The R60: What Do You Want to See?

Sections: R60 (Countryman) Nov 6th, 2006 85 Comments

Earlier this year we had several sources tell us about a proposed fourth MINI model to be built as part of the 2nd generation MINI model run. Details were scarce but from what we could tell there were several ideas of what this model could be.

One of the more (seemingly) outlandish ideas was that MINI was considering a two seat speedster model as a performance halo of sorts. Small, sleek and possibly not front-wheel drive and maybe not even built in the UK, the MINI speedster would unquestionably be an interesting move for the brand.

However the one rumor that we heard mentioned from several of our sources throughout the past year was an AWD MINI of some kind. This rumor had the R58 take on the form of an AWD MINI Coupe. The styling would be overly aggressive with a raised stance for increased ground clearance. Think of it as a butch R56. Two doors, AWD, and very aggressive looking.

While we expect a plans to be formalized soon, MINI has yet to decide on a specific direction with the R58 model. We expect they will finalize the production plans of this new model by the end of this year and we could see something new and exciting roll out of the Oxford Plant about a year after the R57 Convertible’s debut in the spring of 2009.

With the final decision yet to be made that means your opinion could still matter and may still have some influence. So we’re asking our always opinionated MotoringFile readers to tell us what you want to see in the R58. Does the idea of a brand stretching speedster make sense? How about an AWD go anywhere coupe? Or maybe you want to shoot for the stars? 250hp? Lightweight? Back to basics? Lambo doors? Whatever it is, let’s hear your idea for the R58.

Written By: Gabe

Bob

Two seater coupe.
Bwana Yak

pickup truck
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

I’d like to see a new Moke. Not just a normal coupe with higher ride height and some extra black plastic, but an open top leisure car, maybe even without doors. And contrary to the original Moke, some serious off-road potential. I see something that heralds back to the buggies of the seventies, much like the pictures that were released a while back. http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/neuheiten/artikel.php?artikel_id=7282

A speedster (one of the more popular modifications for the classic, right behind a “normal” convertible) also sounds cool, but I think it might be too close to the regular convertible.
Avitor

What Do You Want to See?

A shade of metallic blue I don’t hate, for one thing. If it’s going to be AWD I’d prefer a WRC competitive hatchback before they do a Moke. A proper Rally car would be getting more in touch with the Mini’s roots than a Moke, in my opinion. I still think a Moke is important, but I think it should wait until the R59 or whatever.

Once Mini’s are winning more rallies than the Targa Newfoundland, then I want to see a Fiat Panda 4×4 killing, Land Rover swatting MINI Moke.
Ron

AWD seems to be an odd direction for MINI – but then again I’ve also been surprised at how much BMW is embracing AWD in its regular models too. Let’s see some RWD models. If they could add RWD, balance the weight of the car (and still keep it light), and add an SMG transmission, the MINI would be pretty much perfect. It’d be what the 3 series should be.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

Both? ;)
klf23

Well the original Moke took the styling of the lorries (large trucks) of the time and miniturised it. They were utility vehicles, very simplistic/minimalistic – great for the beach (no carpet/doors).

So the new Moke should take the styling of the modern lorries and miniturise it, make it simple and utilitarian but modern. Keep the lack of doors / roof as much as possible. It doesn’t need to be an off road vehicle, just very practical.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

IÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ve also been surprised at how much BMW is embracing AWD in its regular models too.

I think BMW sees AWD as a necessary evil for selling cars in the “sissy-fied” US market. Notice the lack of a true sport package option on all AWD BMWs. It will be interesting to see if BMW believes the same thing about the MINI brand when it comes to the execution of AWD.
dr

I like the idea of a two seater better than a mini suv.
I like AWD, However I think when MINI brings in AWD it should be available on all models not just one.

another fake off road like vehicle seems counter to everything the MINI brand is…..but then again, so is a fake hood scoop

a utilitarian moke is a good idea but the element and scion xb are really what a modern moke would be

To revive a old rumor…a two seat MINI built on the z4 platform as a MINI Triumph would be pretty viable
Timothy

It won’t be a three wheeled vehicle like the now departed Reliant Robin. It won’t be a limo….

