Scoop: 2007 MINI Dash Options

JD7 Jul 27th, 2006 Link

I can hardly keep up with all this R56 News. Keep it coming!

MattG Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Interesting that we’ve now seen shots with both a 2-spoke and 3-spoke steering wheel…

badburro Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Most of the test cars have the 3 spoke…I think the 2 spoke was one of the original mock-up interiors. I welcome the new dash options (colors), but I still don’t like how the new interior looks compared to the current dash.

Mark Hendrie Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I really like the new iterior and by the sound of things it will follow in traditional Mini fashion by being exceptionally novel!

Keep the news coming!

Any shots of the GP at the British motor show yet?

Nozz Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Trash the 2 spoke. It’s not the same MINI if it’s 2 spoke. So, MINI is taking a clue from Scion with multiple interior LED colors? Interesting. I like the idea. Thanks for all the fast updates!

johnsocal Jul 28th, 2006 Link

While the exterior of the R56 looks good, Im still having a difficult time accepting the new interior.

John Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Any idea on the steering wheel design. I hope it is not the two spoke. I am not a fan of that one. As a side note, I think many people are jumping to conclusions regarding “hating” the redesign. I’ve seen some things I am not overly exctied about but there is not enough to persuade me not to buy an R56. Believe me, going from a low-powered 1994 Honda Accord to a MINI will be almost as good as it was moving from a 1984 Chevette to a 1988 Turbo Isuzu Impulse

Gabe Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Any idea on the steering wheel design. I hope it is not the two spoke. I am not a fan of that one.

The image above is from a mock-up done at least a year and a half ago. The two-spoke may or may not actually make it to production.

Based on the design I’d guess it’ll be the “base” wheel and the three spoke seen in the prototypes (essentially the same as the current wheel) will be optional and/or standard on the Cooper S.

drew Jul 28th, 2006 Link

just as we are about to tip the scales to “beating this one to death” on the interior debate, let’s remember it ain’t final…

like many of you i am somewhat stunned at the apparent cheap look of the interior and it’s redesign, but let’s try to stay optimistic here!

Pierre Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I’m not sure about the look of things… Some interesting ideas like the combination of speedometer and radio display but this has obviously led to an overgrown size… a speedometer almost as big as a steering wheel :-D
My doubts also come from the shaper angles used on the dash an decorative trims… the Mini is about cute round shapes, not BMW style angles IMO…
We will see with the future pictures coming but I’m doubtfull…

Ian C. Jul 28th, 2006 Link

All this two spoke stuff is funny - from the newer MINI owners presumably!
Originally the MINI was a two spoke and we were all upset when they forced the switch to three spoke :)

Gabe Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Yeah I find this reaction pretty funny as well Ian.

Jon Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Glad to hear that the interior options for color of the dash is being dropped. I believe taht they choose very well on this idea. As much as I love my current mini’s I have to say that the overhaul of the interior is a good concept. The speedo is quickly growing on me, though having the radio integrated into seems like it will limit aftermarket changes, not a worry for me though as the reason for buying a mini isn’t a impressive sound system, atleast one that live under the bonnet.

Looking forward to seeing the other dash options, I believe that the change of materials is going to have a massive change of looks over the current silver that all the recent pictures seem to have.

radiationman Jul 28th, 2006 Link

All this two spoke stuff is funny - from the newer MINI owners presumably!
Originally the MINI was a two spoke and we were all upset when they forced the switch to three spoke :)

Dang, beat me to it! LOL

Actually, I’m getting tired of all this 2007 news… I want to skip right to the 2007 configurator already!!! (not that I’m getting a new MINI, but still…)

Josh Wardell Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I laughed too…if I ever have to get a new mini, I’m taking my 2-spoke wheel with me! :p

Yegor H. Jul 28th, 2006 Link

…high quality aluminum…

This is what I want!

Charlie Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I’ve seen this interior before……………sometime back in the 1960’s but I can’t quite yet place it. If they wanted a retro look, they’ve succeeded.

