MotoringFile Exclusive: First Images of the Refreshed 2011 MINI

Sections: R57 (Conv.) Apr 22nd, 2010 38 Comments

Here it is, our first glimpse of MINI’s latest color; Spice Orange on a pre-production 2011 Cooper convertible. As we reported a few weeks back, the new color is darker (yet still metallic) and a bit more bold than the previous orange (known around MotoringFile HQ as “dreamsicle”). Based on our sources the orange will be exclusive to the refreshed R57 MINI Convertible.

Also seen for the first time in the above is the redesigned side grille and turn signal. As you can see the grille (still faux) has been thoroughly redesigned to look a bit more upmarket and we would say more “classic”.

Finally we also get our first glimpse at the light grey leather “lounge” seating option finished with black piping. Unfortunately the image didn’t make it into this story since it gave a little too much away. But we can tell you that the new grey leather options is quite light in color in inline with some of BMW’s recent cream leather options.

Orders start in August with deliveries begining in September and October worldwide.

For those who may have missed our previous reporting on the 2011 refresh (or LCI in BMW speak) be sure to check out our previous reports below.

+ MINI Cooper Facelift Photos Surface
+ MF Exclusive: the Future of MINI Connect Revealed
+ MF Exclusive: 2011 MINI Refresh Revealed (New Colors & a New Look)
+ 2011 MINI Refresh Update: Interior Colors & Trim

Written By: MF Staff

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1075481219 Joshua Laase

I am looking forward to the new 2011 Mini. It will be my first Mini! When should we expect to see the official unveiling?
rosvick

I’m in the same boat as you, Josh – 2011 will be my first MINI as well, so I’m incredibly excited to see all the new updates for next year’s model!

So, as Josh said earlier, when will we see it, officially?
http://www.facebook.com/andymadrid Andrew Madrid

Nice color! I love the retro feel. Reminds me of a VW BUG you might see here in states in the 1970s. I’m looking forward to the 2012 and the new platform AND whatever other goodies MINI has up it’s sleeve. The Grey with Black Leather Lounge sounds like a winner and wish you could have gotten to post those photos.
Alexandre

Same as Josh and rosvick here, however it will be my third MINI;) I don’t know about the U.S. but I think it will be available in Europe by the end of September if I remember correctly…Is it my browser or are the pictures really blurry?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

@Alexandre — I am seeing compression artifacts that blur and distort the images. I would say that the photos were either taken with a very low resolution camera, or resolution was reduced to obscure details.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

So Mellow Yellow is out, and Spice Orange will be available only on the Cabrio? This is wrong, very wrong.

The MINI spirit is vibrant, not drab and dirt-hiding. Parking lots full of dullness are depressing. Please give us at least a couple of bright color options for the hardtops!
alpinamike

Someone in the factory with a camera phone, I thought no outside cameras were allowed in any BMW factory unless written.

It looks very close to hot orange, a bit darker.

Excited about the orange/ it never should have left.
bee1000

“Unfortunately the image didnâ€™t make it into this story since it gave a little too much away.”

Can you explain this sentence? It reads as though you have a scoop, but won’t publish it because it will upset MINI and, I would guess, endanger your access to official news in the future.
Herr26

The updated MINI models will debut at the Paris Mondial l’automobile in October.

The official press release will be mid-summer.
http://www.nathanielsalzman.com Nathaniel Salzman

If you look very carefully in the background, you can see Sasquatch boarding a small, saucer-shaped spacecraft.
Alex

This refresh is coming quite late into the R56 product cycle isn’t it? The R56 will be four years old come September. Does this mean an 8-year product cycle for the R56? It’s usually six years!?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375640584 Melis Heerens

Kinda sad that Spice Orange is just for the R57. They need to bring this color to the whole line. It reminds me of Saffron Metallic from the Volvo V70 R. That was a cool color, even if almost no one bought it.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

This refresh is coming quite late into the R56 product cycle isnâ€™t it? The R56 will be four years old come September. Does this mean an 8-year product cycle for the R56? Itâ€™s usually six years!?

It’s generally 4 years to a LCI and 6 years to a new product.

Can you explain this sentence? It reads as though you have a scoop, but wonâ€™t publish it because it will upset MINI and, I would guess, endanger your access to official news in the future.

I think it’s more of a respect thing to be honest. We work with MINI a lot and they love MotoringFile. They give us things and we give them an incredible site and platform for people to talk about their product.

Sometimes we test their patience but in the end they know what to expect out of the site and they know we’ll respect product launches etc . We’re happy to show you image of new cars before they’re released but I think there’s a fine line and we never try to step over it in what we show.

