Comments on: The New MINI Keeps the Clamshell Hood http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:28:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Rocketboy http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31903 Rocketboy Thu, 16 Feb 2006 01:26:48 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31903 <p>I'm just worried that the headlight assembly will be sunk in from the bonnet, making it a rather nice snow/mud/salt residue collector. Although I am glad that the fender flairs are static. That's a alignment issue on my MINI...</p> <p>Erik...</p> I’m just worried that the headlight assembly will be sunk in from the bonnet, making it a rather nice snow/mud/salt residue collector. Although I am glad that the fender flairs are static. That’s a alignment issue on my MINI…

Erik…

]]> By: tim http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31771 tim Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:17:46 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31771 <p>I guess it's just one more reason to never sell one of our current mini's. I agree I like the lights going with the hood. I find it looks pretty cool and my son's friends think it looks like a race car with bonnet up.</p> <p>Tim</p> I guess it’s just one more reason to never sell one of our current mini’s. I agree I like the lights going with the hood. I find it looks pretty cool and my son’s friends think it looks like a race car with bonnet up.

Tim

]]> By: George http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31752 George Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:25:20 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31752 <p>Well, one thing's for sure - more gaps. I hope at least they're small ones!</p> Well, one thing’s for sure – more gaps. I hope at least they’re small ones!

]]> By: RandyBMC http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31745 RandyBMC Tue, 14 Feb 2006 04:16:37 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31745 <p>Anyone notice that not only the headlights remain, but the fender flares as well? On the current bonnet, the entire fender, headlight, etc. is part of the unit - when it is lifted, just the fender liner remains. Another alignment issue, or sheer brilliance??</p> Anyone notice that not only the headlights remain, but the fender flares as well? On the current bonnet, the entire fender, headlight, etc. is part of the unit – when it is lifted, just the fender liner remains. Another alignment issue, or sheer brilliance??

]]> By: George http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31688 George Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:53:55 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31688 <p>Never thought of that. What a "health" risk then! At least they're still keeping the diagonal shutline which clerverly recalls the weld flange on the original.</p> Never thought of that. What a “health” risk then! At least they’re still keeping the diagonal shutline which clerverly recalls the weld flange on the original.

]]> By: Stevie http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31676 Stevie Sun, 12 Feb 2006 17:07:37 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31676 <p>What bugs me is the big gap they'll need around the headlamps to accomodate for alignment tolerances and hood overslam. Gone forever now is the clean and tight, no gap design of the current setup where the chrome frame is right up against the lens. And...heaven help those who grap the open headlight hole in the hood to pull it shut... Whoops! There go my fingers! Yikes!</p> What bugs me is the big gap they’ll need around the headlamps to accomodate for alignment tolerances and hood overslam. Gone forever now is the clean and tight, no gap design of the current setup where the chrome frame is right up against the lens. And…heaven help those who grap the open headlight hole in the hood to pull it shut… Whoops! There go my fingers! Yikes!

]]> By: Liam http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31673 Liam Sun, 12 Feb 2006 10:31:09 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31673 <p>I know a few people have had problems with faulty xenons, I wonder if these problems will be less prevalent if the xenons are now fixed to the body work and not undergoing the stresses involved with opening and closing the bonnet.</p> <p>Good get.</p> I know a few people have had problems with faulty xenons, I wonder if these problems will be less prevalent if the xenons are now fixed to the body work and not undergoing the stresses involved with opening and closing the bonnet.

Good get.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31667 Gabe Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:28:21 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31667 <p>LOL - that's a great way for AutoExpress to save face!</p> LOL – that’s a great way for AutoExpress to save face!

]]> By: flyboy2160 http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31665 flyboy2160 Sat, 11 Feb 2006 18:53:33 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31665 <p>has anyone else noticed how the top of the stuff in the engine bay of the open hood car seems much, much lower than the the hoods on the closed cars? on the open hood car, the engine stuff looks below the top of the headlights, while the closed hood is way above the top of the headlights.</p> <p>this looks like the stupid euro safety nazi nanny space. i suspect that the aftermarket will sell lots of hoods that are lower and have more rake in the grill, like the current car.</p> has anyone else noticed how the top of the stuff in the engine bay of the open hood car seems much, much lower than the the hoods on the closed cars? on the open hood car, the engine stuff looks below the top of the headlights, while the closed hood is way above the top of the headlights.

this looks like the stupid euro safety nazi nanny space. i suspect that the aftermarket will sell lots of hoods that are lower and have more rake in the grill, like the current car.

]]> By: PetrolHead http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31659 PetrolHead Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:45:34 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31659 <p>Hi</p> <p>AutoExpress are currently running the following story on their website.</p> <p>http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/64323/cover_is_blown_on_minis_nose_job.html</p> <p>[Quote]</p> <p>"And the picture in this week's mag reveals conclusively that the BMW-owned baby's trademark clamshell design has been dropped in favour of a more conventional panel"</p> Hi

AutoExpress are currently running the following story on their website.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/64323/cover_is_blown_on_minis_nose_job.html

[Quote]

“And the picture in this week’s mag reveals conclusively that the BMW-owned baby’s trademark clamshell design has been dropped in favour of a more conventional panel”

]]> By: Greg W http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31656 Greg W Sat, 11 Feb 2006 07:28:10 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31656 <p>Well spotted Bob. Yes the current MINI is the only car where you can use your headlights as sky searchlights.</p> Well spotted Bob. Yes the current MINI is the only car where you can use your headlights as sky searchlights.