How about a gasoline-electric hybrid MINI, including a plug-in option? Finding room for the batteries would be a challenge, but it might be possible using every nook (such as underneath the seats).
http://www.minimainline.com Mark

How about a pick-em-up truck that handles like a MINI. Maybe rear seats like the old BRAT, and has some sort of off road capability. (perhaps a flux capacitor??)
Siddhartha

260-275 HP, supercharged and turbocharged, AWD, adjustable coilovers, adjustable camber plates. 22 mm rear swaybar, no back seat like the GP, Recaros seats, 5 point harness, thicker suede steering wheel, more aerodynamic body with less drag. Move over STi!
Matthew

I would love to see a genuine off-road capable MINI. I really could use one right about now and I certainly don’t feel like buying a Jeep.
http://www.dickdavid.com dickdavid

This is more BMW and less MINI, but I would love to see a vehicle that recaptures the essence of the BMW 2002s. The new MINI does this to a certain degree in spirit, however it would be nice to have something that follows the grassroots design of the ol’ coupe. Keep it an inexpensive, simple, no-frills driver’s car with a trunk.
indimini

How about a new take on the Austin Maxi? The car has ties to Alec Issigonis so it stays in the family.

A new MAXI would be to the MINI what BMW’s 5 or 7 series is to the 3 series.
TallyHo!

A two seat roadster has my vote! Resurrect the Triumph marquee and sell them alongside MINIs.
http://www.gominigo.com GoMiniGo

Jacked up AWD MINI! no, no, no and more no!

The world does not need another mini-SUV.

I want a rally inspired AWD MINI that can compete with the STI/EVO of the world. Yes, true rally cars have a little better ground clearance but I do not plan to play Colin McRae on the gravel roads. Give us something that is like the old Ford RS2000!

GMG
Larry

Make mine an AWD, diesel, Mini Traveler!
Jon

Speedster. It should have more aggressive styling than the current cabriolet. a more swept-back windshield, maybe a hard-top versus a canvas top, which would work like the new Pontiac G6 convertible, look like the Audi TT hard top. Basically, be more aerodynamic, versus brick-like.

Of course, this speedster would have to be at least 200 bhp, and preferably RWD!
iNomis

The Triumph ideas (Does MINI own the Triumph name or do the cycle folks?) gave me an idea. Do a MINI version of the Bug Eye Sprite! This would be the speedster. RWD and or AWD. 2 models, a base in the low 20s and an S model for around 30k. The Z4 platform is probably too heavy to be MINI like.
BobbyS

A six wheeled Renault replica.
Yegor H.

Speedster and AWD.
http://motoringfile.com Hector M.

I want to see a AWD with 240 Hp, and more aggressive aerodynamics
j

hardtop speedster RWD (w/ AWD becoming an option across the board) with at least 220-230 hp
Tom

How about a MINI van. Not a soccer parent mobile, but maybe something like a Scion xB meets VW Microbus… probably beyond completely impractical from a cost-effective production standpoint.
Evan

Banish the limits of FWD by making an AWD MINI with an aluminum bonnet and boot, a carbon fiber roof, 50/50 wt distribution, short spaced 6spd manual, 300+hp.

The MINI is traditionally FWD, it made FWD popular worldwide. The MINI is small enough to make it work. But when anyone starts pumping more than 200hp through only the front wheels, it pushes the limits. To get a truly M3-esque level of performance and keeping in mind MINI would never be only RWD, AWD with a heavy diet is the way to go.

So, let’s see what happens…
BumbleBee

When I read AWD, I don’t think tiny SUV; I think bore the engine out to 2 liters and build a WRC competitor.
Ian F

I nice, efficient pick-up would be nice. As mentioned previously, similar to the Brat or the old VW Rabbit P/U. Add an optional, removable, ladder-rack style system for carrying a full sheet of plywood. Then wrap the whole thing around an efficient diesel engine with a manual transmission and I think such a vehicle would sell well.
http://www.nemini.org PaulGraz

2-seat fastback – with hatch or trunk, doesn’t matter. No AWD! (Like we need something else to make the fuel economy worse…) I’m thinking something like a MINI version of the Porsche 911…
jeffng65

Speedster: smaller, lower, even shorter overhangs, and faster than the R56.
ichor

how about a mini marcos?

what i’d really want is something cutting edge in the hybrid/hydrogen/whatever department…
Brian

MINI basically needs a more powerful car to be more noticed in the hard core performance world. AWD will allow more power to be usable.

