[nggallery id=22]
During my time at BMWNA/MINI USA headquarters last week I stumbled on one of the most photographed cars ever on MotoringFile (or at least one of them). The Countryman test mule that we saw running around Europe and the US was quietly tucked away in the farthest corner of the farthest lot.
After some official approval I thought I’d get a closer look. Obviously at this point we’ve seen the final product and most (if not all) questions have been answered. But what about this test mule that many of us looked at in confusion and amusement for over a year? I figured you the reader deserved to see this thing as up close as possible one last time.
With that, we present you the MINI Countryman test mule. It’ll be missed for its insane vinyl wrap, faux headlights and taped on grille. It won’t be missed for all the off-the wall questions and conversations it created in the comment section.
<p>Interesting to see the mule close up!</p>
<p>Thanks for getting us a closer look at that road worn prototype. Those acrylic headlight covers remind me of something off the early Gulf Mirages. I’ll bet there were lots of other interesting but ‘unphotographable’ things under wraps in those lots! I like the 6-car garage “barn” in the background there – is that where they put you up?! ;-)</p>
<p>I had no idea about the grill. That is hilarious!</p>
<p>Not so mini next to the Clubman. Still should be interesting to see how it competes against the rather large group of small suvs its going up against.</p>
<p>“Obviously at this point we’ve seen the final product and most (if not all) questions have been answered.”</p>
<p>Not all of them. I’m still wondering how much ground clearance the Countryman has. Is it the same for the base model and the S? Same for FWD and AWD? Does opting for larger wheels increase the clearance, or is the larger wheel diameter completely offset by lower profile tires, so the total diameter is the same?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Does opting for larger wheels increase the clearance.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>No.</p>
<p>Any pics of the interior Gabe?</p>
<p>Not too sure about the indicators on the mirror caps?</p>
<p>That is a half job grill, but i guess it works. Looks like something from a NYC chop shop.</p>
<p>Funny it has Cali Plates and not NJ, must be at palo alto a bit for engineering/ testing.</p>
<p>I think MINI will call this the Other, Other MINI!</p>
<p>Why the Mule and the Clubman have the same plates 15776?</p>
<p>I’ve seen similar pictures on my brother inlaw’s iphone. He’s a commercial pilot and recently flew BMW engineers to Upington, South Africa for hot weather testing. He also took photos of a X6 (not stickered up) that was either a support vehicle, or possible a hybrid, as it didn’t have any badges on it.</p>
<p>Testing in hot is done in death valley most of the time. Funny they used south africa, maybe for the 3 ser thats produced there.</p>
<p>I think they use South Africa as well because it’s in the Southern hemisphere and hottest November to March.</p>
<p>PS FYI these are the co-ordinates of VW’s test facility near Poffader in the Northern Cape.</p>
<p>29°04’06.79″S 19°50’49.02″E</p>
<p>If you put them into a search on Google maps, and then switch to satalite mode, you can see the offices, and the oval.</p>
<p>Thought you might find it inetersting!</p>