]]> By: Evan http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31628 Evan Fri, 10 Feb 2006 17:56:48 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31628 <p>I'll just say that I am very happy that the clamshell will be retained. It is a fine point on the current MINI. It is also probably cheaper to attach the headlights to the body and not to the bonnet. I trust MINI and BMW's alignment expertise on making it look good.</p> <p>Thanks for listening MINI!</p> I’ll just say that I am very happy that the clamshell will be retained. It is a fine point on the current MINI. It is also probably cheaper to attach the headlights to the body and not to the bonnet. I trust MINI and BMW’s alignment expertise on making it look good.

Thanks for listening MINI!

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31620 Gabe Fri, 10 Feb 2006 16:36:52 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31620 <blockquote> <p>any word on when the 07’s will make their debut at an Auto Show … NY maybe? … or is that too early.</p> </blockquote> <p>That would be too early. Look for the US spec GP to debut at the NYC show in April.</p>

any word on when the 07’s will make their debut at an Auto Show … NY maybe? … or is that too early.

That would be too early. Look for the US spec GP to debut at the NYC show in April.

]]> By: CPatisaul http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31610 CPatisaul Fri, 10 Feb 2006 15:56:41 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31610 <p>You've got it all wrong! The headlights on the chassis are just more mule camouflage.</p> <p>Take a look again, what we are really seeing is the first in-the-wild example of the new roof mounted headlights!</p> <p>-charles</p> You’ve got it all wrong! The headlights on the chassis are just more mule camouflage.

Take a look again, what we are really seeing is the first in-the-wild example of the new roof mounted headlights!

-charles

]]> By: 05DSMCS http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31606 05DSMCS Fri, 10 Feb 2006 15:48:07 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31606 <p>The alignment issue everyone is worried about concerns how the circular openings in the hood sit around the headlights. Any slight mis-alignment of the hood could result in uneven gaps around the lights.</p> The alignment issue everyone is worried about concerns how the circular openings in the hood sit around the headlights. Any slight mis-alignment of the hood could result in uneven gaps around the lights.

]]> By: nina simone http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31603 nina simone Fri, 10 Feb 2006 15:32:12 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31603 <p>Seems the Coopers' bumpers sport flush grills, while S's have recessed lower grills, [not that either are accurate]... No more problems with alignment of our wheel arch trims.</p> <p>enimenimini,- try putting a flashlight in a holder on your beer-can-hat. ;D</p> Seems the Coopers’ bumpers sport flush grills, while S’s have recessed lower grills, [not that either are accurate]… No more problems with alignment of our wheel arch trims.

enimenimini,- try putting a flashlight in a holder on your beer-can-hat. ;D

]]> By: enimenimini http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31595 enimenimini Fri, 10 Feb 2006 14:07:24 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31595 <p>This bit about headlihts not being incorporated in the bonnet is certainly disconcerting. It will have an adverse effect on my coon hunting, as now i will be forced to hold a flashlight in one hand, while firing rifle with the other!</p> This bit about headlihts not being incorporated in the bonnet is certainly disconcerting. It will have an adverse effect on my coon hunting, as now i will be forced to hold a flashlight in one hand, while firing rifle with the other!

]]> By: Nick http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31593 Nick Fri, 10 Feb 2006 12:59:46 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31593 <p>Help me out with the "alignment issue" being a problem when the headlights don't move or get slammed around when opening/closing the current bonnet.Thanks.</p> Help me out with the “alignment issue” being a problem when the headlights don’t move or get slammed around when opening/closing the current bonnet.Thanks.

]]> By: nervous http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31587 nervous Fri, 10 Feb 2006 11:29:27 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31587 <p>A little "nah nah nah-nah nah" is good healthy fun. Great job on the continuingly accurate scoopidge! Thanks!</p> A little “nah nah nah-nah nah” is good healthy fun. Great job on the continuingly accurate scoopidge! Thanks!

]]> By: Bill http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/comment-page-1/#comment-31585 Bill Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:28:19 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/the-new-mini-keeps-the-clamshell-hood/#comment-31585 <blockquote>Note that the car with the bonnet open appears to have a mirror with turn-indicator built in - like the current mini in the Japanese market (others?).</blockquote> <blockquote> All of the R56s I have seen personally at the factory DO NOT have turn signals in the side mirrors, this however doesn't mean that it wont be an option, as I haven't witnessed every mule being built. I can however tell you that the side mirrors are MASSIVE in comparrison to the current model range! p.s I've never seen a Mini with turn signals in the mirror, even Jap models! - and I work there 4 days out of every 7!!</blockquote> Note that the car with the bonnet open appears to have a mirror with turn-indicator built in – like the current mini in the Japanese market (others?).
All of the R56s I have seen personally at the factory DO NOT have turn signals in the side mirrors, this however doesn’t mean that it wont be an option, as I haven’t witnessed every mule being built. I can however tell you that the side mirrors are MASSIVE in comparrison to the current model range! p.s I’ve never seen a Mini with turn signals in the mirror, even Jap models! – and I work there 4 days out of every 7!!
]]>