The Next Generation MINI to Debut Monday

Sections: MF Feature | R55 (Clubman) | Rumor Sep 8th, 2005 59 Comments

Expect the next generation MINI to debut in the form of an extended wheelbase concept and not the hardtop coupe which will be released late next year. That appears to be the word from the inside (and confirmed by Autoweek). Jordan (a Mini2 member from the UK) has acquired the following statement from a MINI/BMW Source:

Yes this (the extended wheel base MINI) will be unveiled next Monday at the IAA (Frankfurt Autoshow). The car will be the next generation MINI or at least a variant of it. But with the success of the current MINI, we are now able to be more adventurous and flexible with MINI.

While the image above is only an Auto Bild rendering of what we may see, it appear that the general shape is spot on based on the spy photos we’ve recently seen.

According to the same source the much rumored special edition MCS lightweight will also be debuting at Frankfurt on Monday. We’ll have a few more bits of info on that car tomorrow.

There’s no word on when the final official 2007 MINI (the R56) will debut in it’s standard hardtop coupe form… but the Geneva autoshow in March would be a good guess. Regardless, we’ll keep you updated in the days and months ahead on all things R56.

[ Autoweek's Take on the MINI Wagon ] MotoringFile

[ Next Generation MINI Revealed ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

59 Comments

dickdavid Sep 8th, 2005 Link

It’s not very pretty, but I’d get it before a Matrix.

Ben A. Sep 8th, 2005 Link

As was said before in an earlier MotoringFile article, “chunky and funky”. You won’t catch me driving one… that silver accent panel around the boot looks terrible! Hopefully there will be options available to make it look a bit more like a traditional MINI…

JAG Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Mmm, Yummie, yummie. Just kidding, is not vanilla. In CAR magzine they have an interesting article of the possible different variations, maybe Gabe can post some lines of the most interesting especulations. Enjoy

Gabe Sep 8th, 2005 Link

In CAR magzine they have an interesting article of the possible different variations, maybe Gabe can post some lines of the most interesting especulations. Enjoy

This information was posted quite a while back when it was first released by the German automotive press. Try doing a search in the top right.

kad Sep 8th, 2005 Link

is this a photo or a mock up?

Nostrodamus Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Yes, I think Grandpa’s casket will fit!!!!!

Z Sep 8th, 2005 Link

That’s craptastic!

Bruce Sep 8th, 2005 Link

… that silver accent panel around the boot looks terrible! …

I like it! If you are at all familiar with the history of the Mini marque, it’s clear that the silver accent is meant to invoke the contrasting look of the wood trim on the classic Mini Traveller/Countryman wagons. Click to take a look at the rear of this classic Mini estate wagon and you’ll see the family resemblance.

GMINI Sep 8th, 2005 Link

AutoBuild = Photoshop

Ryan Sep 8th, 2005 Link

I like it. I don’t know if I would buy one, but it’s a nice addition to the Mini Family. The contrasting rear pillers in silver is a very nice touch. Would be interesting to know how it handles compared to our current wheelbase.

RML Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Well, this is pretty unexpected – and exciting!!

Chris M Sep 8th, 2005 Link

I like it! The vertically split tailgate is cool, and they’ve done a great job with the roofline.

I’m waiting for someone to complain about the taillights :-)

Vanwall Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Autoweek was saying the show car will be a woody version. Cool! Hope it’s good English ash like the original!

          BCNU,
        Rob in Dago

Josh Wardell Sep 8th, 2005 Link

I’m treating (hoping) this like an Apple release. The features and specs are pretty accurate, but the mockups steer you in the wrong way. You are surprised when you see the real thing, and it is so much better. I sure hope that is the case here.

Luke Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Do tell me this is a joke. That car looks nothing like an ogre in the world of Minis.

I never had an interest in cars until I was finally in the market for one and discovered the joys of Mini Coopers. Their unique style and driving experiance. I am very happy with my Mini Cooper S but would like to one day be able to get another one with everything I want in it when I can afford it.. But if that thing is the future of Minins, won’t be happening.

I do hope this is a joke. Especially considering the fact that the only thing that sells Minis is their cute appearance. That thing is not cute at all.