Awful !

F15eWeapon Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Scion didn’t invent changing colors… in fact, to the best of my knowledge, any “colors” inside a Scion are just dealer installed LED’s in the cupholders and under the dash. The only vehicle that I’m aware of (and happen to own) that changes the dash light colors is the 2005+ Mustangs with the “My Color” option. While I’d love it if Mini added that, looking at the roof toggles I really don’t see how those switchs will adjust the dash colors. From left to right they look to me like (Map Light, Dome Light, Sunroof, Sunlight, Maplight) ;-)

I’m a fan of the 2 spoke wheel on my 2003 because I love the radio controls behind the wheel… much more ergonomic than the newer 3 spoke.

TulsaMINI Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I heart my two-spoke wheel. I’m with Josh…they can take my two-spoke when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.

Avitor Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I’m wait for the headline that starts with “Scoop:” and then includes something about the hood scoop.

Neil Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I ahould buy stock in Chrysler. PT Cruiser sales are going to skyrocket with all the MINI owners flocking from the new car.

mpike Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I am from the south and as you know it gets extremely hot down here so I always check the efficiency of the AC when considering buying a new car. The MINI 06 seems to be a bit slow in cooling off the interior. My question is, will the AC be improved on the 07?

JD7 Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Enough of the 2/3 spoke stuff. We all know a chain steering wheel is the only way to go. (obviously joking)

I really do like the new look though. I wonder if a chrono-pack will be possible? Let me guess, this was already addressed months ago…

bee1000 Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I love the fact that the new interior has a place to store a dinner plate. That will come in handy for picnics!

What? That’s the speedometer?! Oh my.

Glad to see MINI have resisted the great temptation to create a dash design that puts vents in places where they would actually be useful for heating/cooling something other than the driver’s hands.

laverne Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Does anybody else see the”jet-fighter-pilot retro”
theme going on? I feel the need to get out my leather
bomber jacket. Is that display across the bottom of
the speedo a scrolling message center?

ukplyot Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Someone asked elsewhere and I never saw a repsonse - does this new design preclude changing the stereo ? And if so, any word on whether the new stereo will be any good?

Nathaniel Salzman Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I hate the look of the new interior. Hate it. It’s Fisher Price proportions and just way too much all-in-one on the speedo. I like analog gauges. The more the better. It’s a shame, as the current interior, though not made of the best materials, is at least charming in its proportions. Blek!

Matthew Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I asked the aftermarket radio question in another of the 2007 articles.

Come on Gabe, you’ve gotta know this one. Is it possible to change it out and put in an aftermarket?

Timothy Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Bigger speedo = more cowbell!

gokartride Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I do like the overall shape of the new dash….if anything I think it is more Mini-esque, especially the early Mini dash. I feel the same about the two-spoke wheel, fwiw.

There was a recent discussion about creating a wood dash for a MINI, and I do agree this new design lends itself to much more creativity in this regard and that is most welcome.

lTZMTOR Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Definitely gotta have more Cowbell…… MORE COWBELL!!!

http://webfeedcentral.com/2005/01/21/more-cowbell-video/

BUD Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I think the spy propaganda must be considered a triumphant success vis-a-vis the polarity of opinions ranging from the ispired to the infuriated. I think we may be best advised to reserve final judgement until we see (at least) the Paris Auto Show final production version — better yet wait until we see it at a dealership. I too find it very difficult to approve of the redesign in its entirety. I don’t like the enlarged black plastic fender lips. I’m not crazy about the headlights minus the chrome trim rings. The rear valance sucks. The cheap looking back plastic grill also sucks. I abhor the fake hoop scoop. And lastly, I do not think it was necessary to raise the entire hood profile to meet European pedestrian safety regs. All that was necessary would have been to elevate the cowl to conceal the wiper hubs. The should reamin as distinctive as possible. And part of that distinction lies in the plethora of design cues that are regrettably being foresaken. All I can say is hope for the best and keep your fingers crossed!

percy Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I really don’t like much of anything about the new Mini but thanks for posting all of the previews, they forced me to buy my ‘06 while I still had a chance to get one. I just love the current design, it’s real sad to see it change.