That said expect the images above to slowly gain focus as the weeks and months go by.
that.guy

We work with MINI a lot and they love MotoringFile.

I bet they do…
bee1000

Gabe – thanks for the clarification. It’s the modern conundrum of publishing.

But is this really a MINI marketing ploy, “leaking” supposedly undercover photos to bloggers?

“Oh no, Nigel, I sure hope these [deliberately blurry, low resolution] images don’t get out on the web!” wink wink

“Indeed, that would be terrible! I definitely won’t send them to Motoring File, that’s for sure.” nudge nudge
Gizmodo

I’ll pay $5,000 for that car…
SandClub

I’m confused about all of these new colors and discontinued colors…

This is what I’ve gotten out of it.

Mellow Yellow is gone.

Oxygen Blue is gone.

Three new colors for 11′: Eclipse Grey, BRG II, and this orange (R57 only). Does this mean that Dark Grey and British Racing Green are gone?

As well- on MINIUSA.com, Interchange yellow looks like it is now on the hatchback starting in 2010.

I guess I’ll just have to wait to understand it all!
Aaron

So glad to see the side grill/turn signal redesign. I’ve always thought the ones on the R56 looked garish.
SFRedMCc

Maybe it’s just me or the blurred photo, but the tail light seems to be huge compared to the current one.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Maybe itâ€™s just me or the blurred photo, but the tail light seems to be huge compared to the current one.

No it’s just an optical illusion.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1003965445 Harry Dill

Look, in my opinion, the entire paint color discussion is trivial. There are far more significant aesthetic issues that truly merit in-depth discussion.
Alexandre

There are far more significant aesthetic issues that truly merit in-depth discussion.

Not to mention rattling issues…
Hoover

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blockquote>Look, in my opinion, the entire paint color discussion is trivial.</blockquote

Well, Mr. Dill, in my opinion, after selecting a model, paint color is probably the second decision that MINI buyers make. I would even go so far to say that for some MINI buyers, the availability of a certain color will play a major role in which model they buy, and when they buy. Current owners may decide to hold on to a discontinued color. Yes, there are many design elements to nitpick, but color choice certainly isn't a trivial matter for most MINI buyers.
Hoover

Somehow I managed to screw up the blockquote…again…
alpinamike

Looks like the front seat( cover) is a ghost MINI driver.

Yea those pics if clear would upset MINI since they like to hold things back.

I remember taking many factory tours and cameras are a big no-no. So whoever got this, thanks from one hot orange owner! Cant wait to see this!
Greg W

A woman said to me the other day – why don’t MINI have orange and lime green colours – vibrant colours that stand out and say look at me. She even suggested bright pink. I answered because MINI is owned by BMW.
b-

Hey, my 05 Hot Orange/White R52 is the original Dreamsicle. The orange looks great and I can’t wait to see it on the road.
Blainestang

I agree with Hoover. Available color options are very important to the MINI’s character, IMO… far more important than the styling of the side grill, for instance.

We actually chose our trim level based significantly on available color choice.

Regarding the new color, I’m disappointed. I was hoping for a non-metallic orange that’s more “Gulf Orange” than the earlier metallic “Hot Orange” that could arguably have been named “Hot Copper.”
Gerarddm

Aargh! What is it with these metallic colors?

Some SOLID COLORS, BMW, c’mon. The orange needs to be SOLID.

Oy veh.
Minipuma

I agree that non-metallic orange (or about anything) would be welcome… but you could see this one coming from a mile away. No flat BRG, no flat blue… they want your $500 for the metal flakes, and that’s all there is to it.
Ookami

sigh I truly thought MINI would bring an orange to the hardtop Mini Cooper S. Instead we get another orange convertible? I was under the impressive MINI was looking to have a more diverse palette.
SFRedMCc

Is there really a justification for charging $500 extra for metallic paint?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

I was looking forward to a rich, creamy, non-metallic, bright orange for my Coopster S, with silver sport stripes.

And a roof-cutout so I could get my head through the door opening….
lavardera

there’s always your local paint shop folks. Knock yourselves out.
Alexandre

thereâ€™s always your local paint shop folks. Knock yourselves out.

I wonder if a paint shop would be able to do the Cannaught Green just like on the WC50…?
Pingback: Orange is back - Mini Club UK
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

Where is the closest Earl Scheib? 200 miles. Well, crap.
goat

The revised side scuttle’s additional relief makes it look a quality piece again. Every little bit helps so nice to see MINI reversing some of their over-zealous cost cutting.

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