Sections: R56 (Coupe) Jun 22nd, 2006 42 Comments 
A long time MotoringFile reader recently took a couple of photos of a BMW testing caravan in Southern California. As luck would have it there was a 2007 MCS in the group as well. Here’s what he saw:
I will confirm from first hand knowledge, the multi-link rear suspension was clearly evident as well as the new exhaust set-up. A single muffler located where the battery box is now located on the current gen MCS. It appears to be fed by a straight pipe coming from the front of the car.
For a larger view, click the image above.
Mike Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I really like the new back bumper set up. It’s really aggressive looking for a factory piece. I know a lot of people are a bit down on the looks of the 2nd gen MINI but I really happen to like it. I think MINI did an excellent job with the evolutionary changes Mike
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Brad Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Anybody else think those rims look kind of funny? Is that because the car was likely moving while the shot was taken?
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eto Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Perhaps Killboy will snap some pics of the ‘07 MINIs on the Dragon. What better place to test them stateside? :D
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Mark Hendrie Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Strangely I think that from this angle the new Mini is just like the current model but with a chunky rear bumper! I really like it!
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kelly Jun 21st, 2006 Link
i thought i saw a funny looking MCS the other day. do you know if they were in Ventura County?
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Jon Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I’m not sure I like the bumper grille shown in that photo. It is so large, and draws too much attention to itself.
Anyone else agree?
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fdavid Jun 21st, 2006 Link
The better question is: Are you guys going to trade for the new ride? I love my black MCS, so I might wait for a while (2 years) while they fix the bugs lets say. I think the bumper looks quite nice actually!
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JP Jun 21st, 2006 Link
It appears to me that the back bumper is matt black which leads me to believe that it’s not the one we are going to see on the final version.
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Dave Jun 21st, 2006 Link
i thought i saw a funny looking MCS the other day. do you know if they were in Ventura County?
There’s a very good possibility they were. The port is at Port Hueneme and BMW Designworks is in Newbury Park.
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Mike Jun 21st, 2006 Link
The better question is: Are you guys going to trade for the new ride? I love my black MCS, so I might wait for a while (2 years) while they fix the bugs lets say. I think the bumper looks quite nice actually!
I’m currently MINI less but given MINI’s problems with the 1st model year MINI’s last time around and the general trend that most 1st year model’s have some issues I’ll likely wait till the 08 or 09 model to buy one.
Mike
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jason Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I too think the wheels look a bit odd. They look like S-lites, but the spokes look thinner. It’s probably just the spinning.
I’m digging the new bumper. Although, this one looks a bit disguised. Now I’m going to start checking the bumpers of all black MINIs I see. :)
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drew Jun 21st, 2006 Link
i think that bumper is a bit on the diguised side friends… i wouldn’t judge it too close to final yet!
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lasersailor Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Gabe, what software tool do you use to popup the cool window with the enlarged photo when I click on it? That rocks!
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j Jun 21st, 2006 Link
did the person who took these pictures get any shots of anything else….say the new M3?
Replydid the person who took these pictures get any shots of anything else….say the new M3?
There was two other cars… I believe a new 3 series 4 door and something else I can’t quite remember.
Gabe, what software tool do you use to popup the cool window with the enlarged photo when I click on it? That rocks!
It’s some Java script called lightbox. Pretty much all photos posted on MF use it.
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Jon Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Slowley and surely they are winning me over with the R56. I deffinetly won’t be giving up my current BRG 04 anytime soon but I already have my order in for the first R56 JCW order available at my dealership. Hopefuly they work through the first few problems before the Works kit hits the road, but if not I an just happy I live near a mini dealer lol
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Chad Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Wheels usually look funny in photos because the top/back of the wheel is moving faster than the bottom/front. Wheel designs with straighter spokes, like these suffer from it more visually that designs with more curves.
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Crusoe Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Hmm Cali Caravan. Must have been test drives by Lawyers so BMW can see what lawsuits may be brought up.
