The Next Generation MINI Slims Down

Sections: R56 (Hatch) Mar 14th, 2006 30 Comments

mini

In what appears to be an almost unheared of case of new model dieting, we’ve learned from a very reliable source that both the 2007 Cooper and Cooper S will weigh less than the 2006 version they will be replacing. You read that right, the slightly larger next generation MINI will be lighter than both the R50 and R53. We don’t have specifics on exactly where the weight savings will come from but undoubtedly one source will be the aluminum block at the center of the new BMW designed four cylinder engine.

You can read more on our continuing coverage of the next generation MINI below:

[ The MF R56 Section ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

Aleks

pleasant suprise indeed
http://www.giannifrey.com Gianni

that is great news – and another reason not to go for the GP
Kennedy

maybe they hollowed out the S-lites :)
elmo

Gianni, What is “the GP” please ?

I hope weight loss does not mean quality loss.

Do we have any idea about hearing confort, will the R56 be an improvement in this area ?

I mean I would like the materials to absorb wheels and wind noise.

With the MOD DS-58 standard for noise benchmark, the actuel mini achieve a 48 db.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

maybe they hollowed out the S-lites :)

MINI’s current weight figures are of base cars with no options. That means the Cooper was equipped with holeys and the MCS was equipped with R84s to get their current weight figures.

that is great news – and another reason not to go for the GP

Keep in mind that the JCW version of the next car won’t see the light of day until late 2007 at the earliest. So the next generation MINI will still be down almost 50bhp as compared to the GP. And we still don’t know any specifics about the weight savings. It could be less than the GP’s.
tony T

I thought the all up weight of the new engine was around 5kilos MORE than the old – was discussed at lenght on Mini2 some months ago….
Ted

As expected, the vehicle is evolving from the inside out. The latest technologies and styling will be applied to the driver’s compartment. The driver will learn to drive the new motor/drivetrain…but still a Mini with root Mini lineage.
http://www.giannifrey.com Gianni

Gianni, What is ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œthe GPÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â please?

have a look at this article

Gabe, I’m aware that the JCW will not be out before late 2007. You now, I’m really tempted to buy a GP, but it’s so unreasonable (I already have a JCW). So I’m looking for every reason to convice me to wait for the next gen.
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

Is it me, or does the car in the picture that goes with this article have less camouflage than shown ever before? I don’t think I have ever seen such a detailed picture of the new car. (Actually, I thought that was the big news, that the R56 had bee spotted with nearly no cladding). Either way, I like what I see, I think even us enthousiasts will have to look twice to see whether it is the old or the new model once these are on the streets.
Mark (Ohio)

I was also wondering about the photo that goes with this article…I thought the new turn signals were to be integrated into the headlight unit…is this really an R56 camo pic?
Mark (Ohio)

…or are the lower lights fog lights…?
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

Mark, you can see the indicators toward the bottom of the headlights just as has been reported before. I think the indicators will indeed be replaced by fog lights in that place, together with whatever the type of light is called that is currently combined with the indicators (sorry, no native English speaker, can’t come up with the correct word right now).
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

I was also wondering about the photo that goes with this articleÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦I thought the new turn signals were to be integrated into the headlight unitÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦is this really an R56 camo pic?

The lower lights are a combination of driving lights and foglights. Based on what has been seen in other, less camouflaged photos, the main turn signals are integrated into the main lights. However as with the current car, the US spec R56 will probably get separate lights and reflectors in the wheel arch (as seen here).
Allan

This is so not fair.. I really want one, but that will never happen.
Craig

I for one am not surprised that the new model is lighter. I was EXPECTING that the new model would be lighter than the current models. Mainly due to the all aluminum motor. The difference in weight between an all aluminum motor and a cast iron lump is huge even on such a small 4 cyl motor. I’m guessing a loss on the order of 50-100 lbs over all. Remember, one of the main goals of the “Prince” motor line is increased fuel efficiency. Reducing the weight of the vehicle also contributes to that goal. Also any increase in size appears to be mostly superficial due to reshaped bumper covers and body panels.
Neil

My guess – look for a lot more plastic.
Craig

Hmm…Can’t see much else that can be made in plastic. For example the only chromed part that is metal is the belt-line strip. AFIK everything else is chromed plastic. If you look carefully at the current MINIs the only parts that are metal are those parts that can not be made in plastic due to strength and operating environment requirements. Take a close look, you may be surprised about how many parts are plastic that may appear to be metal or you would assume are metal at first glance.
Lee L

Are the rear windows operable? It looks like a plastic button on the back window (though it might just be a reflection) where the operating arm might attach.

If so, that would be cool. Even better if they were power operated (though that is probably wishfull thinking).
Nathaniel Salzman

Yeah, this photo shows so much of the un-camo look of the new car and I agree with Eelke, even we enthusiasts will have to take second glances. For me that’s a huge relief. If only the interior changes were as subtle. That and I’ll never get off my on/off water and oil pump soap box. But it’s great to hear that an already light car will be even more trim in its newest iteration. I can’t wait for the debut.
O(=^=)O Capn

Well, one of the major changes that were argued here on MF, is quite obvious in this picture.

The headlights. It is very apparent that they tip out to show the integrated blinker lights. The rear hips on this thing can still bear children. But oh well, it still does look good. Not TOO drastic.

Is it just me or is the rear end really lifted?

And what happened to the hidden windsheild wipers?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

And what happened to the hidden windsheild wipers?

They were never said to be hidden. Just not resting at the same level as the hood (as with the current car). They will be similar to the 3 series design.
alpinamike

Ha, I was just talking about this at the dealer. When will MINI recess the window wipers like the 3,5,6,7 BMW and when to get the new Valeo wipers.

They are reading my MIND. Stop reading it.. Then a black 7 pulls up to my house and i am escorted to the trunk.

-alpinamike
Vanwall
Weight loss? It always seems like it’s all just water loss, but who knows? Gotta stay away from the Fatty Snax Deli, I guess. ;-) Al-u-mini-um is the way forward! Take that Fix-Or-Repair-Daily! HeHe!
```
              BCNU,
           Rob in Dago
```
http://www.nemini.org GMINI

rear wheels seem larger on that there mule.
Plumbob

“Is it just me or is the rear end really lifted?”

I hope this picture was taken while the car was breaking – hard. I doubt its true profile resembles the General Lee.
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BelowRadar

YES, YES, YES!!!
Crusoe

Engine definitely, maybe seat frames in aluminum or the new seat design, lighter wheels hopefully.. though as noted they use the lightest base car for wt. and the holies are very light. Interior looks scarce, even a little less platic is less weight. Then again it may just be the difference in engine wt of maybe 30 to 80 lbs which is great!

Rear windows look to be operable. Now that they are dropping the wrap around glass, maybe made it easier to do.
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