Factory Aero Kit Gets an Update in ‘09

Gabe Mar 23rd, 2008 Link

nice report DB. Too bad about those painted arches.

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Volker Mar 24th, 2008 Link

The painted arches will give a lot of ground for discussions again :)

Help me out here, Factory Aero Kit and JCW Aero Kit, 2 different things, right ?!

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tonyeck Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Yeah the factory kit and the JCW kit are very different. Here is my JCW kit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonysphotographs/2279895575/

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heyduard Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Correct. the factory aero is different from the JCW aero. The painted arches make all the difference for the factory kit.

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DeathCab4QT Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Still seems lame. Will wait for more pics for final judgement.

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Volker Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Thanks heyduard ! IMO I can fight with the black arches the same argument that MINI fights for the C pillars on the Clubman. Only I would like to have them painting the pillars :)

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c4 Mar 24th, 2008 Link

I would say that this new aerokit is an improvement over the first one. But it still lacks the visual punch of the R50,52, 53 aerokit.

Gabe, painted wheel arches in the R56 might not be a bad idea. Never cared for them in the previous car, but I think they help improve the looks of the current car substantially.

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Mozza Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Will this mean painted arches will become a factory option regardless of whether you choose to get the aero kit or not?

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VMMVMMM Mar 24th, 2008 Link

I agree that it is a shame that they are resorting to painted arches, but overall the kit looks better than before.

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Paul Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Will this updated aero kit be available on the Clubman too?

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Jon Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Well a tad better than the original aero kit, I am not a fan of the painted arches look. Having said that I would take painted arches over the original kits transition between the arches to the front clip.

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Chris Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Let me be the first to say that I like the painted arches. More complete looking than the previous aero kit on the R56.

(Puts flame-suit on)

Ok, now you can flame away.

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rhawth99 Mar 24th, 2008 Link

If nothing else, the painted arch will blend the bonnet seam along the wheel arch.

Look forward to bigger and better pictures!

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mike Mar 24th, 2008 Link

I wonder how much this will affect the price.

Regarding the R50/53 aero kit… it’s a great looking kit except the rear stickers. At least the new kit has fake grills.

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mowse Mar 24th, 2008 Link

In pictures on NAM the factory kit looked good (at least on AB) the I saw one in person(BRG). All I could think was “Mini what where you thinking?). What are the prices of this and the JCW(installed)?

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Crusoe Mar 24th, 2008 Link

If you see the current aero kit on anything but a AB or maybe PW your stomach will turn. It looks like a hodgepodge of kits bought off ebay for the wrong car.

At least the option for painted arches is a huge improvement.

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dickdavid Mar 24th, 2008 Link

It’s an improvement. I’d like to see it in person.

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Pretzel Logic Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Yeah, I like the painted arches better myself, although I guess I’d rather scuff up plastic than scrape off paint when backing into the garage.

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c4 Mar 24th, 2008 Link

If I had painted arches, I would have clearbra film installed in them.

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Ian F Mar 24th, 2008 Link

I like the painted arches as well. Looks more integrated.

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eto Mar 24th, 2008 Link

It looks like the same kit with painted arches and grill slats…

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Fred Mar 24th, 2008 Link

If you want the MINI to blend in with every other car, painted arches are ideal. While we’re at it, let’s go for the swept, wide-eyed hood and huge taillights. In fact, let’s all get a Camry or Accord.

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Mr. Chau Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Here is my JCW kit -

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Mr. Chau Mar 24th, 2008 Link

Here is my JCW kit- http://www.flickr.com/photos/12027129@N03/1797754670/

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Timmee Mar 25th, 2008 Link

eww.

can we assume that the “previous” kit available for the Clubman will also be updated to include arches?

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Chris Mar 25th, 2008 Link

“If you want the MINI to blend in with every other car, painted arches are ideal. While we’re at it, let’s go for the swept, wide-eyed hood and huge taillights. In fact, let’s all get a Camry or Accord.” – Fred

You’re right Fred. It’s the plastic that makes a Mini cool. The upgraded Mini Aero Kit should look like a base model Jeep Wrangler at all costs. Lots of plastic and a ride height that will clear small children. If we are lucky they will even add more plastic onto the Clubman’s Aero Kit so that it can resemble the wonderful and sporty Honda Element.

My work here is done. Capt. Sarcasm Away!!!

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gokartride Mar 25th, 2008 Link

I like the idea of factory-painted wheel arches and kinda wish it had been an option all along.

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lavardera Mar 28th, 2008 Link

Its not doing it for me.

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