Dominique Jul 28th, 2006 Link

I’m really glad they’ll be offering more colors/options for the dash. Anthracite is nice and all, but more options is great.

As for the steering wheel, I think I like the new design. It seems like the old one might have gone on a much needed diet.

Dave Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Gabe: Have you heard if MINI will make a dial based Manual A/C available (similar to the one that is standard on the current generation MINI)?

I’m trying to hold out some hope for an alternative to that horrid plasticy auto a/c.

Gabe Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Come on Gabe, you’ve gotta know this one. Is it possible to change it out and put in an aftermarket?

It will not be possible to put a normal aftermarket headunit in the R56. For an example look at the 3, 5, 6, and 7 series BMWs.

Gabe: Have you heard if MINI will make a dial based Manual A/C available (similar to the one that is standard on the current generation MINI)?

There will be a manual version yes. Will it be as cheap as the current design? Hopefully not. Will it retain the dial interface? I think it will be a combination of one dial and two side dials.

I laughed too…if I ever have to get a new mini, I’m taking my 2-spoke wheel with me! :p

Now that would be one helluva a DIY!

Dave Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Nevermind. It’s just as bad as the Auto A/C

Photos of the Manual A/C

photo 1

photo 2

Gabe Jul 28th, 2006 Link

Looks identical to the leaked pics from last year. I actually think that’s quite an improvement in terms of plastic quality - the silver portion at least. The shiny black plastic behind it is not final production I’m told.

badburro Jul 29th, 2006 Link

I was just about to mentioned that MINI2 has some great interior pictures of the new MINI…and not just prototype pictures. I think the speedo is over-crowded. Too much going on, in a small area. It’s nice that BMW wants to add a digital display, information center in the MINI, but within the speedo is not the place to do it. Maybe use the current interior and place a lcd display between the speedo and stereo.

Miles Jul 29th, 2006 Link

Well, I still can’t decide whether I like it or not. I think it’s nice, but I still prefer my ‘02 interior better :D

Timothy Jul 29th, 2006 Link

I actually think that’s quite an improvement in terms of plastic quality - the silver portion at least.

Let’s not leap to conclusions. The quality of the plastics is impossible to judge from a Web photo.

I don’t think anyone has mentioned safety yet, and that should be the first priority for any redesign. For example, Paul at mini2.com indicated that reverse had moved next to first in his prototype. I’m not sure what he meant by that, since my 2004 Cooper S has reverse right next to first gear. Reverse should NOT be next to first gear, IMHO — that’s a safety defect in the current model. “Right and down” is the best place for it. And there should be a prominent indicator light (probably yellow, a distinctive color) that illuminates when the car is in reverse. A yellow R would be ideal.

Air conditioning, defrosting, and heating controls should be intuitively operable with minimum or no need to glance at the knobs and buttons. I’m not sure this design passes that test. For example, the roll up/roll down knob might be an intuitive design for choosing air flow (bottom to floor, middle settings for mixed and panel only, and top for top vents only), but instead it’s a lost opportunity and controls fan speed. Defrost is in the middle position on the middle knob? Hmmm… And I guess that dial all the way to the right is temperature control. And how do you tell (without looking, and even then I’m not sure) how far up/down those roll up/roll down knobs are? How about the middle knob — how do you tell where it’s pointing? The current controls at least have that — I know, without looking, where the knob is pointing just by touch. It’s not clear this redesign even has that.

Same with the radio controls, and they might be even worse.

