More on Audi’s “MINI Killer”

Mario Mar 11th, 2006 Link

Ouch indeed, very ouch baby.

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Allan Mar 11th, 2006 Link

I like the shooting brake concept. It looks cuet…

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LTZMTOR Mar 11th, 2006 Link

I like this design…WOW…BUT…….the ass end is a bit odd. I wonder where the TT is in all this?

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bluzeke Mar 11th, 2006 Link

Bring it ON!

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g Mar 11th, 2006 Link

Yeah will the shooting brake concept no longer be incorporated into the new TT design?

g

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Trick Mar 11th, 2006 Link

What’s Audi’s tagline?

Always Follow. Never Lead.

No. . . Wait. It’ll come to me.

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groland Mar 11th, 2006 Link

It looks at least 500 pounds heavier than a MINI.

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blalor Mar 11th, 2006 Link

Please explain that revenue per car thing. BMW earned 35,000 euros per car?! How can that be? I mean, the MINI doesn’t cost that much. Yes, it’s an average. So they make approximately one gazillion dollars per 7 series car sold to somehow bring up the overall average? How’s that work?

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minimc Mar 11th, 2006 Link

BMW Corporate Culture?

What an unfortunate & arrogant comment from Mr. Penke! Such attitude & obvious poor judgment … this goes some way to explaining the aloof indifference often shown by BMW/MINI to its customers. It filters down from the top.

As a MINI owner, and someone who’s contemplating another MINI/BMW offering: I don’t give a _ _ _ _ how much profit BMW makes per car sold. I’m a CUSTOMER, not a shareholder.

How shall I interpret the profit differential? Are all BMW customers (myself included) paying too much? Is Audi giving me more car for my $?

A car like the ‘Shooting brake’ concept, one with 4 seats, AWD + VAG Twincharged engine WILL pull me away from MINI.

Unless the MINI ship changes its course I’m outta here. Nothing about the new car makes me think ‘better’ than the MINI I have now.

I doubt I’m alone in this perspective.

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blynch Mar 11th, 2006 Link

It is average revenue per car; not average profit per car…

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Marc Mar 11th, 2006 Link

I think that car looks awesome. Bring it on audi, no doubt you’ll lure some mini owners over to your side.

mb

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GSKChicago Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Blalor-

Revenue refers to actual sales – not profit or income. Correct me if I’m wrong on this Gabe.

If you consider the price point of most BMW’s and then add in the MINI it isn’t hard to imagine E35,000 as an average. Most 7 Series models are high 5-figures here in the states and the 6 isn’t much different. A few large numbers bring up the average of smaller numbers pretty quickly.

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Vanwall Mar 12th, 2006 Link

I’m really beginning to dislike these “snout” designs, and due to the unfortunate syling this one looks heavy as well, even if it isn’t. I prefer some subtlety rather than some designer shoving it in my face; besides, I’ve always felt extreme styling is used to distract from what are usually some kind of shortcomings. Can’t say I would go for this at all.

                 BCNU,
               Rob in Dago

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O(=^=)O Capn Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Sorry, but I have to admit with Gabe. It could only make the MINI better. BMW needs something worth while to bring up innovations. Someone yipping at your heels would bring us AWD, more horsepower, increased quality… VW Golf with it’s “fast” lame attempt isn’t anything that will bring out innovation from the Motoring world. It is just celebrating Mediocrity and labeling it as cool.

Yeah, I want a safty hammer to trick out my MINI, that has BMW clamoring!

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Eric Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Will Audi give this version of the A2 a hood the owner can actually open? The old A2 was ther first car I ever heard about which had a hood the owner couldn’t access. Audi said there were no user servicable parts inside.

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blalor Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Wow, I totally mis-read that quote, then, thinking it was profit or something. (/me shakes head) I need to drink more coffee. :-)

Yeah, that remark is pretty arrogant; “our cars are more expensive than Audi’s” is all he’s saying. He must hate the MINI for bringing that revenue average down. I mean, you can buy two MINIs for the price of the cheapest 3-series (in the US)! Audi’s cars aren’t cheap, either, of course.

