MINI’s Official R56 Preview Photos

Sections: Official News | R56 (Hatch) Jul 27th, 2006 82 Comments

Instead of sprinkling all 20+ photos of the new R56 prototypes throughout the official MINI press release, we thought readers might enjoy seeing them completely on their own in a separate post. Just click on each photo to increase the size. To move to the next image, simply click the next button or use the “N” key on your keyboard. To go back hit the previous button or click the “P” key.

Now let’s hear some initial thoughts. Likes, dislikes, questions, concerns?

MINI will release final, un-camouflaged photos (including interior shots) in mid-August.

Written By: Gabe

rj

Sitting here having lunch…that bonnet/nose looks rather prominent in these pictures….
rj

For the more knowledgeable, engineering types…how different is the R56 rear suspension pictured versus the current suspension setup?
Yegor H.

Guys, a short break. I extracted this comment from Leftlane News:

Why is Mini still around? You can get a far superior Cobalt LS or Pontiac G6 for the same price and have a much better looking car than this POS Rollerskate Comment by GM number1-4ever, posted on July27 at 10:26 am

And this person reads automotive news everyday.:lol:
http://www.hrmini.com dark06mcs

i think we’ll be hearing this a lot: i really like that mellow yellow.

can’t wait to see this thing naked.
ANTSMINI

Well I was really hoping that once I saw “uncamo’d” photos I would warm up to it, but I just hate it.

Seriously what the hell is up with that grille? It was a LARGE part of MINIs signature look to have the slotted grille and a throwback to the classic.

I guess you can’t improve on perfection.

Guess I will drive my 05 into the ground. Im pissed because I really don’t know what other car I would get. I really wanted another MINI but I just am not feeling this one at all.
Damon

I have to say that I have been a neysayer over the months looking at the taped up mules but these images look really good. I love the yellow. Most of the changes do seem to be very tasteful. I think the wrap around glass will be missed and the only part I think is really off is the huge black grill insert in the rear bumper. It is too large and doesn’t seem to relate to too much of the rest of the car. The front looks great.

I’m glad to see that it is still going to be a good looking car although not quite as good as the first generation. Now I’m interetsed in seeing it in person.
http://Motoringfile.com Mark Hendrie

Good shots and the car is looking great as we knew it would (although I still think it looks more feminine). Roll on the interior shots!
http://miniblog.guapacha.com ukplyot

The nose looks fat and bulbous to me but then I tend to think that about all MINIs without stripes, so I need to see stripes before I can really make up my mind.
STG

Gabe, are these pictures just of the R56S, or are there shots of the base R56 in there as well? With regards to the slatted grille, I seem to remember from one of the earlier proto-type articles that the base R56 still came with the slatted grille standard; the mesh grill is an option on the S model – is that correct?
Chad in VA

There’s still something just a little bit off about the front end for me, but I can’t put my finger on it.
http://www.motoringphotography.com Dave

Gabe, are these pictures just of the R56S, or are there shots of the base R56 in there as well?

The R56 MC is not pictured in the photos, only the R56 MCS.
STG

I agree that the bonnet is not very appealing compared to the current model, but the length of the nose in alot of the photos seems to relate to the use of a fisheye lens by the photographer, rather than a real increase in length.
http://mikestlmini.com Mike

overall i like what i see. i just hope i can get past the fake hood scoop. i never did get over the fake grills (aka stickers) on the aero kit.
http://www.atlantaminis.net M. Dillon

…I’m loving this car,so far. I can’t wait to see the MINI Cooper photos. Again,good job Gabe,damn’ good job,indeed…
http://deleted stephen

the ram air slot for she super charger is kinda obsolete for the new MCS…. i am assuming it is not used for a forced air induction for the Turbos INTERCOOLER?
kelly

i don’t think the hood scoop is fake. It looks like the air is just routed over and behind the engine to the intercooler. there could also be more when the real engine cover is in place.
MillieTheMini

One thing that caught my eye from looking at the preview pictures, and reading Paul’s review on the MINI2 website, is how small the 17′s look in proportion to the 2007 Cooper S – they look just like 16′s in contrast.

If 16′s are still going to be the standard size, they are going to look positively tiny on this car!

I like the look of the new 17′s – basically updated version of the current S-spokes – more finished look, while still maintaining that classic MINI heritage.
Stefanie

I was always part of the “let’s not jump to conclusions.. wait and see what it looks like before you decide to hate it” camp, but now I can definitely say,

I HATE it. It’s absolutely horrid.