Car designers, please take note: take a random driver and sit them down in the driver’s seat. Fashion a vision blocking device so they cannot see the knobs, dials, and buttons. Ask them to perform routine tasks like, “turn on the rear defroster.” And see how well they do. Run similar tests without the vision blocking device, but run a driving simulation and measure the time the driver spends glancing at the controls. Run this test both with and without labels on the dials, buttons, and knobs. (Perhaps test different labels, too.) Revise your design, loop, repeat. Then, and only then, make it look cute.

Timothy Jul 29th, 2006 Link

Let’s take a closer look at the center speedo/radio:

http://mini2.com/images/predriveall/laserblue/PICT0112.jpg

Some comments:

1. It looks like the speedometer needle will obscure several indicators as it sweeps across the dial. I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case this time.

2. The date and time are displayed. I wonder what the time source is. Will we now have the spectacle (just like half the VCRs in America) of MINIs blinking 12:00 (or maybe 0:00)? :-)

3. Anybody know where the CD goes, or is this the world’s first iPod-only vehicle? (And where does the iPod go?) If the latter, would have been cool if MINI got a sweet deal as the first to license Apple’s clickwheel.

Dave Jul 29th, 2006 Link

RE: The CD
It is in the center stack. Look at the photo at the top of this article

Top to bottom: speedo, CD, adjustment dial, wings logo, toggles

In the interior photos from the press day, the CD is covered up with black masking.

dickdavid Jul 29th, 2006 Link

The A/C controls wouldn’t look so cheap if they were done in black. I think what really makes them look so bad is they look home made and stuck on instead of being integrated into the panel. Maybe final production will be more refined.

Gabe Jul 29th, 2006 Link

The A/C controls wouldn’t look so cheap if they were done in black. I think what really makes them look so bad is they look home made and stuck on instead of being integrated into the panel. Maybe final production will be more refined.

The photo here and the prototypes don’t have the final plastic in this area. In fact there was a sticker on the black plastic in the prototypes mentioning this.

Timothy Jul 29th, 2006 Link

Maybe we’ll get Corinthian plastic in the finished product.

lTZMTOR Jul 29th, 2006 Link

Auto Up for USA??? Would be nice.

So BMW thinks there audio is better than any other and there is no need for after market…?

lTZMTOR Jul 29th, 2006 Link

Since I’ve been so Flip I should comment.

I think the new dash, as shown, has a lot of retro appeal. The center stack is not my favorite thing and I think many have suggested Fisher-Price and I think that’s pretty right on… I can image… “Here’s the way a cow sounds… Mooooooooooooo.” coming out when you press a button. But the design guy side of me says… kinda kool.

Over on Ian’s GBMINI there is some comparison shots, from MINI2 I think, of the older car and the ‘07. Pretty amazing to see how close they really are in looks. My opinion… the ‘07 looks like a early stage design version of the present car that got shelved and should have stayed there!

As far as the BS going on about the steering wheel I think Ian is right… I myself hated the 3 spoke but after seeing it thought it was kinda kool.

Never did warm up to the new tail lites but like what I see on the ‘07 but they will probably never see the lite of day here in USA.

Thanks Gabe…. for your continual and well thought out presentations of MINIANA. Having recently done my first Website/Blog I have a better understanding of the work you put in… Thanks, RB!

kruse Jul 29th, 2006 Link

I don’t understand all of the sniping about the “fisher price” look of the dash. It’s a MINI for cripes’ sakes! The whole thing looks fisher price! Isn’t that the point? It’s a toy. If that’s not what you’re in the market for, buy a Mustang or something.

MINIAC Jul 29th, 2006 Link

I do like the overall shape of the new dash….if anything I think it is more Mini-esque, especially the early Mini dash.

The early Mini had no dash … just a shelf with a center pod:

1971 Mini Cooper S Interior

Center Pod Instrumentation

lTZMTOR Jul 29th, 2006 Link

I guess I should have been less vague… I was speaking more of the large speedo. I spent a lot of hours in my best friends 1966 back in my college Daze and remember it quite well! In I thought it was a silly car.. then!