Damon Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Well, I always thought all the original MINI variants looked Frankenstein like. The Clubman and Moke etc all looked like some amateur took a blow torch and created his Hotwheels dream hodgepodge. No offense to those MINI enthusiasts who like them. At least MINI is staying true to the orignal frumpyiness.

Maybe there will be a “Menny Hill” variant?

Stephen Chavez Sep 9th, 2005 Link

At times some things must be left alone. WHY OH WHY IS MINI FVCKing up such a good thing. Lets see less than 5 years ago we got the new mini as we know it, and it is GREAT. Now that it is done it seem like every creative brain cell has died and show in this new mini. Tradition is something that should not be let go so quickly. In a era where change is constant and nothing is forever, one must hold onto a good thing and not try to change continually like everything else. How much did the 1st mini change from the a 1992 model…….. Mini is an ICON not some model hoping P.O.S. I totally dislike this new mock up and feel that MINI should be small, and it is not for everyone…. and no one can say every care is for everyone……. if you want your body style to change every four years get a Mitsubishsi….. not a MINI

I am glad i have my 04. Seems like 07 is the year that MINI becomes a bit PILE.

Alex Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I’d rather the MINI updated than go the route of the Beetle…

Alext Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I’d rather the MINI be updated than go the route of the Beetle…

mataku Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I think mini needs to go for a smaller variant and I don’t mean roadster. I need a MINI xS, I feel as though my MINI is too big and heavy.

David Bunting Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Mataku: I’m in 100% agreement with you.

The MINI isn’t very mini, it’s just shorter. My Jetta VR6 had the same wheelbase and the same track width, just more overhang.

Ideally, i’d like to see a MINI that was about 10-12″ shorter and 8-10″ narrower. Granted that wouldn’t get us to classic mini size, but it would be a nice middle ground.

Eelke Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I honestly hope this is nothing like what will be shown at the IAA. I do like the idea of a Mini Estate, but this latest mock-up is horrible. I am putting my hopes on that it is “just” a mock-up and does noet resemble reality very acurately.

Mierin Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I don’t like the picture above all that much, but we’ll see what the actual new MINI variant looks like soon enough. My first impression is that it looks like a practical vehicle for someone who has kids to chauffeur around, does a week’s worth of grocery shopping for a family of 6, likes camping, and still wants to have fun driving.

I’m obviously not the target demographic, so what I think may not matter all that much! :-)

mataku Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Mataku: I’m in 100% agreement with you.

yah, often times I am ashamed to tell my friends that my car weights 2700lbs. My sisters Accord only weighs about 3000lbs. Also, I parked next to a miata the other day and I didn’t feel so MINI. I would like them to make it a little shorter as well. (sorry tall people).

Rob Livesey Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I agree. Make the MINI truly mini. Otherwise it’s gonna eventually bloat like the VW Gold did.

Rob Livesey Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I mean Golf. Ahem.

Frank Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Some of you sound like a bunch of crybabies!

I love the MINI wagon concept, bring it on!

Mark Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I think the interior design of the next generation coupled with this thing, is just going to kill the mini. I understand change is unavoidable, that is life, but I hope they listen to the people. I am pretty sure that the mini I have now will be the last one I own. I think I might just go buy a BMW and call it quits.

Ian F Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I agree with Frank. A slightly larger MINI with a turbo-diesel would be right up my alley. We already have an MCS and as much as I’d like a second one, it wouldn’t be practical.

Steve Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Bring it on. I’ll trade my ‘06 MC for a woody in 3 years. BTW, where is the new US MINI mag?

Luke K Sep 9th, 2005 Link

First off, this is just a rendering. Some of the most creative automotive designer masterminds are behind this project. Secondly, MINI’s don’t just sell because of their “cute appearance.” If MINIs were just about being cute, why not sell them with a poke-a-dot pretty in pink package? MINI sells because it’s fun. The sense of community that comes with a MINI is priceless, and BMW knows this. I would be very surpised if the “honda element” look of the new clubman will actually be what is shown at the frankfurt auto show, I don’t think MINI/BMW is that stupid.

TSizemore3 Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I think everyone should calm down and ease up on the rhetoric. You won’t know what it will actually look like until MINI chooses to release photos of the production version. Even cars caught with little camoflage on them can change markedly upon production release.

