Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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

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

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

Jaffrey Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Let’s hope it will look better when it finally comes out.

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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

Sorry, but I am confused, just what is that take a look photo supposed to show? That the back end is square too?

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2005 Link

oh, I just noticed tha the pic in the abouve link has dual exhaust

Crush Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Sign me up, I’ll take 2 :)

drew Sep 6th, 2005 Link

too soon to really pass judgment on this, but it makes me both happy and sad to see the mini expand like this. i for one am more upset at the passing of the supercharger than the expansion of the line…

• drew

Allan Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Whoa.. It looks like a smaller Land Rover.

xplode Sep 6th, 2005 Link

of course it’s hard to tell the shape from a mule, but the front end looks increasingly worrying for me. is it really all cladding?

anyhow, the stationwagon look doesn’t do it for me, but that’s true about the wagon version of the classic as well. unless they did a real woody…

however, with the panels covering the sides on the mule, something that hits me is a van version would work wonderfully. i also like the clasic van so that could have something to do with it… i’m talking real panels though, not covered up windows…

Mike Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Hey Gabe, all,

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

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.

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.

New dashboard 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.

Estate lives again! 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.

Bob Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Anyone know how the Estate sold in the old Mini?

Steve Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

GMINI Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Gotta say that’s one wicked looking MINI. Great for taking up more parking space.

Zeke Wright Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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…. shrug

Radiationman Sep 6th, 2005 Link

[quote]however, with the panels covering the sides on the mule, something that hits me is a van version would work wonderfully. i also like the clasic van so that could have something to do with it… i’m talking real panels though, not covered up windows.[/quote]

My thought was also that it looked more van-like than wagon like.

Based on the general shape and size that seems to be inferred by the design, I’d say this was aimed directly at the PT Cruiser and Scion Xb crowds.

If those two cars can do well then I think there’s a future for this variant of the MINI…

TJM Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Terrible, awful, horrible. Here comes the end of MINI.

mataku Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Doesn’t look bad, although I hope they change the front up a little bit more. Definitely don’t want it too look too closely like the 3 door or else someone might get a surprise when it’s taking a left turn.

jAKE Sep 6th, 2005 Link

tHAT IS ONE OF THE UGLIESTTHINKS i HAVE SEEN SINCE THE AZTEK

fj0 Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I don’t like that, at all.

Pepe Sep 6th, 2005 Link

JUST AWFUL!!! MINI: PLEASE DONT MAKE THINGS LIKE THAT!!!

Z4MINI Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Plastic cladding aside….I like it.

I can’t understand why people are saying it is ugly. It basically looks like a MINI…except a little longer.

Maybe people are just looking at the VERY OBVIOUS camoflage cladding and thinking that is really the shape of the car? I dunno, but it is OK by me.

Besides the classic MINI had “estate” versions, and they didn’t look bad at all. I am not concerned.

Nathaniel Salzman Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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).

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.

RB Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Gabe,

I’m sending the Dutch translation to you. My daughter did the translation.

RB

Chris Sep 6th, 2005 Link

This is most surely the end of the True MINI.

Mini’s weren’t made to hold a lot of stuff…

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

When you upgrade, you leave a lot of people behind.

RB Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Sorry a bit late on the translation……..RB

Nathaniel Salzman Sep 6th, 2005 Link

When you upgrade, you leave a lot of people behind.

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.

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.

Alex Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I’m all for bringing the MINI to more people! I think it’ll look good, but I don’t know how you can judge spy shots.

Evan Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

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.

Great MINI news!

Seth L Sep 6th, 2005 Link

There’s my second car should I ever get married and have kids.

Chad Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

Mat Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Hi all,

Any chance this Mini is going to be launched in Europe before automn 2007? I have to admit I actually do like the shape of it… Thanx,

M.

GoMiniGo Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Well, that is very well disguised….

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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

Also, the sun visors look bigger than my ‘02. Is that something that has already been modified on the ‘05?

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.

