Comments on: The Next Generation MINI Slims Down http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:28:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: MotoringFile » Archive » Scoop: 2007 MINI to Get More Power & Less Weight http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-44692 MotoringFile » Archive » Scoop: 2007 MINI to Get More Power & Less Weight Tue, 18 Jul 2006 12:43:39 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-44692 <p>[...] A few months back we alluded that the R56 Cooper S would be at least slightly lighter than the current car. What we didn’t know is that this weight reduction has been described as significant by those in the know. Our source went onto say, “knowing that we only got a 88lbs savings from the GP, what you will see with the 2007 MCS will probably shock a few people.” That weight reduction combined with increased power and torque (delivered more evenly through the rev range we’re told) should create increased performence on both the road and the track. [...]</p> [...] A few months back we alluded that the R56 Cooper S would be at least slightly lighter than the current car. What we didn’t know is that this weight reduction has been described as significant by those in the know. Our source went onto say, “knowing that we only got a 88lbs savings from the GP, what you will see with the 2007 MCS will probably shock a few people.” That weight reduction combined with increased power and torque (delivered more evenly through the rev range we’re told) should create increased performence on both the road and the track. [...]

]]> By: whiteroofradio.com » Woofcast #44 http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-34999 whiteroofradio.com » Woofcast #44 Sun, 16 Apr 2006 13:53:28 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-34999 <p>[...] Next Gen MINI slims down [...]</p> [...] Next Gen MINI slims down [...]

]]> By: Crusoe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33587 Crusoe Mon, 20 Mar 2006 21:41:33 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33587 <p>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!</p> <p>Rear windows look to be operable. Now that they are dropping the wrap around glass, maybe made it easier to do.</p> 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.

]]> By: BelowRadar http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33403 BelowRadar Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:04:35 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33403 <p>YES, YES, YES!!!</p> YES, YES, YES!!!

]]> By: La nuova Mini - più leggera della vecchia ? http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33391 La nuova Mini - più leggera della vecchia ? Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:52:04 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33391 [...] Il sito da seguire per i Mini-dipendenti è sicuramente Motoring File, di solito molto affidabile. Ieri riportava voci secondo cui la prossima generazione Mini sarà piu leggera della attuale. [...]

]]> By: Plumbob http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33368 Plumbob Wed, 15 Mar 2006 04:07:13 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33368 <p>"Is it just me or is the rear end really lifted?"</p> <p>I hope this picture was taken while the car was breaking - hard. I doubt its true profile resembles the General Lee.</p> “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.

]]> By: GMINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33367 GMINI Wed, 15 Mar 2006 03:50:58 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33367 <p>rear wheels seem larger on that there mule.</p> rear wheels seem larger on that there mule.

]]> By: Vanwall http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33353 Vanwall Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:26:36 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33353 <p>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!</p> <pre><code> BCNU, Rob in Dago </code></pre> 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
]]> By: alpinamike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33351 alpinamike Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:05:03 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33351 <p>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.</p> <p>They are reading my MIND. Stop reading it.. Then a black 7 pulls up to my house and i am escorted to the trunk.</p> <p>-alpinamike</p> 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

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33350 Gabe Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:43:32 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33350 <blockquote> <p>And what happened to the hidden windsheild wipers?</p> </blockquote> <p>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.</p>

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.

]]> By: O(=^=)O Capn http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33349 O(=^=)O Capn Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:34:24 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33349 <p>Well, one of the major changes that were argued here on MF, is quite obvious in this picture.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Is it just me or is the rear end really lifted?</p> <p>And what happened to the hidden windsheild wipers?</p> 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?

]]> By: Nathaniel Salzman http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33347 Nathaniel Salzman Tue, 14 Mar 2006 19:09:26 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33347 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Lee L http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33346 Lee L Tue, 14 Mar 2006 19:00:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33346 <p>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.</p> <p>If so, that would be cool. Even better if they were power operated (though that is probably wishfull thinking).</p> 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).

]]> By: Craig http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33342 Craig Tue, 14 Mar 2006 17:59:31 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33342 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Neil http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33340 Neil Tue, 14 Mar 2006 17:35:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33340 <p>My guess - look for a lot more plastic.</p> My guess – look for a lot more plastic.

]]> By: Craig http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33339 Craig Tue, 14 Mar 2006 17:28:28 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33339 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Allan http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33336 Allan Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:32:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33336 <p>This is so not fair.. I really want one, but that will never happen.</p> This is so not fair.. I really want one, but that will never happen.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33331 Gabe Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:43:56 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33331 <blockquote> <p>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?</p> </blockquote> <p>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).</p>

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?

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).

]]> By: Eelke http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33330 Eelke Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:42:17 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33330 <p>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).</p> 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).

]]> By: Mark (Ohio) http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/comment-page-1/#comment-33329 Mark (Ohio) Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:36:59 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/14/the-next-generation-mini-slims-down/#comment-33329 <p>...or are the lower lights fog lights...?</p> …or are the lower lights fog lights…?

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