I ordered a 2006 to get my color before it was canceled and I was a bit worried that I would regret it with the new ones coming so soon. No regrets. The new colors I can run with, but the rest is a disaster. ugh.
MrChips

I’m sorry but I when I look at the new MCS I just can’t help but get visions of Jimmy Durante out of my head. That nose, it’s….huge….bulbous…

I’m not sure, but is that tape along the top-front of the hood? I just don’t see why they would put a chrome piece only on the bottom. Maybe the chrome is taped up?
Mark

I’m liking what I see a lot, plus the performance boost over the current models is HUGE. Almost traded in my ’04 on an ’06, ’cause I wasn’t liking the early info on this release. Very, very glad I waited!
MauiMac

The hood scoop IS purely cosmetic…

“Now we’re back at the front of the car we suppose it’s time to mention the pointless hood scoop. Well, we say pointless, it is there to distinguish the S from the rest of the range “at a glance”. But that’s it. To say this was disappointing (if expected) would be an understatement. To say that MINI were shockingly honest in their presentation of this fact would be even more of an understatement. But the tactic worked, and they seemed to gain more respect for admitting it to be purely cosmetic than they lost for the fact itself.”
agranger

Some of these pics show the gap between the top of the front wheel arch and the bonnet even more than the previous ones!

UGH! It looks like Chevy build-quality.

The overall design changes don’t bother me too much, but it seems that they missed some of the details. Hopefully there is a bit of ‘polishing’ left to do.

It’s a nice enough car, but I’m happier (cosmetically) w/ my ’06.
Damon

The hood scoop is fake???????? Now I hate it again. I hate cars with fake hood scoops, that is what I love about the current car.

Damn
tsukiji

Hmmm…I think the R56 has a little too much ‘junk in the trunk.’
Matthew

Overall I’d say MINI did a good job of changing the car enough to say it’s a new one without ruining where it came from.

That said I definitely prefer the current model. There’s something about the rear bumper/exhaust which doesn’t look right to me. Almost like they don’t mate together properly. Just me I am sure.

And the front has lots of things I don’t like. The grille, the headlights and other design cues that just make me shift in my seat.

I think saying MINI ruined things is a bit harsh. I think its more apt to say you prefer the old to the new. Then again some of you may really, truly hate this thing.
rhawth99

I like what I see of the exterior, the interior still concerns me greatly. The new center stack and speedo look very tacky. The optional ability to change the instrument panel lighting color sounds fantastic! I think the new engine and suspension tweaks will also be great but with all of the changes, I will definitely wait a year or two to see how everything shakes out. Although the interior space seems improved, as a daily driver, the downsizing of the cubby holes concerns me. Is the battery for the S in the front up by the firewall ala the 2002-2005 Passat?
Paul G.

Are you guys serious? You do realize that to the non-MINIfile, the difference between the generations will be almost imperceptible?

Granted I like my ’06 better, but to say this is a hideously disgusting car as compared to the current generation is absurd. Now lets wait for the disaster of a interior to pass final judgement. :)
http://web.mac.com/shagz MiniShagz

As with all things, I’m going to have to see these in person. Often, pictures do not do justice. While a fake hoodscoop is a little offputting, I don’t think it would make me hate the car.
Tim

“You are strange and off-putting. Go now.”
SB

Nice pics and comments. I too don’t care for the larger gaps above the front wheel well trim. I am dying to see some pics of an almost-production interior!!!!!! I don’t think many will complain of the engine, suspension, or the exterior once this car hits the market … but the early photos of the radically changed interior, may put some prospective buyers off (me included). Come on Gabe … interior shots now! :-)
Jon

Although I have already got my order in for the R56 I can say its going to take a while to get used too. I am sure the non-functional hoodscoop will have pleanty of after market companies fixing this obvious oversight that mini has shown. The exterior is fine although the width of the plastic over the wheel will take some time to get used to, don’t think the designers choose to well when designing it. So far most my worries are reguarding the interior, I like most of what I see with the definete exception of the AC controls. I think the new speedo will work out fine once I get used to it.

All in all I have no doubts about purchasing the R56 as I do have trust that mini will polish the R56 before it goes on sale. I also know that I will add atleast as many aftermarket modification as I did with my last two mini’s.
Brian

I hate to be a hater, but there’s something about the front that I dont like. The extra overhang with the more upright hood maybe….

I think, with these pics, I prefer the current exterior design. That said, I think the interior will be very nice when we get to see it completely.
Al

I too, never thought the increased length of two inches would amount to much, but I also agree the front is more stretched out than this current model.