Alan

CFMINI Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Is it lengthened enough for the MINI to be legal for the WRC??

Matt Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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?

Frank Sep 6th, 2005 Link

I love it!!!!!!!!!

This is exactly what we have been waiting for!

But MINI, why still 2 years away?????

Sign us up. This MINI EXT is going to be the ultimate “anti-SUV” middle finger statement on the road.

JAG Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

kangamini Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Ayyyyyy!! The Bells!! The Bells!!!!

Greg W Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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?

Frank Sep 6th, 2005 Link

JAG, your “egocentric” comments are very sorry to say the least.

John P. Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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

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)?

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?

Christopher Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Great….. it looks like Grandpa’s casket will fit perfectly!!!!!

Vanwall Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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

         BCNU,
        Rob in Dago

Sean Bancroft Sep 6th, 2005 Link

This might just be what I will buy as my “utiility” type vehicle. I was thinking A3 but this new MINI may change things.

Christopher Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

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

Christopher Sep 6th, 2005 Link

A big ole MINI like that really isn’t a MINI anymore is it? It’s a MAXI….Go ahead MINI and confuse the public with your branding!!! VW will love you for it!!!

JAG Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

Rocketboy Sep 6th, 2005 Link

So far, so good.. without extending the brand, we will be stuck driving the same MINI Coopers for the next 40 yrs.. I just hope that they don’t just copy the interiors for all the cars. Each variant should be distinct (but similar) on the outside, and the inside.

Gabe Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Are they planning on only manufacturing one wheelbase, and slapping a different body atop?

No.

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

Yes.

Is the entire new MINI line going to be on the extended wheelbase/platform?

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.

nrkist Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

Word up, JAG. But I think the dilution of the MINI brand is already well into its death spiral. Many trace its beginning to the detuning of the suspension for the US market after the first year of production. While this was clearly a bad move, I feel things went clearly and irreversibly south for the brand with the introduction of an automatic transmission on the S. After that sacrilege, who cares what body style variants they introduce. Game over.

Vanwall Sep 6th, 2005 Link

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.

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.

        BCNU,
      Rob in Dago

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2005 Link

One thing that I think that people are forgetting is that this is a brand just like Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge…. MINI. So, it is trying to get market share just like any other Brand. Each model has it’s own spirit. That’s what makes them different. Just because Ford makes trucks , minivans, cars and compacts it doesn’t dilute the brand, just makes it stronger. By diversification it is gaining more market share and becoming better.

And for all of those hearse comments, which car would you rather them carry your body to the cementary in? This or a Cadillac/Lincoln?
Me I’m MINI! (wouldn’t that make a great t-shirt?)

I like It!

I would love to see a jacked up AWD ralley edition! Yeah!!!!

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2005 Link

Wouldn’t this look cool chopped into a fastback like this

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2005 Link

or this!

Gabe Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Off topic:

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.

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.

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.

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

Jonathan Graves Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Stop freaking out – It’s not the next Mini, it’s the wagon version. The original version was called the Mini Clubman. This is the second extension of the Mini franchise beyond the convertible. I had a friend who owned a Clubman and it was ace!

jon

Vanwall Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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.

http://motor.terra.es/addon/img/motor/15f70c4mini3g.jpg

Bad juju with that name.

BCNU,

Rob in Dago

Eelke Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Can I just say how funny it is that people now start to comment on the size? Over here in Holland, where the classic is much more common, parking your classic along side a Mini2 is a sure-fire way to get people to give comments like “It isn’t really ‘mini’ at all, is it?”

The whole “New New Mini” thing is very quickly becoming a deja-vue experience for classic owners. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Join the club, guys :)

I don’t see the problem. There was a long wheel-base version of the classic as well, and this will allow people that are now selling their Mini’s because it just is not practical anymore when they start building a family to trade their saloon in for a “family Mini”.

