Sections: R56 (Coupe) Jun 15th, 2006 37 Comments 
AutoBild has a couple of new shots of 2007 Cooper S test mule in (gasp) silver. While it’s still taped up to hide a few details, there’s still a lot to look at for MINI enthusiasts. As alluded to previously the multi-link rear suspension is there along with the a seemingly more efficient exhaust design.
You can check out the full pics below:
[ ErlkÃ'¶nig Mini (2007) ] AutoBild
Tip courtesy of Christian
Pedro Jun 15th, 2006 Link
I suppose it is not terrible. It is growing on me. I will say I like the black grille over the normal bosy color grille. Wish they would just take the tape off already and we all may just like it better sooner.
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WingNut Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Looks good to me!
I like this new “tape style” that they’re experimenting with too. I’m gonna go tape up my MINIs lights, so people think I’m on the cutting edge.
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Mark Hendrie Jun 15th, 2006 Link
It does look really good – I am just finding hard to let go of the old shape!
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ANTSMINI Jun 15th, 2006 Link
HAHA. I should mask my whole MINI in black tape and drive down the highway by the MINI Corp. Headquarters in New Jersey!
I like the boot a lot! I am still not feeling the front. Just doesnt feel like a MINI without that slat grille..
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Ken Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Is the rear wrap around the glass the same as the current MINI or is it two pieces? It’s hard to see under the tape. Also, will the front grill on the Cooper S have slats in the grill or will it resemble the Aero Kit grill?
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GSKChicago Jun 15th, 2006 Link
WOW!! With all that tape on it, I’m reminded of my first car. A ‘76 Chevy Vega Wagon. The main difference is the duct tape on my Vega was used to hold various pieces of the body together instead disguising it. Come to think of it, it would have propably been better to disguise the fact I was even driving a Vega in the first place.
I happen to like it. I also like the ‘06. But since I can’t buy one until next spring, my feelings on the redesign are a moot point. I’m just hoping to get in time for the Dragon next spring.
ReplyIs the rear wrap around the glass the same as the current MINI or is it two pieces? It’s hard to see under the tape. Also, will the front grill on the Cooper S have slats in the grill or will it resemble the Aero Kit grill?
All your questions (and way more) can be answered here: Next Generation MINI Revealed
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Jack07734 Jun 15th, 2006 Link
I like Wingnut’s idea we should all tape up our MINIs.
When folks ask why all of the tape just say “I’m not allowed to tell you that I’m testing a ‘07 model.”
Then take lots of spy shots. :)
Cheers, Jack
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Nathaniel Salzman Jun 15th, 2006 Link
It’s really growing on me as well. Though I don’t necessarily like every little detail of the design change (I want grill slats too!), with every one of these new spy shots, the car looks more and more like a MINI and that is great to see. They’ve done really done and admirable job keeping the nose looking as MINI as possible with the ped-crash standards they have to comply with. The difference in overhang is as subtle as I think we could ever hope it to be. I’m not crazy about the rear bumper treatment, but overall, it’s gonna be great. Lovin’ it.
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Ian F Jun 15th, 2006 Link
It’s growing on me.
Hmm… does that look like a single muffler under there?
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Mike Jun 15th, 2006 Link
I happen to really like it. The new grille treatment is sharp. The rear bumper and new exhaust look awesome. Overall I think the car looks great. I would love to see some detailed pics of the interior now
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Vanwall Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Grill slats were my favorite part of new and old Cooper’s styling – something to mod right away for me, if they’re not a factory option. It’s nicely evolutionary – most non-MINI owners will likely notice no difference; we’re just hyper-sensetive to changes, is my guess. Still waiting to see the finished product.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
Frank Jun 15th, 2006 Link
I like what I see so far.
Just hoping that MINI will keep the quality control at the top of the list when the R56 gets released.
The last thing MINI needs is another repetition of the ‘02/’03 issues.
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MINI VANILLI Jun 15th, 2006 Link
The average person wont even notice a difference between the current and the new style MINI.
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Mike Jun 15th, 2006 Link
i like it. im sure for all of you that are going to miss the slatted grill, an aftermarket solution will magically appear… along with a slew of other retrofit mods.
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John Jun 15th, 2006 Link
GSKChicago,
Sorry, for some reason it was in the response fields when I replied and just now saw it.
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WingNut Jun 15th, 2006 Link
While I too am a fan of the chrome slats, I bet that someone will come out with the honeycomb in chrome which will look sharp.
And as mentioned, I’m sure the slats will be offered by someone as an aftermarket mod.
This new design doesn’t really bother me at all… and… gasp… I’d like to see a much bigger change next time around. I love my MINI and wouldn’t change it, but I do like change… as long as it stays different from the average car!
No complaints from me!
Gotta go buy eight more rolls of electrical tape and motor over to Ants’ so we can mess with MINI HQ!
Cheers all!
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jason Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Looks like a MINI to me.
I’d be willing to be that the chrome slats grille will be an option. Probably about $250 and you’ll get chrome mirrors and a chrome boot handle as well. Wait a minute…that sounds familiar… :)
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MillieTheMini Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Here’s a little tip while you are looking at the pictures – use Google to translate the German article into English, it makes for a good read too!!
