2009 MINI Convertible Caught at the ‘Ring

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

Written By: Gabe

http://bellesallemandes.fr/ Jerome

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 :)

JÃƒÂ©rÃƒÂ´me
hector M.

screaming tires around the ring is always good, plus power sliding better
mike

how do i get that job?
rkw

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.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

OIt 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.
Roccorocket

More ulgy than the coupe. If that’s possible.
http://juli@julijulijuli.com Julietel

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!
c4

The rear window does look bigger. But the huge blindspots with the top up sadly remain.
greg

Does this remind anyone of the PT Cruiser convertible?
DavidB

Excellent – makes me want to go back to the Nurburgring, a mellow yellow MINI in that video as well
c4

The PT Cruiser convertible has a “Basket handle”anti-roll bar.

Sorry, I don’t see the similarity here.
Mark Smith

Anyone know for sure if the rear rollover protection bars are going to be a pop up system or stationary???
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Anyone know for sure if the rear rollover protection bars are going to be a pop up system or stationary???

From the article above:

As weÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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.
Jon

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 ;)
http://www.ausringers.com Liam

Thanks for the update. :)
Steve

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.
Brian

I am ordering one when I can. So thanks for keeping the R57 in the news.
greg

Boy Steve you are gonna miss that car.

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