John P: don’t worry, this is a new, more roomy variant, just like the convertible is a more “airy” variant ;) It will be placed along side the direct replacement for the current Mini. Outright replacing the current Mini with this would be a very bad idea.

nrkist Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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

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.

Ian F Sep 7th, 2005 Link

I’m looking forward to seeing final production versions. Bring it over in a diesel version. Although a diesel pick-up version would also be fun as a second utility car. Granted, I don’t see the ‘03 MCS going anywhere….

John P. Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Gabe and Eelke,

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).

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.

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!

RB Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Eelke,

I’m just back from Holland, Hilversum, and I noticed very few MINI’s. I think I saw only 10 in 3 weeks there. I think I saw more Deux Chevaux’s than MINI’s. Most Dutch I talked with, my MINI T shirts brought up the subject, suggested they felt the car was ugly.

On subject I’d say my biggest complaint with this vehicle is that front overhang. I guess it’s for the pedestrian laws in Europe but I’ll stick with my ‘04. Maybe it’s just camouflage.

Jag,

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.

JAG Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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…???

RB Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Jag………………

First……..you meant to send your comment to RB not Eelke.

Second I don’t do battle with people with dull swords, and yours is obviously broken.

RB

JAG Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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.

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Hey RB, I think that if someone got JAG one of those coats that the MINI people wear he would probably chill.

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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

Autoweek’s take on the differences between BMW and MINI’s corporate structure.

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.

Nathan Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Hey, is JAG really Jim from Ohio in disguise? Very sneaky Jim, very sneaky. Can’t we all just get along?

Crush Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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.

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.

JAG Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Nathan, I am in Miami and still looking for a twisty road here in the everglades. So no Jim in disguise. The thing is that some prefer to go off topic and start getting personal. What I want is a smart exchange about the MINI branding and how or if future models will affect what MINI has accomplished in its positioning campaign, for others is if I like Vanilla or to do battle or not. Which is really funny by itself. Lets move on and love to everybody.

David Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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”.

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?

Frank Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Thank you David.

Hey JAG, have we met before? Have you come to our meets here in Miami?

RB Sep 7th, 2005 Link

I’ve bought 3 (THREE) MINI’s how about you?

Thank you also David. Right on!

RB

JAG Sep 7th, 2005 Link

David, more or less that is what I am saying, MINI in its niche market, like Ferrari, Aston Martin or in a rare case, Porsche, are names that inspire by just hearing them. Their history and heritage, as some old championships under their belts, makes the brand more desirable, so I do not imagine myself all excited about a station wagon or pick up. I could be wrong, time will tell.

Frank, so you are in Miami, that is great, no I haven’t been to any meet yet but I was hoping to go once I stop traveling a little. I will drop you a line to see if we can meet.

JAG Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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

“”I’ve bought 3 (THREE) MINI’s how about you?”"

Excuse me? Did I hear vanilla THREE times??

Nostrodamus Sep 7th, 2005 Link

Welll kiddies, lets stop the fighting and start motoring.

Some ideas such as the clubman are better off dead. Its ugly and ruins the brand! I predict that if MINI keeps trying to produce MAXI cars…MINI will drive itself into extinction and be nothing but a fad by 2010.

You heard it here first kiddies!

rednwhitecooper Sep 7th, 2005 Link

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

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!”

deal with it people, there were other models besides a 2 door.

rednwhitecooper Sep 7th, 2005 Link

BTW, i really like how they tried to hide the rear doors by taping all the gaps over and adding 2 more B pillars the rear windows!!! LOL

MauiMini Sep 10th, 2005 Link

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 this is how the new Mini will look, I’ll be ordering on ASAP!

MauiMini Sep 10th, 2005 Link

I think the new Mininew Mini looks GREAT! I WANT ONE NOW!

malibumini Sep 11th, 2005 Link

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!

mike Sep 18th, 2005 Link

looks like an elephant stepped on the top of a black PT Cruiser and this is what you got…horrible looking car.

akcowboy Oct 22nd, 2005 Link

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.
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.