Sections: R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Coupe) | R57 (Conv.) Dec 18th, 2008 16 Comments 
As we’ve previously reported MINI’s Lightning Blue will discontinued with March production for R55 and R56 models. In it’s place will be Horizon Blue as seen in the ad to the right. Look for Horizon Blue to be available on all models and all trim levels for 2009.
Also look for Laser Blue (that other Blue currently available) to continue through 2009.
On the other end of the color spectrum, Midnight Black will be replacing Astro Black on all models starting with 12/08 production. Midnight Black is a darker version of Astro Black. Gone is the blue tint and in it’s place a darker deeper metallic black look.
MikeJCW Dec 18th, 2008 Link
There is a lady who lives in Germany who posted pics of her new Midnight Black R55 Cooper S Clubman on NAM. Looks SHARP, although they were taken under cloudy skies so it’s kinda hard to tell how nice it will look in the sun
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Blainestang Dec 18th, 2008 Link
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing.
“lilliux” is her SN on NAM if anyone wants to find the pictures.
Also, her car completed production November 27th or so. I don’t know if that necessarily means all Astro Black production was completed prior to that date, but it gives a good indication of when the “change-over” took place. Probably sometime during or at the end of week 48.
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mike c. Dec 18th, 2008 Link
I’m looking forward to seeing the new black “in the flesh”. I’ll be driving by the dealer every now and then to get a peak.
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Blainestang Dec 18th, 2008 Link
With regard to Horizon Blue, could we get some clarification on what models it will be available on. From what I understand from the article, it will be available on the following beginning in March:
R55: MC / MCS R56: MC / MCS R57: MC
Is that correct according to your information?
It just seems strange to leave out JUST the R57 MCS… AND allow people to configure an R57 MCS with Horizon Blue paint on the UK MINI site.
ReplyIs that correct according to your information?
That’s not correct. we’ve updated the post. Sorry about that.
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Blainestang Dec 18th, 2008 Link
That’s not correct. we’ve updated the post. Sorry about that.
Thanks for the update, Gabe.
Good to get that figured out before everyone starts overreacting about it. Not that that would ever happen. Haha
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eto Dec 18th, 2008 Link
Whoa… Laser Blue will be gone after 2009?!?! Curse paying of debts before getting my MINI!
ReplyWhoa… Laser Blue will be gone after 2009?!?! Curse paying of debts before getting my MINI!
No one ever said that :) It may be but we’re not saying it’s definitely gone for 2010 here.
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glangford Dec 18th, 2008 Link
I like the horizon blue an awful lot. If its still around on my next mini purchase, that will be the color.
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Josh Wardell Dec 18th, 2008 Link
So is Midnight Black a pure metallic black or does it still have some annoying color cast?
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MJulian Dec 18th, 2008 Link
When can we see the black exterior trim options from the factory or the black xenon headlights?
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greg Dec 20th, 2008 Link
I keeping asking here about the black chrome option once mentioned here. No response.
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greg Dec 21st, 2008 Link
And it looks like I’m never getting one.
Would someone else please ask?
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Michael DeWese Dec 29th, 2008 Link
After playing around with the UK configurator, it looks as though the Pacific Blue color line option (on the R57) is not available with the new Horizon Blue exterior as it was with both Lightning and Laser Blue. Any idea if MINI will be offering another color line option in March to replace Pacific with something else. My guess is most of the blue interiors were picked by those choosing one of those two exterior options.
Reply[...] Originally Posted by dalboyne (original) Our dealer said it was Week 6……. A MotoringFile article was my source for Week 10. Week 6 is February builds and Week 10 is March. The changeover could be [...]
Ian Jan 10th, 2009 Link
Horizon Blue seems to be greeny-blue? And if Laser Blue continues, this will only be on the S models?
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