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petecrosby Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I really hate that bumper. It reminds me of what they did to the British roadsters in the ’70s. YUCK!!!
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ichor Jun 21st, 2006 Link
that rear wheel is seriously screwed up? it has two spokes on the forward half of the wheel and six spokes on the backward facing half.
at least the car has amber turnsignals, but i’m sure MINIUSA won’t be able to leave that alone for the official american version… oh, but wait, does it have a rear reflector on the arch already? could be taped on i guess, seems a bit high.
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ichor Jun 21st, 2006 Link
ah, thanks chad, you’re right about the wheel speed forward/rearward. that explains it perfectly.
ReplyI really hate that bumper. It reminds me of what they did to the British roadsters in the ’70s. YUCK!!!
That’s because they have a huge piece of plastic coving most of it. If you look at other sly photos you can get a better look.
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Garth Erdrich Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Hi All, I took the photo seen in this story. Traveling in this group were the new 3 series coupe, possibly the new hard top convertible as the roof was sectioned and camouflaged with tape and the ‘07 MCS. The cars were coming down from the Angeles Crest highway, heading back towards either Newbury Park or Port Hueneme. The MCS’s rear bumper does not look chunky in person. The “effect” on the wheels was due to the fact that we were moving along at 70+ MPH and my digital camera is not that good. Speaking of which, boy is it ever difficult to take pictures while driving. I did not see any space in the bumper for a fog light/back up light.
I drove with these guys for about 45 minutes and the 3 series driver did acknowledge me (I was in my ‘04 3 series). As a former and now future MCS owner (my SB/S MCS will dock July 9), I wanted to re-up with this gen based upon my not so good experience with my early build car (no more sunroof!).
Ask any questions you like. I will try to answer as many as I can.
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gokartride Jun 21st, 2006 Link
No matter how many pics I look at, I still can’t tell what the heck it really looks like. Ultimately, I’ll be in the showroom when they first arrive. Till then, I’ll join in the speculation but it is all a bit frustrating!!! I suspect it’s meant to be that way.
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alpinamike Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I was just there…dang I missed them! So much for hanging out it Beverly Hills at Cheesecake Factory..all I saw was happy convertible owners. -alpinamike
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Giacomo Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Garth, was the dark “hole” in rear bumper a real air outlet hole or fake? I mean to say was it covered with big solid piece of plastic? I hope not!
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GSKChicago Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Garth…. Hate to get off-topic, but I must ask how the 3-series coupe looked as I’m very seriously considering placing an order on the coupe – the 335 turbo if I can swing it, otherwise the 330.
Sorry Gabe to get off tpoic – yet again.
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Al Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Great scoop and first-hand account. I was going to go for the 4-door GTI when my lease is up, but now I’m seriously reconsidering the next-generation MCS(a).
Hopefully they’ll still have Hyper Blue, since that’s my current colour.
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Garth Erdrich Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
was the dark “hole†in rear bumper a real air outlet hole or fake? I mean to say was it covered with big solid piece of plastic? I hope not!
As I recall, this was a plastic mesh. Similar to the left and right lower areas of the current MCS rear bumper, though this was a more coarse mesh.
I must ask how the 3-series coupe looked
May I be so bold as to say… unique. A proper evolution of the sedan, much more agressive in appearence. For sure this was not the next gen M3
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Brian Hsieh Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
I have been thinking of getting a Mini Coooper and been looking for the info and news online, which MotorFiling is one of my favorites. Unfortunately I’m not a race-car enthusiast, yet (since the only car i have driven is Toyota and maybe i will be once i get this car), many doubts i have are more about to my personal hobby, such as: is it practical for a daily car for 4 passengers; can I drive the mini to Mammoth for snowboard due to the low clearance; which specific brand of snow chains to use for Mini…etc!!