I don’t really think of them as a competitor to BMW. In fact, when I see an Audi, I think “oh, that’s just a badge-engineered VW”. And an expensive VW at that. You can’t quite say that about a Lamborghini or Bugatti, however. ;-)

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MINIDryvr Mar 12th, 2006 Link

“groland Mar 11th, 2006 Link

It looks at least 500 pounds heavier than a MINI.”

Just in front overhang : P

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Gabe Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Just in front overhang : P

Wait until you see the new TT. I call it, “Captain Overhang”.

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LTZMTOR Mar 12th, 2006 Link

It seems pretty clear to me that he said…”Revenue Per Car” or average sales ticket ……Not sure where anyone got Profit Per Car?

Some may see the A2 as in your face or too severe but I find it refreshing that some cars are at least trying something beyond the humdrum benign stuff that is car design of late, Chrysler’s 300 a good example of dull design, in my eyes.

We had been a loyal BMW family for 25+ years. We now own a A4 1.8t Quattro/Sports Package. I can only refer to our experience with this Audi and say it has been spot on for 25,000 miles without a sniffle of trouble. Cost wise we pulled out the door with a ton of options for $38,000 that included tax and license. The BMW, even though it was a 6 cylinder was over 40K for a base car.

BMW lost us because they couldn’t compete with this car [A4] price wise and comparable equipment and BMW sales people, at least at two dealerships, were IDIOTS.

I think the new Soltice is a possible challenge and from what I’ve read and seen on TV, a decent handling car. As most know from my past posts I’m not a fan of our, USA, cars. It’s not a MINI though.

I think Gabe is clear that this may be what is needed to push MINI into more choices and better quality, I hope it doesn’t get into the HP race.

My first MCS was a bundle of warranty issues that I finally got resolved after 1 year, my ‘04 MCS has been issue free until the motor failure 1.5 weeks ago. My dealer has had the car for more than a week!!!

I’ll wait and see if the new MINI’ are better looking in person but so far not liking what I see so will keep my ‘04 quite a while.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Verzicht: The above statements are not meant in any way to offend or confront anyone.

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Matthew Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Audi makes a nice car. I have no doubt the A2 will look great and drive well. The problem is Audi’s price point. All of there cars are over prices ESPECIALLY the A3. They’ll probably over price the A2 instead of matching it with the MINI and it’ll die a slow death.

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MINI123 Mar 12th, 2006 Link

I have been a fan of the new MINI since launch in 2001,here in the UK. I, personally think that this new Audi A2 will never compete with the MINI. Purely for the fact that the Audi, in that market segment have not got the brand loyalty, history and following. Gabe, with the comments about 4-wheel drive, well, what are the fundamental driving characteristics of a MINI – front wheel drive! The old MINI revolutionised this technology and I am glad to say that it has continued on the current MINI. So, I say to the comment of having 4-wheel drive on the next MINI – NO WAY!! BMW should continue to keep up the tradition and stick with front wheel drive and NOT offer four-wheel drive! As we have seen other car brands can make a good front wheel drive car like the VW Golf. Keep up the good work BMW!! (About the pricing of the MINI yes it is expensive, but you get what you pay for quality workmanship from BMW, huge entertainment factor and entering into one of the most sort after brands).

MINI123

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Giacomo Mar 12th, 2006 Link

I agree with Vanwall. I no think this car can hurt MINI, because they can not make a cult icon car from zero with a design like this that look too heavy, too “O TT” ;) and too funny rear end. If I want trunk I buy big car, if I want fun I buy MINI. They forgot that successful car must also be to die for! This car stop my heart beating any more! Au Audi! Aaach! They can not do better from zero?

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gokartride Mar 12th, 2006 Link

Different people expect different things out of a MINI competitor. To me, this is not really a viable contender.

