Extended Wheelbase MINI Spotted

Sections: In the Press | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) Sep 6th, 2005 96 Comments

Here it is folks… the first clear spy shots of the upcoming extended wheel-base MINI. Autowereld (and Dutch publication) has the scoop. Unfortunately our Dutch is a little rusty so let me talk a bit about what we do know and what these photos confirm.

While this prototype is heavily disguised with copious amounts tacked on black plastic, we can immediately see several tell-tale signs of the new four door MINI. First off is the extended wheelbase which will allow for three and most likely four doors. The multi-door design is reportedly similar to what BMW uses for the Rolls Royce Phantom which allows the rear doors to be opened independently of the front (unlike the Mazda RX8 for example) . Then there’s the slightly taller roof and more square rear hatch. This should allow for more rear headroom and a taller cargo area. Finally we’re told that this new extended wheel-base MINI will feature a slightly tweaked design language that we’re guessing will be more along the lines of chunky and funky. This will set it apart from the standard R56 coupe, which we should see in the fall of 2006.

We’ve learned that the MINI EXT (our name, not BMW’s) will debut as early as the fall of 2007 (as an ’08 model) and will be closely followed more than one other variant in the years following.

You can read the entire Autowereld.com article below (in Dutch):

[ Eerste spyshots Mini Estate ] Autowereld.com

And just to let you know why we were so insistent that the recent Auto-Bild MINI EXT renderings were spot one… just take a look at how close they are to what appears to be the real thing.

[ Next Generation MINI Revealed ] MotoringFile

Update: Mike was kind enough to translate the Autowereld article from Dutch to English:

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.

Written By: Gabe

jared

Ummm….I’m not sure about that.

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

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

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

is it just me, or does that bonnet look extremely long?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

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.
http://vinreddy.blogspot.com vin
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.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

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

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.
http://www.jayandjennifer.com/minilaunch/ MrV

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

:)
Aaron

I can make a confirmation…

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

Looks like a MINI-Hearst to me.
GSKChicago

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.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

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.
http://www.myminiparts.com Pete/MyMini

Pinnochio has morphed into a MINI! Let’s hope it’s plastic cladding..and what are those little “ripples” under the headlights…?
http://www.squirty.com/kurt Kurt Collins

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

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

Let’s hope it will look better when it finally comes out.
O(=^=)O Capn

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

oh, I just noticed tha the pic in the abouve link has dual exhaust
http://www.dominationthevideo.com Crush

Sign me up, I’ll take 2 :)
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew
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

Whoa.. It looks like a smaller Land Rover.
xplode

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…
http://www.hyperbluemini.com Mike

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

Anyone know how the Estate sold in the old Mini?
Steve

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.
http://www.nemini.org GMINI

Gotta say that’s one wicked looking MINI. Great for taking up more parking space.
http://whitemaleconsumer.com Zeke Wright

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
http://1bystander.blogspot.com/ Radiationman

[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

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

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

tHAT IS ONE OF THE UGLIESTTHINKS i HAVE SEEN SINCE THE AZTEK
fj0

I don’t like that, at all.
Pepe

JUST AWFUL!!! MINI: PLEASE DONT MAKE THINGS LIKE THAT!!!
Z4MINI

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

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

Gabe,

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

RB
http://apartment7a.textamerica.com Chris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
http://www.gominigo.com GoMiniGo

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

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

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?
http://www.minisofmiami.com Frank

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

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.

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