Autoweek.nl Captures the R57 Up Close

Sections: R57 (Conv.) Jan 29th, 2008 25 Comments

The Dutch publication Autoweek.nl has one of the best R57 spy-shots to date. While the new pop-up roll-bar system is hidden expect it to increase rear visibility somewhat along with what appears to be a slightly larger rear window.

Expect the new convertible to debut in the spring of 2009.

[ Nieuwe Mini Cabrio speelt buiten ] Autoweek.nl

Written By: MF Staff

AN

I hope all four wheels will be different, as standard equipment.
c4

Not bad. I might do a ragtop MINI at some distant point in the future.
rkw

That’s very funny! I didn’t even notice the wheels at first.

I think the rear window looks the same size as in the R52. The R52 rear window is actually fairly large; just that the rollbar blocks most of the view.
prkali

Not bad but I’d love a profile shot with the hidden roll bars in the back…if it is that is the route they are still taking; apparently 3 series convertible style(?).
Jon

Have to say though while I have never been a convertible fan think this is looking nice!
eager2own

The rear window does look slightly bigger than my R52′s . . . hopefully to maximize the advantage in visibility absent the permanent roll bars. It’s good to see that the R57 will keep the R56′s huge gap over the front-wheel fenders. I do like the different wheels and stubby antenna.
Jason

Hopefuly they “fix” the blind spots in the back.

I’m looking forward to more pics…
GregW

I knew they could do it – those pop-up roll-over bars are used in BMW models so why not MINI? The c-pillar could do with an extra window panel though. There’s not much vision in the back seat when the top is up.
Ken

I think the rear window looks the same size as in the R52. The R52 rear window is actually fairly large; just that the rollbar blocks most of the view.

No, fixed, roll bar on the new convert.
rkw

A pop-up roll bar would make a huge difference.

Here you can see that the R52 has a good sized rear window, but it was largely wasted: http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/504/P0014507.jpg http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/504/P0015560.jpg
Bob

Has anyone ever been in any convertible without huge blindspots while the top is up?
Chris W

Looks just like the offspring of an R52 & R56. Just like I expected it to look.
Ron

With some black duct tape (and mis-matched wheels) my R52 cabrio looks exactly the same.

I’ve been thinking that MINI needs to do something really cool and unique with the new cabrio. How about a transparent top?
dave

we all know what it’s gonna look like already. plus that that ‘ring video showed gave a pretty good look. no surprises here in terms of the looks of the r57
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

we all know what it’s gonna look like already. plus that that ‘ring video showed gave a pretty good look. no surprises here in terms of the looks of the r57

Just one or two inside.
http://www.newmini-technik.de Mac

as far as the outside is concerned there will be no real surprises, except the fact that the r57 will get a redesigned tailgate (the reason why its camouflaged all the time) and “hot chocolate” as a rooftop colour.

inside the car there will be two major changes:

1) it will get a r57 specific gauge 2) the rollbars will be hidden completely
Steve

You can get “three window” tops for the Miata so there is visibility in the rear quarters. Why can’t MINI get the picture that even without fixed rollbars, the rear side visibility is awful? I want another cabrio, but my wife won’t let us have one if the rear panels are still blocked. Well, there’s always the exacto knife and self-made side windows using duct tape to hold the clear plastic sheets…or there’s the 24/7 12 month topless option. Or maybe weld on rear view mirrors from an 18-wheeler.
eager2own

Yep, nothing surprising here. MINI had promised giving new meaning to all-time top-down motoring . . . woopeee, the new cabrio has a gauge to tell me how often the top is down. The active roll-over system is nice, but it won’t get me to the dealer on a new cabrio, because: 1) it’ll probably mean more of a cabrio price premium, 2) with the mirrors properly set, I don’t have blind-spot problems with the R52, and 3) I’m one of those people who actually like the look of my roll bars when the top is down (which is 90% of the time . . . I think — if only I had a gauge to be sure!).
greg

I like the look of the rollbars too(in chrome)! I always think that when I hear people bellyache about them.

I wonder if the Sidewalk option will still be ofered. And how about a hard top to slap on for the wintertime?

Anybody think this looks “big” like a PT Cruiser convertible? Maybe the photos are playing tricks on me.
Jon

Never have seen much of a resemblance between the Mini a a PT. Every time my eye goes to the raised hood line above the fenders and the fenders on the rear. Have herd some people over the years say the Mini and PT has some similarities, never have seen what they are seeing. Very very different cars.
c4

Even with the high beltline of the R56, I still do not see the PT Cruiser resemblance. Very different beasts.

As of matter of fact, after Cerberus investments bought Chrysler, they went over the product portfolio to determine which models are slow sellers and ax them accordingly. Among those, the PT Cruiser is scheduled to be discontinued after the 2008 model year (If it not already has).

So long PT Cruiser!
greg

Too bad! I used to have one and I loved it. Sold it to a pal who still has and loves it. Nothing special performance wise but a cool cheap retro ride.

Here in CLEVO they’re everywhere. Hard to believe they’re a slow seller.

I rented a black PTC convertible last time I went to Vegas and these picture of the new “puffy” looking MCS remind me of it.
rkw

I want another cabrio, but my wife wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t let us have one if the rear panels are still blocked… maybe weld on rear view mirrors from an 18-wheeler

There are some mirror solutions available. On the passenger side, I use a Multivex mirror (also available at Moss Motors). It eliminated the blind spot on my cabrio and made right-side lane changes a non-issue.
NEWDL

Who dented the heck out of the driver side rear? Ouch….
c4

The PT Cruiser was not a bad car, per se, but Chrysler really didn’t do anything to make it appealing and fresh as the car aged (Aside from shoehorning the Turbo).

Had the PT Cruiser being a RWD concept, the car would have been a different story. Unfortunately, it rode on the Neon chassis.

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