More Spyshots of the MINI Clubman

Billy Sep 15th, 2006 Link

I can confirm 100% positive, that the R55 “Clubman” has only one “suicide” door, but only on the right hand side. Last week the first prototype to be built at the plant (as the others have been handbuilt) was produced on the line at Oxford. So there will be five doors in total. Two front, One suicide on the right hand side, and the two “barn” doors on the rear. Having seen the 55, as it’s known by line workers, with my own eyes I can undoubtebly confirm the door situation. So, put aside the myths and your own opinions and listen to the facts.

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Frank in Miami Sep 15th, 2006 Link

Billy, why did MINI decided to build only one suicide door instead of having one on each side?

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BJ in Texas Sep 15th, 2006 Link

So the suicide door being only on the right — was it designed for the English driver in mind? So he can quickly get out, reach back and open it??

or is it more of a cargo van concept of the right side cargo area opening up but not the side behind the driver??

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Osmodious Sep 16th, 2006 Link

Hmmm…really need to see this one in the metal, I think. It looks a bit…ungainly…in the pictures. One of the neatest things about the MINI Cooper is the proportions, the fact that it looks almost as wide as it is long gives it that cute, huggable, bulldog look (I’ve always thought of it as an update, in spirit and character and ‘feel’, of the Renault 5 Turbo 2…which was nicknames ‘chipmunk’ by Car and Driver way back in the mid-80’s). I’ve noticed a lot of modern designs look much better in person than in photographs.

Now if we can get that Getrag AWD system and another 50hp, we’ll have a WRX killer!

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radiationman Sep 16th, 2006 Link

After having seen these photos, it seems that my overall feelings are confirmed:

I REALLY HATE CARS THAT HAVE CLADDING AND TAPING TO DISGUISE THEIR TRUE FORMS!!!!

LOL!

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O(=^=)O Capn Sep 16th, 2006 Link

AWD!

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Pipe Sep 16th, 2006 Link

Hmm, anyone else notice the old style (‘04 and earlier) and the ‘05 and newer taillights. It’s got one of each. Must have really been scraping the parts bin to put this one together!

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Dave Luscombe Sep 17th, 2006 Link

The Clubman has six doors. There were pictures in saturday newspapers here in Britain. Two on the tail, two suicide doors and the usual front doors. Looks awesome when they are all open.

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nina simone Sep 17th, 2006 Link

Paper, please Dave?

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Gabe Sep 17th, 2006 Link

Dave – if you don’t believe us (with multiple internal sources) just read the first comment on this post.

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Dave Sep 18th, 2006 Link

It was at my mother in laws and they did have a small shot on the cover showing the petrol cap side with a small semi circular indent at handle height. On page 3 inside the exclusive had a full page with all the doors open, non petrol cap side had it’s door open also with the same semi circular inset, it looks like the doors may open independent of the front doors unlike the RX8’s. The piece also reinforces the six doors and they said it won’t be released till 2008 which seams a little long. New shape wheels similar to the five spokes with a oval indent. I’m seriously not making this up.

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Marcus Sep 18th, 2006 Link

If you’re talking about the Auto Express “exclusive” they photoshopped a picture of the R56, based on pure speculation. Auto Express are renowned for their inaccurate photoshops which are passed off as real spy shots.

Personally. I think having the door on one side only will be a huge mistake. Reminds me of when they tried to sell the horrid AMC Pacer in the UK – it had a longer driver’s door for rear access but this became the passengers door in the UK!

At least the Pacer was a US import – there is no excuse for the Clubman, which is a British built car with a British brand. They will be selling a compromised product in MINI’s biggest market.

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MiniLifeCrisis Sep 18th, 2006 Link

Regarding the Rear Doors, I not a big fan of the 70/30 split doors in the back. I think the prototype photos of the 50/50 doors in the back looks a lot nicer. Besides, the 50/50 doors or more like the classic. Someone please tell the MINI Engineers to make the doors right.

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Dave Sep 18th, 2006 Link

newspapers here in Britain …On page 3

Maybe I’ll head out at lunch and skim page 3 of some british papers in an attempt to ahem, find this picture of the 6 door R55. ;)

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Billy Sep 20th, 2006 Link

Newspapers, motoring magazines…..Dave, I work in the plant and was stood there having a 10 minute conversation with all the big wigs whilst itching my chin at the fact it only has ONE suicide door, and ONLY on the right hand side.

P.S – Thanks to Gabe for the back up ;) lol

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FrankInMiami Sep 20th, 2006 Link

Billy, If MINI wants the R55 Clubman to succeed in the American market, tell the engineers there in Cowley that this car MUST have 2 rear doors, not just one door on a side of the car.

Also, I think buyers should be given a choice between the “Barn” dual rear doors and a conventional hatchback.

Thanks for your insight. :)

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Dave Sep 20th, 2006 Link

Newspapers, motoring magazines…..Dave, I work in the plant and was stood there having a 10 minute conversation with all the big wigs whilst itching my chin at the fact it only has ONE suicide door, and ONLY on the right hand side. P.S – Thanks to Gabe for the back up ;) lol

Billy:

Sorry if my attempt at Page 3 Girl humor was a little subtle.

I in no way was trying to cast doubt on the 5-door.

Dave

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MotoringFile » Archive » Clubman on the ‘Ring Oct 5th, 2006 Link

[...] [ Spyshots of the MINI Clubman ] Motoringfile [...]

MotoringFile » Archive » Car Connection Snaps the Clubman in Action Nov 7th, 2006 Link

[...] All that aside you can see the Clubman spy-photos at the Nurburgring below. Take special note of the camflauge covering the non-door on the left side of the car. Previously we’ve proven it to be nothing more than a decoy covering normal body panels. [...]