Update #1 from the BMW/MINI Press Event

Sections: MINI Competitors | R55 (Clubman) Feb 12th, 2008 16 Comments

MotoringFile has landed at the BMW/MINI press launch. After some fog related flight problems getting into Monterey, we’ve been briefed on the shcedule and first up tomorrow is the US Spec MINI Clubman. We’ll be putting the R55 through it’s paces both on the track and on the road. We’ll also have a R55 vs R56 auto-cross to compare and contrast the two cars.

Over the next several days we’ll also have photos of Clubman, and the other scheduled introductions; the BMW M3 and 1 Series. For your convenience we’ll be breaking all the photos down into those three categories as well. The first addition to the collection will be the official photos from BMW and MINI. These are new press photos not seen before and, in some cases, are the first official US spec images of each of these automobiles. Be sure to check back as we add our own photos to the sets each day.

While you’ll find the week’s highlights on MF and a detailed report on the Clubman, be sure to check BimmerFile.com for more of the BMW specific news.

Full Set

MINI Clubman

BMW 1 Series

BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan

Written By: Gabe

http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

So spinning off BimmerFile won’t reduce the BMW coverage on MotoringFile?
c4

Gabe, looking forward to your Clubman test drive reports.
EricR

So this is going to be at Laguna? If someone were to happen by that location, do you think they’d get kicked out? ;)
Charlie

MINIUSA Photos of the blue Clubman were taken along Oceanview Ave in Pacific Grove, Ca. Interesting that the Press introduction of the Clubman is apparently taking place in Monterey and @ Laguna Seca whereas the MINI Clubman “school” for service techs is scheduled for Las Vegas on Wed/Thurs this week.
Ketan

The link doesn’t work. There is a big debate at work on why would anyone want a Mini for 32 K when you can get one series for little more. I think 1 series will take sales away from Mini. I am thinking about getting a 1 series but I am really torn. I like my 05 MCS but these pics are really making it tough to stay loyal to Mini.
Allen

is it just me or does the clubman look fat as hell in some of those pictures?
cct1

Wait until you see a 1 series in real life. Its one of the few cars that looks better in pictures than in the flesh, IMHO (although the color I saw it in wasn’t so hot either). Front and side looks great, but the rear end is, well, just bad. It looks too boxy–the car has great curves on the front and sides, and then the rear end looks like someone tacked on a microwave on it–it just doesn’t fit. But with a little modification, it might be ok–the tii looked great from all angles, but the way it was parked made it somewhat difficult to see the rear of the car very well. I’m hoping with the tii’s suspension drop, and the rear wing that was added, the car’s appearance will be improved, but the stock 135i just isn’t as nice looking as it could have been.
Ketan

Did you guys notice the license plates are from Jersey. I never knew Jersey is that picturesque.
c4

BMW and MINI’s USA headquarters are located in New jersey, hence the press cars have plates from the “Garden State”.
rhawth99

BMWs have always left me cold along with their stuffy sales people so I for one am not remotely interested in a 1 series. The Clubman on the other hand, is very interesting to me. Thanks for the Clubman pics, Gabe.

Doesn’t everyone come to Jersey for the scenery? :)
David T

Most of Jersey is beautiful countryside. I try to stay away from the built up areas when I am forced to go there ;-)

I was excited to see the Clubman in person since I thought it looked so promising in the pictures. I was too late to play with the doors and see the inside but I did look at the exterior and felt the proportions did not do it for me. So much for my interest in the JCW Clubman. Glad I got an 2006 since I will have to wait for the mid cycle facelift to see if it gets better.

Seems like the one series is a different market. I want a hatchback, otherwise I might be interested in the 1 series. After the reliability problems of my M3, I would not keep it past 80K miles though.
Shamus

I, for one, love the 1-series. I got the chance to check it out in person at the San Francisco Auto Show. Black-on-red 135 with all the goodies. Very sweet! For those dissenters out there, it could just be that it only really looks good in certain colors. God knows sparkling silver has gotten universally trashed in the MINI world for being bland and ‘mommy’. The Clubman was at the show as well, better in person, but I just couldn’t get over how cheap the side door and tailgates were. Maybe Gabe can check that out when he’s there, perhaps they’ll fix them by production.
C4

BMW and MINIUSA headquarters are located in New Jersey. Hence, all press cars have NJ license plates.
C4

Why am I back in full moderation?
http://ww.tiscali.co.uk/motoring Ginger

The silver Clubman looks similar to my Pepper white one. Almost 400 miles in tree-weeks and I’m loving it!
http://www.shokk.com/blog/ Ernie Oporto

Wickedly sweet photo sets!

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