This is how the first pages translates into English:
“ErlkÒ¶nig mini (2007)
Ten tariff added
At the end of of 2006 stands the second generation of the kultigen Britisher with the dealer. The mini of its classical line remains clearly grown however faithfully.
The second generation of the mini will differ clearly only in the length from the predecessor model. The successful BMW mark adds by 25 centimeters. Otherwise the new one is hardly to be differentiated from the predecessor to. The front was completely again designed: A conventional flap replaces the complex, one-piece hood. The flatter headlights are in the future firmly in the fenders installed therefore. In the back the centric exhaust and the larger lights are new. Premiere with the dealer: At the end of of 2006.”
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SB Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Looks nicer now that a color is available which shows the lines better than black. I’m curious if with the turbo they now have room to put the battery in the front like the MC. The new exhaust looks to be taking up the place of the battery compartment on the MCS.
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BzzzBom Jun 15th, 2006 Link
The lines are not as refined as the current MINI. Analagous to the BMW 5 series previous model (beautiful) to the new one (Frankenstein)
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Vanwall Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Hmmm. 250 centimeters added is just a hair under 10 inches. Maybe I misread earlier figures, but that seems a tad long to me. The lines still look good, and in profile, it’s almost unchanged. Soon, soon, soon.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
tim Jun 15th, 2006 Link
What’s wrong with “Gasp” Silver. My Mini C is Silver and it looks way better then a few of the other colors driving around. At least it’s not as bad as Metallic Rust (I mean orange)or Purple. Sheesh.
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ichor Jun 15th, 2006 Link
i’d say hold your final judgements until you’ve seen in the flesh: the interior, the slanted eyes, the humpback. these might likely influence your opinion greatly and none of these can be seen properly in the 2 pictures.
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J/C Jun 15th, 2006 Link
Black grille!! Mmmm!!
Oh, hadn’t noticed it before, but I like that “lightbox” script thing that happens when you click on the pic above. Pretty cool!
ReplyWhat’s wrong with “Gasp†Silver. My Mini C is Silver and it looks way better then a few of the other colors driving around. At least it’s not as bad as Metallic Rust (I mean orange)or Purple. Sheesh.
Tim – it’s meant to be a joke since 99% of all testing mules are painted in flat black. I think we’re all tired of seeing black.
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WingNut Jun 15th, 2006 Link
This just in:
Gabe is now hating on silver! You thought the wrath of us yellows was bad… just wait!
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Ginger Jun 16th, 2006 Link
Not sure, the back bumper looks a lot cleaner than the current MCS and the exhaust more agressive. Looks more evolution than revolution.
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sandm4130 Jun 16th, 2006 Link
is that a straight pipe for the exhaust? are those non-runflats?
if yes, does that mean the the 07″ S will have a spare?
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ALEX Jun 17th, 2006 Link
I HATE THIS NEW MINI. PERSONALLY I THINK IT IS REALLY UGLY AND WAY TO MODERNEST.
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BUD Jun 18th, 2006 Link
Generally the concensus appears to be positive. I think we need to ask ourselves what matters most — aesthetic or mechanical design? I am sure that we all appreciate the fantastic handling of the MINI, but I am curious about what weigh more heavily as a determinant to buy MINI — the physical appearance, or the handling and performance prowess? For me it’s a combo w/ appearance taking the edge. Having said that, the ‘07 hood profile and oversized/awkwardly shaped tailights are major detractors to an otherwise ostensibly evolutionary improvement.
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BUD Jun 18th, 2006 Link
Addendum to previous comment:
The graceful/sexy curvilinear lines of a Ferrari will always be much more alluring than the chunky/clunkies that have become popularized by other makers. Three design elements make the current MINI noteworthy and aesthetically pleasing: The countoured fenders, distinctive headlights, curved rear quarter glass, and last but not least the molded-in appearance tail lights. Deal, or No Deal?
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Giacomo Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Deal Bud! But you know MINI designer Mr. Frank Stephenson go from MINI to Ferrari and Maserati? Maybe that is why Ferrari want him as design director. Now he is Fiat and Lancia head honcho design director. I look forward to his new work, specialy the Fiat 500 icon replacement, much like theme of when he maked the new interpretation of MINI. Regard new ‘07 MINI, what will become solution now for headlamp wash jets? Before they were smoothly in headlamp chrome frame. I hope they find such clean and elegant solution again, really!
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BUD Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Giacomo,
I am familiar with the designer and his work, He is arguably a good designer. In the case of the MINI perhaps economics weighed heavily in terms of determining the final iteration. I do not like the sharp edged tail light design, nor do I like their scale. They are far too large and devoid of the elegance that characterize the current design. Perhaps this will not become the final production design. I’ keeping my fingers crossed! Maybe we will all be pleasantly surprised when we see the actual (non-mule) production version. Time will tell. One thing that appears to be a step in the right direction is the new turbo engine albeit grossly underpowered. This should not be a problem, however, since I am sure there are many after-market tuners eagerly awaiting their opportunity to ply their craft. Bottom line: We must maintain a progressive perspective and adapt to change. Incidentally, the FIAT Abarth was a phenomenal automobile as was the Ferrari Dino.
Reply[...] Via | Motoring File PUBBLICITÀ PUBBLICITÀ postato da Luca il Thursday 15 June 2006 in: [...]
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