Once you see one in the sheetmetal and still don’t like it – then you can bitch!

BIG BEN Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Luke said, “I do hope this is a joke. Especially considering the fact that the only thing that sells Minis is their cute appearance. That thing is not cute at all.”

Um, Apparently Luke has not driven a MINI. It is not the cute appearance as he mentioned, but the go kart handling that made me want to buy one.

Frankly, I am suprised no one else jumped on that comment.

fdavid Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I am not too sure about having different variations to a MINI. Oneof the things that drove me to buy this car was that theres only one body therefore it doesn’t turn into a “which mini do you have?,the pickup truck, or the four door?. Neither, just a Mini”

JAG Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Gabe, this excact picture is in the CAR magazine article of September that’s why my observation. Keep up the good job!

JAG Sep 9th, 2005 Link

These are the possible MINI models mentioned in the magazine: Three door hacthback (MkII)Longer and roomier, new chasis. Five door hacthback, based on the MkII Two door convertible MkII Two door speedster MkII Two door coupe (speedster but with hardtop) Two door MINI Moke (a roofless, doorless) Three door Hunter SUV Three door clubman Traveller (boxier clubman) Two door pick-up Four door MiniCross SUV Five door MiniVan Five door retro Countryman

Not bad for a broad range. Some are looong shots somer are more factible.

Bob Sep 9th, 2005 Link

That Mini in the picture looks terrible! Mini is headed downhill if they release that garbage.

John Sep 9th, 2005 Link

okay, Take a Dodge Magnum, cut out the middle and stick i back together…..

This one may be good for my wife but not for me. I’ll take the R56 and be done, thank you…..

RB Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I think it’s rather nice looking, not sure of the light area that goes into the roof line but I think it follows the MINI look rather well.

Can’t for the life of me see what all the turmoil is about. As stated here many times and if any of you did your homework on the brand you’d know this ain’t new stuff. It also seems as if some of you don’t really read what has been said but just want to spout off.

You don’t like the designs fine but some of these comments are just asinine.

But then that’s what a comment section is for isn’t it.

Gabe Sep 9th, 2005 Link

RB – well said man!

UUNetBill Sep 9th, 2005 Link

“I am not too sure about having different variations to a MINI. Oneof the things that drove me to buy this car was that theres only one body therefore it doesn’t turn into a “which mini do you have?,the pickup truck, or the four door?. Neither, just a Mini”

So there aren’t endless discussions about what MINI is better, the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper S Convertible. . .that’s already four variations – I think a few more options is only going to be good for the marque – choice is good.

GMINI Sep 9th, 2005 Link

That rear end does not long with a MINI’s front end. I find it more offensive every time i look at it.

Please MINI, do not release a POS like that on Monday. And if you do, please call it concept.

Bill Lawrence Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Veeeeerrry interesting……..

At least they are trying to be different. It keeps with the Mini tradition of looking somewhat odd, next to it’s hatchback cousin.

If I needed more space, it would be at the top of my list. The barn doors are cool and the roof line is growing on me. The bumper treatment is sorry. Let’s hope that part is better than it is in this rendering.

Nicholas P Sep 9th, 2005 Link

from above poster: “Especially considering the fact that the only thing that sells Minis is their cute appearance.”

the fact that they can outslalom a boxster doesn’t sell them? the fact that they have bmw build quality and options at under 20k doesn’t sell them?

i didn’t buy my MINI because it’s appearance (tho i love the look)…i bought it for the fun driving experience

ocho9 Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I have no clue as to what you all are complaining about. The car looks just like a MINI with a slightly boxier back end. I had a MINI and can honestly say I never liked the way it looked. Everyone said it was cute and I never even saw that. The reason I had it was that it drove great. So this car may or may not drive great. But it doesn’t look that much different. Obbiously a larger version is going to look different. I am sure the front looks the same.

Evan Sep 9th, 2005 Link

At least we’re all passionate about MINIs.

Anyways, I’m waiting for the REAL pictures. I could do my own mock up and ask you what you thought, but it wouldn’t necessarily be very accurate. Renderings of new models are just that.