However, the most urgent dilemma is: WHEN to buy the MCS or MC (Not yet decided)
There are so many talks about the spec of R56, and, maybe, the 2007 version will somewhat a bit better than the previous model, but what exactly are the differences? Multi-Link Suspension is already in 2006 MCS(?); Does the I-4 engine get some upgrade? Different engine maker? new CVT box? Change of the interior design? Space for passenger improve (Dont consider the Traveller or whatever-it-might-be-called)? Where is the relocation of manufacturer plant (cuz i believe the quality of car parts is affected by the origin of manufacturer)?
After taking all those changes into consideration, then it’s the tradeoff: extra expense vs extra upgrade, which for me if all those upgrade in 2007 MCS costs only extra $1000 or less than the 2006 MCS, i might wait for it. If it’s more than 1 or 2 grand, then i would need to revalue the new features, see if it’s really what i need or not, i.e. only extra 20 horsepower for the extra cost?! a matter of opinion!
So would it be possible that MotoringFile gives me some advice or some related info & websites to help me decide the best timing to purchase MCS?!
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Eelke Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
Brian: for a complete overview of all the changes from the current car to the R56, have a look at this article: http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/28/next-generation-mini-revealed-part-2/ All R56 articles on here: http://motoringfile.com/section/r56/page/1/ (Have a look at the upper right corner of the site ;) )
As for having passengers, it’s possible, but especially with two people I wouldn’t want to be back there for too long. In that respect, you might at least want to wait for the R56 as supposedly it has more room in the back, or possibly even wait for the estate version of the R56.
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Garth Erdrich Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
can I drive the mini to Mammoth for snowboard due to the low clearance
I go to Mammoth a lot, though I usually drive my wife’s X3. I have seen a number of MINI’s there and they all seem to get around without any difficulty. The plus fo rthese cars at MAmmoth (or other snow locations) is the front wheel drive. Just don’t go driving off into 3 foot snow banks and you will be fine. It would be a tough trip for four including gear… more like comfortable for two.
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Aaron Kay Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
My office is located off of a road that leads to Port Hueneme and is often frequented by the car haulers destined for locations to the south. I have often seen trucks full of Mini Coopers headed off to their new owners. On occasion, I happen upon a test mule. I have seen a number of BMW testers, most recently a camo’d X5 and 3 series coupe. I have yet to see a tester Mini, but always have my eyes peeled. I didn’t know that BMW designworks was in Newbury Park. Neat. I thought it was cool being near Volvo Design Studio and Nuespeed (some awesome Audi/VW iron goes rolling in and out of there on a daily basis.
I am eagerly waiting for the new Mini’s to come. I had ordered an ‘05 MCS, but unfortunately had to cancel my order on account of “house”. It is an interesting tale.
http://www.number1ks.com/blog/?p=145
Good news is I like what I see of the new models so far! I guess waiting will pay off.
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Brian Hsieh Jun 22nd, 2006 Link
I’ll get the manufacturer snow rack and maybe sit 2 to 3 for the space of bags and food!!
thx everyone for sharing~~ i guess i wont be able to decide until the offical spec brochure is out, then i can weight the extra price over the new features and design in 2007 MCS. Hopefully by then i can still order the R53 to save up the extra couple grand once the R56 spec comes out.
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Garth Erdrich Jun 23rd, 2006 Link
Aaron, I left a note on your blog regarding an affordable X3… Sorry Gabe for the off topic.
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Avitor Jun 23rd, 2006 Link
Optical illusion or not, I like the look of those wheels a lot better than my the way my S-Lites look parked.
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Knautical Jun 23rd, 2006 Link
Not very thrilled with the Bumper, but it looks like a disguise. I actually like the rear of the New Gen compared to the front (going by other pictures). So its either disguised or just hard for me to tell cos its black.
Gabe,
Any chance the new gen MC engine and manual transmission will fit my 2006 MC? say 2 yrs down the road when i decide to go crazy?
ReplyAny chance the new gen MC engine and manual transmission will fit my 2006 MC? say 2 yrs down the road when i decide to go crazy?
I would have to give you a resounding no. The new engine will not fit in the old car as it’s reportedly wider.
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