We’ll truly never know until we see it in person.
Namor

Fake hood scoop?! Maybe to cool the backward mounted engine?
bee1000

The front end manages to look even fishier than the current aero-kit grilles. I think it will look better if there is a version with grille bars instead.

Bottom line, I think the new Mini is going to be a marked improvement over the current car, and everyone will forget any quibbles they had with the styling once they drive it. Less weight, more power, improved handling (I assume)…who cares what it looks like?
nervous

If I didn’t care what a car looked like, I’d buy a Subaru.
Matthew

What about aftermarket stereos? Is that even possible with the new center stack?
renaultf1

The fact that the hood scoop is purely cosmetic is LAME. It would be better off with the simple Cooper bonnet rather than being boy racer. When American carmakers do fake bits on their cars, I always call it “American cheese”…so I guess the R56 will have some “German cheese” on its face.
pete

honestly, as cosmetic as the hood scoop may be, it does have a purpose. the under hood compartment of any turbo car gets EXTREMELY hot especially without more air intake. hopefully this scoop will help with some air flow. and You never know, this press release might just be mini’s way of tricking people into thinking its the actual top model S. it could actually be one of the other engines that mini was going to relese in time.
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ChrisW

What??? No fake rear brake ducts? Bah.

Hate the pizza-platter center speedo. And the MINI-logo controls. This redesign perfectly compliments my goal of driving my ’05 S cabrio for 20+ years. Thanks MINI! Now I can spend my money on other stuff! :)

“who cares what it looks like?”

I do.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

y’know what? the exterior is pretty cool if you ask me. it’s grown on me.

just a little positive vibe – for a change ; )
BeOSKid

i don’t really like it. the front is sad looking. the first gen mini’s look happy and eager to go, this one looks like he’s sad or moody and to me looks kinda just like a car instead of a MINI. The back end is funny too, looks really chunky and short. i’m disappointed in it.
Frank

ChrisW, give it 1 or 2 years and you’ll see MINI re-designing the polarizing interior…
Johnsocal

Looks good to me.

How can anyone in their right mind call the new design a “disaster” when most people on the street won’t even see the visual differences between the new and out-going model.
Frank

Thanks Johnsocal, so true….

Some of you folks are really cracking me up…

You are sounding like the hard core Classic Mini owners back in 2001-2002 when the R50/53 was released….”It is ugly!”, “it is too big!”, “It is not a real Mini!”, “It is a BINI!”, “It is not made by BMC!”, “Issigonis would have never approved of it!”, etc, etc, etc.

It seems to me that each generation of the Mini/MINI comes attached with its own group of cry-babies!

People, stop being so resistant to change!

Thank MINI, for keeping this car fresh and interesting! Look at VW with the New Beetle…. That car hasn’t changed in 7 years and look where it is….stale, abandoned in dealer lots and a sales disaster.

In the samll car segment if your product doesn’t change or evolutionates, people start lose interest and look elsewhere! Plain and simple!

Do you really want MINI to fail, so you feel better about your MK1 MINI resale values>???????

Please!!

I hope the R56 continues to follow on the success steps built by the classic Mini and the MK1 BMW MINI.

If the R56 fails, MINI fails and we will be left without MINIs and a manufacturer to put thm together.

Geez!!!
Deeb

Keep in mind that the pics provided are of slightly masked examples. I reserve myself to conclusions until I see it in person without the disguise. I recall when pictures of the new Porsche 997 were released and all I could think was the nose looked bulbous. Now that it’s on the road, it’s as beautiful as the old 993…if not more so.
Frank

I see it coming soon to your nearest MINI club…..

Classic Mini owners excluding MK1 BMW MINIs from their events….

MK1 BMW MINI owners excluding R56 MK2 PSA/BMW MINI Owners from their events…

See the pattern…?
Mark Smith

Yeah what he said above me! These people keep raving about the grille but they have totally forgotten what MINI is about. The key work here is “You-ification.” I bet for the people that dislike the grille that much the Cooper Grille will be able to be retrofitted to the Cooper S much the same way the people witht he current MINI add either a Chrome Grille or the Honeycomb grill from the Aero Kit. Cry babies is right. I think the car looks wonderful and I can’t wait to get my forst crack at one in January! Motor on!!!
Frank

I can’t wait to see the new “hate” stickers issued by the MK1 MINI community:

“100% free of FRENCH parts”

And the backlash from the R56 MK2 community will be:

“100% free of MOPAR parts! I love kraut and French wine much better!”

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