Also, the MINI is as mini as it can be. To get the required safety standards into a mini package gives one the size of the current MINI which is still wicked small considering the sizes of the next biggest cars. And what things would you ditch for size? The extremely good impact protection? I don’t think so. I love my MINI b/c it is small and safe- and a blast to drive.

Let’s all reserve judgement of the new MINI and its variants until we see it first hand.

Gabe- thanks again for the updates and now you’ve made this one very LONG weekend…

GMINI Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I want to register specificly what i don’t like in the photo above. I do not like one bit the way the roof color has found its way along the A and C pillars and onto the back (and i surmise the front as well) bumpers. I will be glued to MotoringFile in the wee hours of Monday morning awaiting the verdict. I find it sad that the man who designed our cars may well have had no input into its future incarnation. But that is the way…

Oh and I don’t like the space age rear lamps or the afterthought of a gold encircled fender vent.

(I hope this mockup is far from what i see on the mINI floor on Monday.)

Bruce Sep 9th, 2005 Link

My thoughts: the people who complain the loudest about the concept shown at the top of this thread are the newest members of the MiNi family (upper and lowercase used to denote the entire, 46-year history of the brand). I find it ironic that some people think the current MINI is a very small car and anything a bit bigger isn’t somehow MINI-like. The truth is that current MINI is gigantic compared to the original Mini, and that’s okay. A little bigger MINI wagon is not the end of the world.

Rocketboy Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Ok.. As much as I may not be all into all of the changes in the Cooper and the Cooper S, do you really want the MINI brand to stagnate like the origonal MINI? Or the old Beatle? If we want to be able to buy a new MINI Cooper in 20 years, MINI/BMW better damn well make more than the Cooper bodystyle.

Nick Reynolds Sep 10th, 2005 Link

I must say, even though the final car won’t look like the rendering. I don’t like the 2 doors that swing out like a Yukon in the back, nor the dual exhust. But i’m not the target market for this car. And i don’t like the idea of an extended wheel base mini, but of coruse if i was BMW, i’d make it anyway. Because it will sell, i know this because this is what I do.

thanks Nick http://www.5speed.net

Bruce Sep 10th, 2005 Link

I don’t like the 2 doors that swing out like a Yukon in the back,

Hmmm… Perhaps if you adjust your frame of reference from Yukon to this classic Mini wagon instead you’ll get a new perspective.

Nostrodamus Sep 10th, 2005 Link

Those taillights suck!

Gabe Sep 10th, 2005 Link

heh… RB you were saying ;-)

RB Sep 11th, 2005 Link

Yes indeed……..LORD!

Amanda Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I don’t know if its because the mock-up is in Silk Green or what, but I like this version. I am so hoping for barn doors in the rear, and not sure about the silver wrapping the boot, but overall- its different and about the only wagon I would ever even think about purchasing. I can’t wait to see the official concept car!

fdavid Sep 12th, 2005 Link

found some pics at NAM http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50729

Gabe Sep 12th, 2005 Link

fdavid – if you take a look at the MotoringFile front page you’ll see we posted a large article with a full gallery of the new MINI Cconcept early this morning.

fdavid Sep 12th, 2005 Link

oh ok…ooops.

alex Nov 8th, 2007 Link

i think this is the best mini created it looks amazing i think it will be awsome to drive if it handles as well as the mini one and it would be a great car for when i have kids as it has easy acess for puting things in especialy the easy acess to the boot i think its wiked so screw all u people who think its a crap car you obviosly dont know wat a good car looks like

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The Next Generation MINI to Debut Monday

Sections: MF Feature | R55 (Clubman) | Rumor Sep 8th, 2005 59 Comments

Written By: Gabe

59 Comments

dickdavid Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Ben A. Sep 8th, 2005 Link

JAG Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Gabe Sep 8th, 2005 Link

kad Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Nostrodamus Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Z Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Bruce Sep 8th, 2005 Link

GMINI Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Ryan Sep 8th, 2005 Link

RML Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Chris M Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Vanwall Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Josh Wardell Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Luke Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Damon Sep 8th, 2005 Link

Stephen Chavez Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Alex Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Alext Sep 9th, 2005 Link

mataku Sep 9th, 2005 Link

David Bunting Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Eelke Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Mierin Sep 9th, 2005 Link

mataku Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Rob Livesey Sep 9th, 2005 Link

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