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Z4MINI Mar 12th, 2006 Link

I dunno…aiming at the MINI, which have $17-$21 base prices seems pretty downscale for Audi. Probably TOO downscale. It also flys right in the face of VW GTI which seems like a conflict.

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minimc Mar 12th, 2006 Link

From MINI concept to launch & beyond the hot-hatch market has changed a bunch. Power has gone up considerably, as has features and handling — specifically to compete with MINI. The margins are much closer.

The current MINI attracts buyers with its looks, newness & fad-car status. It hooks them with its drive, handling & fun-factor. This is great, but how long does anything stay new, hot & desirable? …Which is what keeps folks coming in for test-drives.

The 2007/08 MCS will sport cosmetic changes inside & out + a slightly longer wheelbase. Aside from the visual functional changes are mainly engine. The new power plant will change some of the MCS’ character. However, switching from a cast-iron-block 1.6L to cast-aluminum block 1.6L, and going from Supercharged to Turbo is hardly revolutionary (damn near lateral on an evolutionary scale).

Is BMW motivated to really improve the existing MINI? If so, what’s motivating them?

If Audi scares BMW into action, then great!

BTW… VAG building Twincharged engines hardly seems like a celebration of mediocrity. Lets see which cars these go in, then decide.

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goonery Mar 13th, 2006 Link

A competitor to the 1 series or baby Alfa maybe, both of which you don’t get to buy in the USA , It shows to me anyway that most manufacturers just can’t figure out the MINI thing at all.

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IanF Mar 13th, 2006 Link

I have a hard time understanding VAG’s product line. Why have competing VW and Audi products?

Can somebody learn SOMETHING from GM’s mistakes???

Has as nothing to do with the car. I think the Shooting Brake concept looks good, aside from being about a foot too long (in the front of course).

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Mark Mar 13th, 2006 Link

Didn’t BMW have a low-slung coup with a vague resemblence to the A2 shooting brake that sold like…… well now, come to think of it, it didn’t sell, and was discontinued in a year or so.

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meb Mar 13th, 2006 Link

It looks too Audi. But that written, nearly 33grand for my lightly loaded 05 JCW??? The Mini’s content falls a bit short and I welcome a little competition…to help keep costs and arrogance in line.

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Marky H Mar 13th, 2006 Link

I think the car sounds great and I am really interested to see what the final product will look like (assuming it goes ahead). Audi have a good track record for putting concepts into production whilst carrying through some of the original ideas – I like it!

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Dave Mar 13th, 2006 Link

I’m sure more than a few MINI enthusiasts wouldn’t mind seeing a more “grown-up” interior. If Audi can combine that with a nice handling package in a smaller car, a good engine offering, and AWD as an option then I think they may be on to something that does indeed threaten MINI.

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MINIme Mar 15th, 2006 Link

MINI is an icon, Audi is an overpriced peripheral brand (at least in the USA). This doesn’t look like a competitor to me. I would be interested to see if they offer the AWD option and push MINI in that direction. I doubt it. In fact, I see the whole MINI thing losing traction (no pun intended). The introduction of the turbo-charged engine is a big turn-off for me. Then again, the drive-by-wire throttle, combined with the supercharger and the DSC, or whatever causes the constant stuttering and hesitation upon acceleration, could stand some attention. And MINI’s quality has to improve in almost every area or owners will tire of quirky, nagging quality/maintenance issues. Of course, there will always be the lunatic fringe, of which I belong, who like to tune and tinker and typically ignore the quality issues in exchange for sheer performance.

I say to Audi and every other European manufacturer, let’s see what you’ve got. I would like to see something similar to the old Renault R5 Turbo with better quality. Now that would be interesting.

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Rocketboy Mar 18th, 2006 Link

I’m left wondering how much the Audi will cost. One of the genius things about the MINI, is that for a very reasonable price, you are getting BMW know-how. Something that, to me, is still spades beyond Audi. Not to mention, the Audi is not, well, British.

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