Sections: R57 (Conv.) | Video Jan 25th, 2008 18 Comments It’s video Friday here at MF and today we have a sneak peak at the R57 MINI convertible undergoing some hardcore Nurburgring testing. While this particular video dates back to late 2007, it’s probably worth a look if your a MINI convertible fan or just hearing screaching tires around the ‘Ring.
As we’ve reported previously, look for the new convertible to have a pop-up roll-bar system similar to those found in the current BMW 1 and 3 series models. Another new item (also previously on MF) will be the “always open” gauge somewhere on the dash (most likely next to the tach) that measures the percentage of the time each car has it’s top down.
The R57 (based on the R56) is expected to debut in the spring of 2009 throughout most of the world.
You can see a bit more of the R57 in this recent Car magazine article:
[ MINI Convertible Undisguised ] Car Magazine
Jerome Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Hi
this video is not that new but thanks for showing it to MF readers. Here is the original post @ http://bellesallemandes.fr/2007/11/07/mini/mini-cabriolet-r57-vue-sur-le-ring/
All the best :)
Jérôme
Reply
hector M. Jan 25th, 2008 Link
screaming tires around the ring is always good, plus power sliding better
Reply
rkw Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Over on MINI2, Paul Mullett posted this link to some new photos of an undisguised R57. It looks just like one would expect. However, look at the front grill in the enlarged photo. It is like halfway between a slat and a honeycomb grill, and looks good. It may be part of the 2009 model refresh.
ReplyOIt is like halfway between a slat and a honeycomb grill, and looks good. It may be part of the 2009 model refresh.
That’s just the grille that comes on the factory aero kit. The mid-cycle refresh isn’t shown in that photo.
Reply
Julietel Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Although the aural sensation may be inspiring, it is regretable that that same cannot be said for my visual imnpression of the MINI. It truly is a rather ugly duckling with its fat wheel lips and bulbous bottom, not to mention its inelegant contours and distorted proportions. I take solace in my ‘06 both inside and out!
Reply
c4 Jan 25th, 2008 Link
The rear window does look bigger. But the huge blindspots with the top up sadly remain.
Reply
DavidB Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Excellent – makes me want to go back to the Nurburgring, a mellow yellow MINI in that video as well
Reply
c4 Jan 25th, 2008 Link
The PT Cruiser convertible has a “Basket handle”anti-roll bar.
Sorry, I don’t see the similarity here.
Reply
Mark Smith Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Anyone know for sure if the rear rollover protection bars are going to be a pop up system or stationary???
ReplyAnyone know for sure if the rear rollover protection bars are going to be a pop up system or stationary???
From the article above:
As we’ve reported previously, look for the new convertible to have a pop-up roll-bar system similar to those found in the current BMW 1 and 3 series models.
Reply
Jon Jan 25th, 2008 Link
Love any video’s from cars running the Ring, being the R57 is a cool touch on top of that. I second Mike’s comment above. They must have a hard time finding people to do that ;)
Reply
Steve Jan 26th, 2008 Link
Folks, I just got rid of a fully tricked out JCW MCS cabrio mostly because my wife hated the blind spot. Please, please MINI/BMW fix the rear view better than you are doing because I am in need of the new cabrio when they are available.
Reply
Brian Jan 26th, 2008 Link
I am ordering one when I can. So thanks for keeping the R57 in the news.
Reply
HTML Formatting Tips
MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
| _your text_ | → | your text |
| **your text** | → | your text |
| `my code` | → | my code |
| * Bulleted list * Second item | → | • Bulleted list • Second item |
| 1. Numbered list 1. Second item | → | 1. Numbered list 2. Second item |
| [link name](URL) | → | link name |
| *** | → | Horizontal ruler |
| <http://url> <email@add.com> | → | Auto-linked |
|  | → | Image |
Copyright © 2002-2010 Gabriel Bridger
