It’s hard to believe but we’re just months away from the R58 launch. The car that so many of us MINI enthusiasts have been waiting for will be hitting dealers this September worldwide and you can expect nothing less than the best coverage anywhere in the world right here on MF. Specifically you’re going to see lots of the pre-launch and launch covered from every angle. But before that, let’s take a step back and talk about how we got here and what exactly is coming.
Model availability, pricing, performance, we’re going to give you a early look at all of it.
Progress
The Coupé and Roadster projects have been executed at lightening speed for the automotive industry. Work started in early 2009 and culminated in what we saw at the Frankfurt and LA motor shows. Since that time MINI has gone into engineering and design mode putting the finishing touches on both cars. First up will of course be the coupe. It’s currently undergoing final production testing around the world (including California as is clear in the photo above). While in the past we’d expect to see test mules in places such as death valley and the arctic, BMW now has their new Environmental Test Center (ETC) to simulate conditions ranging from -30c to +45c. Due to this we don’t expect much in the way of sneak peaks of the car outside of the random shots we’ve seen outside the factory.
Speaking of the factory, the first production prototypes have already started rolling off the line. In fact MINI USA has already ordered the initial September launch cars for US dealers. It’ll be a mix of Cooper S and Cooper models with both auto and manual transmissions.
Models & Pricing
The R58 will launch next September in Cooper and Cooper S with the JCW version coming a few months later. MINI is still debating internally whether or not to offer the car in lower spec models given the price-point. Oh the price? We expect it to fall generally between the Clubman and the Convertible. That would make the Cooper Coupe (sounds odd right?) approximately $23k and the Cooper S version around $27k. Of course those are purely estimates given our sources and what we know of MINI pricing in the US.
Ultimately we have a hunch MINI will offer a special edition (GP like) model that will bring the best of the JCW Challenge to the street. What that will be we don’t know. And speaking of the MINI Challenge don’t be surprised if this car becomes the new defacto MINI Challenge car (if there’s still a European series) in the years ahead.
Design
The last time we officially saw the Coupé (and it’s twin the Roadster) was at the LA auto show in 2009. According to various sources and spy photos the low-slung look and unique roof all carry over relatively unchanged. The one addition (along with a subtly altered roof-line) will be an electronically operated rear spoiler that deploys above a set speed. The spoiler is meant to be functional and create much needed downforce on the rear wheels.
Colors
The coupe will be available in most (if not all) of the colors the R56 currently offers with one or two exclusive choices. What will they be? We have no idea at this time but expect more news very soon.
Inside the car will feature several new colors (aligned with those exclusive exterior colors) on the seats and in trim. Again it’s all a guessing game as to what to expect. However we know we’d love to see that gorgeous houndstooth cloth leather combo from the Roadster or even the dark brown leather from the Coupé concept car. We’re guessing the latter has a better chance to make it (despite my personal plea to MINI Design).
Performance
Here’s where things get interesting. The Coupé is expected to be around 150 lbs lighter while being even more rigid than the R56 so by default the ultimate MINI track car from the factory. And remember the R56 is already lighter than the R53 so we’re talking about a car that should be even lighter than the GP with less power but more torque (in JCW form). Put head to head we’d expect the R58 to easily beat out the current “ultimate” MINI. And that’s without any tweaks to the JCW engine which have been rumored as of late.
Exclusivity
The R58 Coupé will likely be the most hardcore MIIN produced yet. With limited versatility and only two seats we expect it to sell in the lowest numbers of any MINI variant. It will also be one of the last MINIs to have an all four cylinder engine line-up meaning it will likely be MINI’s most performance focused product in the years ahead. Add to that a short life-cycle and you have the makings of a special car that will likely be the “one to get” for enthusiasts in the years ahead. In short MINI made this car for the type of people who read MotoringFile.
