Follow The MINI USA R56 Press Launch

First of all Gabe, have a great time!

Looking forward to hearing what you learn and have enough time to share with us all.

I’m surprised you got a full sized candy bar.

Seems like an ideal time to hand out MINIatures…

I’d love to hear what they gave out in the goodie back. I do recognize the sales brochure and the “Mini To Go” bag!

Have a great time, Gabe. Wring the snot out of ‘em.

Do they have some R53s there for back to back comparisons. I bet not, that could be dangerous at an introduction.

Enjoy yourself.

Gabe, I have the same question as Zac about the Multifunction steering wheel order mixup on the first batch of 2007 Minis which customers were expecting to get after the 2/17 launch this month. I’ve been waiting for 7 weeks now to get my 07 MCS and because my Mini got built with the wrong wheel without mutifunction, (it means I get no cruise control, which is a big deal) I’ll have to re-order on Monday. My question for Mini is that will they be able to expedite the new order for the correct build? And what incentive will they be providing to customers who will have to wait an extra 6ish weeks to get their 07 Minis due to this mixup in the steering wheel order?

Oh and that Mellow Yellow Cooper looks fantastic. Finally a good looking yellow from MINI.

I am in love…great pics! Maybe a point of minutia but I’m noting some variations in R56 bonnet stripe placement….some are farther apart on the bonnet (which I’ve always preferred). Maybe we’ll see more of this as it appears R56 driving lights are positioned farther apart, too. I like.

Are those seats in the Yellow Cooper english panther leather–and if so, are they essentially the same english panther leather seats on the R53?

Reason I ask is that when I bought my 2006, the dealer strongly recommended the english panther leather–said the seats were higher quality. I doubted this, but I liked the look and specced them (have to admit I’m glad I did; I love the look and they’re very comfortable).

Gabe: Please ask why the S has a fake hoodscoop. That seems so un-MINI. I love my ’05 but the new S front just doesn’t do it for me. Any chance of an S with the Cooper front end?

Glad to see you made it to the Stinkin’ Desert safely. Rubber side down, and after dinner, eat the worm.

 BCNU,

Rob in Dago

Could you go into at least some fair detail about throttle response? I’m planning on snatching up a nice Chili Red/Black R56 MCS, and since I’ll be moving from the dreaded CVT Cooper Convertible, I’m leaving behind some INSANE delay when I hit the go faster pedal… so, quick and peppy pickup and acceleration are at the top of my list.

Also, just how different is the new 6-Speed gearbox from the current one? Coming from a CVT, I don’t know much about the old box, but from what I’ve heard, it’s great, but quirky, notchy, and the reverse is in a weird spot (hint hint…), so what’s up with the new transmission?

Have a blast down there, as I’m sure you undoubtedly will; my only R56 interaction comes on 2/16/07 at MINI of Peabody- they’ve got a little meet and greet going on for the new car. But fill the Flickr with photos and Motor On!!

Gabe, I’m so curious to know what Mini told you about the multifuction steering wheel order mixup. I ordered the Multifunction steering wheel option for $550 but my Mini has been built without the multifunction wheel and it is already here in the NY port. If it wasn’t for a thread on NAM, I wouldn’t have found out about this issue. So when I would have gone in later this month to pick up my new baby, I would have been in for a shock. Now at least I know in advance and that gives me some time to think of options. And taking the car without the multifunction wheel isn’t an option.

These are my questions and it appears that others have this question too:

• Is a retrofit of the multifunction wheel even possible at the dealerships or VDC?
• If the retrofit is possible, will it be as reliable as the factory installation
• If retrofit is possible, will there be a delay in getting the car?
• If we need to re-order, will Mini put priority on our orders?
• What will Mini do to make it up to us for the extra wait?
• Mini has known about this issue for at least a week now, so when should we expect to hear an answer as this uncertainty is painful

Soon we will find out if Mini will do the responsible thing and like someone mentioned on a different thread, turn a lemon into lemonade or will this turn out to be a classic case of a global giant that has an almost monpoly whee they won’t care about their customers and make it up to them for this critical mixup.

The forum on NAM is trying to get a headcount of folks whose ordered has been messed up and so far there are 17 people listed just on one thread in one forum. How many more are out there? Here is a link to that forum and I believe it has been mentioned by some other people here: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91071

These pictures look awesome. Thanks for posting them. Unfortunately, I’m one of those whose order has been messed up (AKA the Multifunction Steering Wheel Debacle). I know Mini is looking into retrofitting but I’m friends with a garage owner that spcializes in Mini Mods and he seems to believe that retrofitting the multifunction steering wheel, if possible might have flaws. And I can’t take a chance with such a critical part of the car not be trustworthy. So, I’m going to re-order on Monday. My question for Mini folks is that what will they be doing to make up for my pain. I’ve been waiting for 8 weeks and now I will have to wait longer. I’m expecting them to rush my production and delivery of the new (and correctly built Mini) and also offer me a respectable discount. I think $500 in accessoris and $500 discount off the MSRP is a resonable thing to expect to make me wait longer. What do other folks here think? I’m not familiar with Mini’s ethics – what do you think they might give me to make up for this ordr mixup?

Gabe, I’ve been looking at some of the pictures and eyeing the brakes in particular. It was mentioned that the front brakes are the same size as the current JCW brakes. I see the part number for the front pads are different but is there any idea if the new pads will be interchangable with the current JCW pads? I would hope so as that should increase the availability of aftermarket pads for the JCW.

Hi Gabe, Can you try to get some pics of the piano black dash if you come across it?

Hope you can transcribre the volumes of questions into shorthand to avoid caddying all the additional steerage and its impact on performance when you get behind the wheel Gabe. (:

Seriously — please “push” for the MINI D. Ask if the diesel will be available in Canada before the US and when? Also please try and get a definitive answer/timeframe on AWD. Have fun during your 70F defrost cycle in Phoenix. Will you be attending AMVIV?

So far I can’t see myself wanting this car. The ’03′ going to have to last a while. Lack of gauges, the center stack is ugly and cheep looking. The fuel gauge looks like it was taken straight out of a Chevy truck from the late 70′s early 80′s. The headlights are not great either. Boring at best. Oh, and don’t get me started on that hoodscoop.

Gabe… just a quick “thank you” for the flikr pics. Particularly the Redwood Red interior. First time I’ve seen a REAL pic of the back seat. Finally!

Nice techy looking hotel room there Gabe. Hangin’ out in your complimentary robe?

BTY, surprised to see that front strut tower support area looks NO beefier.

Poor Gabe ~

Enjoy – don’t you guys think he is there to research the car, and not be q/a guy to MINI with your concerns. You need to take that up with the MA when you confirm your error on your MFSW. Just my opinion.

(: motor on!