As far as the comment about the “Toy Car Look” I don’t see that at all.. And I’ve owned 3!

Alan Ashcroft Jul 30th, 2006 Link

My wife just took a look at the interior shot… her comment: “So if I want to replace my Cooper with an S I need to do it this year”…. Enough said.

Gabe Jul 30th, 2006 Link

. Reverse should NOT be next to first gear, IMHO — that’s a safety defect in the current model. “Right and down” is the best place for it. And there should be a prominent indicator light (probably yellow, a distinctive color) that illuminates when the car is in reverse. A yellow R would be ideal.

Completely disagree with you there. If there’s one place it should not be, it’s next to the gear that you’d be in going the fastest - 6th. Every BMW since the dawn of time has had the “push hard - over to the left and up” design. With 40+ years of experience, they’ve determined that to be the best, safest, and easiest placement to use.

Air conditioning, defrosting, and heating controls should be intuitively operable with minimum or no need to glance at the knobs and buttons. I’m not sure this design passes that test.

I think it does. For one the number of buttons that are roughly the same size and shape has decreased. They’ve also gotten larger and easier to distinguish from one another.

Same with the radio controls, and they might be even worse.

They’re pretty much identical to the E90 3 series - which is to say that they are a slight improvement over adequate (which is the grade I’d give those in the current MINI or the E46 3 series).

Car designers, please take note: take a random driver and sit them down in the driver’s seat. Fashion a vision blocking device so they cannot see the knobs, dials, and buttons. Ask them to perform routine tasks like, “turn on the rear defroster.” And see how well they do.

BMW runs countless usability tests on their interiors they produce. I agree that more work could be done (especially on the iDrive interface) but they are active in this area.

rhawth99 Jul 30th, 2006 Link

Gabe, I’ve had cars with reverse in different locations than the MINI and haven’t had any issues with accidently engaging reverse. I find the reverse gear in the ‘06 MCS to be WAY too easy to engage accidently. There isn’t enough effort needed to “push hard” for reverse - a slight shove too far left will catch reverse. I definitely think a push down or something should have been built into the gearbox. As for the ‘07, I think the exterior will be fine in it’s final production trim and hope the interior will look better to me than the current press photos. It does seem that BMW is cutting down on the amount of cubby hole storage in the car. The new seats, for example, don’t have any storage pouches in the back (hope that is because they aren’t the final production versions). I think the engine and the suspension will be terrific from what I’ve read - maybe you’ll even like the runflats :)

Frank Jul 31st, 2006 Link

The more I look at the new dashboard, the less I am liking it.

danno Jul 31st, 2006 Link

I don’t understand all of the sniping about the “fisher price” look of the dash. It’s a MINI for cripes’ sakes! The whole thing looks fisher price! Isn’t that the point? It’s a toy. If that’s not what you’re in the market for, buy a Mustang or something.

It can look whimsical without ACTUALLY looking like a child’s toy. It LITERALLY looks like something from Fisher-Price. That’s the reason for the sniping.

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[...] Per completezza di informazione, aggiungiamo questo foto-confronto fra la plancia della Mini Cooper attualmente in commercio e quella della prossima versione, ufficialmente non ancora raffigurata ma soltanto descritta verbalmente nel comunicato stampa. [...]

Need 4 Cars » Mini’s new interior revealed Aug 3rd, 2006 Link

[...] MotoringFile quote their source as saying that the color of the new interior panels will not be dependent on the exterior colors as they are now. In total, there will be seven different variations of wood grain and aluminum, including separate textured panels in a variety of hues. [...]

Robert Aug 3rd, 2006 Link

I like the toy comments. When I bought my 03 CR/W MC I was warned by several people not to get the white wheels because they would make it look like a toy.

Bingo!! That’s just what I wanted, so I ordered the white wheels.

Never too old for Fisher-Price.

树，航海日志 » æ–°Mini cooper 9月在巴黎展出 Aug 4th, 2006 Link

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