I’d suggest AWD as an option on all the MCS, MCSc and JCW.

Also an AWD open 2 seater would look really good.
Morgan Moore

Both an AWD speedster and a true WRC caliber, AWD hatch.
Jack07734

I agree with BumbleBee.

BumbleBee Nov 6th, 2006 Link When I read AWD, I donÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t think tiny SUV; I think bore the engine out to 2 liters and build a WRC competitor.

It’s time MINI went back to it’s roots in rally. Therefore I feel that a spec legal WRC car is in order.

Cheers, Jack
Mike

2 doors, four seats, AWD, no jacking up, and lots of performance.
The Seeker

MCS JCW GK (Giant Killer) AWD. 2 seats. 250bhp. 2500lbs. Base price, $25,000. That would do it !

And loose the center stack.
Seth L

AWD competitor to the likes of MazdaSpeed 3, WRX, and A3/S3

Or, true 4-door MINI.
Siddhartha

Seth, the current JCW MCS has no trouble with any of those cars. Bump it up to the well driven STi and EVO VIII range and you’ve got a real bomb.
http://www.rustysteeldesigns.com rustysteel

How about a real Cooper ‘S’ with radio-delete, no A/C, no traction control, wind up windows, bascially keep it as light as possible. Do this with a regular Cooper, no turbo, and make it cheaper than the regualr Cooper. Kind of a Spec-Miata type vehicle for those track/AutoX enthusiasts. Ok keep the radio as it’s part of the speedo, but everything else is gone and add sport suspension. Make it flat Black, perfect.
JP

Since BMW owns the Triumph name why not a sports car with a hint of TR4 which has become a classic. The car would compete with Mazda and Saturn two seaters.
AlwaysOpenCharlie05

As far as I’m concerned, the MINI is already a Porsche 911, so it doesn’t much matter to me.

Although, if you must know…

A speedster would be the bomb. A 2-seater go-kart with a really low suspension, a 350+ hp engine, and a 6-speed box? I’d buy eighteen, if money grew on trees! As long as it takes the styling cues from the R53 generation. Make the MINI a high-end super-fast cousin, with a true driver’s car’s handling, and only the nicest possible interior materials. Kind of like MINI’s take on a smaller, more bulldog-esque Aston Martin Vanquish S. Or, god forbid, a Spyker. Just really high-end, well crafted materials and super-advanced technology. I’d buy it… convert all the Mercedes-Benz buyers into MINI drivers.

But the MINI is perfect just the way it is, so if what we’ve got goes away… I might have to cry.
snid

2-seater, speedster. Oh yeah!

No giant killer, AWD, 300hp thing. There are enough of those out there already (STi, evo, audi S4/RS4).

I want an Elise / Exige killer. Add more lightness.

ClubSport is another one of my dreams for a MINI. Ditch all the creature comforts and keep it cheap.

The one drawback to an open top car is to take it on the racetrack it will need a real rollbar – the little hoops on the current convertible are not enough for track use. So, an open top design that doesn’t look horrid with a real rollbar would be nice… the Miata pulls it off well.
JohnDough

“Larry Nov 6th, 2006 Link Make mine an AWD, diesel, Mini Traveler!”

Here in Western Montana, Subaru Outback capital of the world, I’m thinking that would sell.
Avitor

How’s about an AWD with black (non-metallic) paint job, a turbine engine, computer controlled with an artificially intelligent operating system, a bouncing red “scanner” in the bonnet scoop, turbo boost, ejector seats, and an annoying voice?
Wraith

i would really like to see some sort of MINI rally car type idea. bore out the motor to 2.0 liters, AWD, around 225hp. something along the lines of an Evo or WRX
Nathaniel Salzman

Avitor, you forgot the ejector seat.
moinimalist

Remember the broadspeed coupe? travellers long wheelbase would balance longer tail. Also like the idea of 4wd traveller possibly with dual range gearbox
CooperS

We need a MINI Pickup or panel van
minimalist

apologies didnt remember to well myself car was called broadspeed gt
Dave Mac Mini

AWD (more for Canadian winters, but my experience with an Audi S4 tells me that AWD is a great performance booster). 250-300 hp, JCW kit. Otherwise. I’m happy with the car as it is now

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