Top image courtesy of Worldcarfans.com
<p>GREAT “news,” on the pricing! I would LOVE a Just a Cooper!</p>
<p>Yeah, it’s surprisingly not terrible! I look forward to considering buying a used one in 2014 or so. </p>
<p>I don’t know if MINI made this car for the people who read MF or not, but I can tell you that they didn’t make it for those who owned R53’s….  As a current owner of the 2003 R53 I bought brand new and removed the rear seats, I wouldn’t buy this car.  I am happy driving the real purist MINI, not a small BMW which the new cars are – they feel so disconnected when driven that I get in my car and wonder “how come this one requires so much more driver input?” </p>
<p>I don’t know if MINI made this car for the people who read MF or not, but I can tell you that they didn’t make it for those who owned R53’s….  As a current owner of the 2003 R53 I bought brand new and removed the rear seats, I wouldn’t buy this car.  I am happy driving the real purist MINI, not a small BMW which the new cars are – they feel so disconnected when driven that I get in my car and wonder “how come this one requires so much more driver input?” </p>
<p>I’m a proud owner of a R53 as well and I was thinking the same exact thing while I was reading the article. I thought I was alone on that one. Long live the R53 . Thanks</p>
<p>Eh. I’ve had my R53 since 2004 and I love it, but at some point it will wear out. I’m happy to have the Coopay as an option when that happens. Based on my time in loaner R56 cars I don’t love the hardtop and I see lots and lots of them on the road. The Coopay is the kind of thing MINI needs to do to win back us original buyers. Even though it’s weird looking – or maybe especially because it’s weird looking!</p>
<p>I own and drive an ’08 R52 loaded Sidewalk, and still love it every time I get into it.  I echo KryptosXLayer2 – The new MINIs are just baby BMWs, and I never want to own one.  Now I’m looking for a gently used ’06 loaded R53.  The older MINIs are real MINIs, and not smooth baby  BMWs. </p>
<p>Â Hey Michael,</p>
<p>Too bad you’re not in California. I know of a 16,000 mile GP for 25.9K and an S cabrio JCW with 10K miles that you would swear just rolled off the showroom! Check out milpasmotors.com for the GP and Motoring Magic for a couple of other beauties including the cabrio.</p>
<p>I have a mint condition R53 2006 with 46K miles. I’m just waiting for the R58 JCW/GP. BTW… When I mean mint condition, I really mean it (understanding some wear down factors). It has a pulley and original JCW bars (front and back). I had in the past a 911 and BMW MCoupe (beasts!) and my current MINI is the best experience I’ve ever had</p>
<p>I’m sorry Kryptos, but that is the same line the (BMC) Mini folks put forward when the MINI (R53) came out right down to the BMW part. It valid comment or not it brought a smile to my face. Thanks.  </p>
<p>I think it should only be available with a manual tranny, like the original Cooper S.</p>
<p>I think the Cooper could be the real sweet spot in the range on smaller wheels and a decent suspension setup! I was considering ordering a Cooper S Hatch towards the end of the year, but a BRG II Cooper with a few options could be more than enough, 150lb lighter should make it comfortably under 9 secs to 60mph too. More than enough for someone my age!</p>
<p>Â Fantastic article, Gabe! Â Thank-you for bringing all of this information to us and I look forward to more in the months ahead :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the update Gabe, helps to defuse the R60 info ;)</p>
<p>I would love to see this be developed as a next stage GP, I am expecting though that will not be for many years though as I am sure they will plot this near the end to the run of the twins.</p>
<p>Amen to the confirmed lighter weight and rumours of increased performance. Will it be a “better” car to drive than the GP… that remains to be seen, but it certainly has potential given the design brief glimpsed thus far. </p>
<p>Any info on cargo size?</p>
<p>Cargo size, really?</p>
<p>Â Looks like maybe two six-packs.</p>
<p>Excited…</p>
<p>If I am going to give up a rear seat then I want RWD. What made the R53 so special, imo, was 2-seat driving dynamics with 4-seat functionality. Once you lose the rear seats and hatchback, you move onto a very different field with some serious players, and FWD will not cut it. A used Cayman S gets my $30k.</p>
<p>But a lot of people bought the Honda Del Sol back in the day…Â </p>
<p>Used cars aren’t competition for new cars in most buyers’ minds. People either buy new or buy used. My personal comparison is the S2000 which can be had used for half the price of a new MCS. I drove my dad’s for 6 weeks while my R53 was being repaired and it was a revelation. So much more car for so little money! If it were available as a coupe I probably would have gotten rid of my MINI years ago.</p>
<p>Word. A used S2K is a great car and a fantastic value, no doubt. </p>
<p>I know plenty of people who set a budget then consider both new and used cars that fall within it, but there probably are many irrational “only new” buyers out there. Given all their reliability problems, buying a new MINI really does not buy you any reduced risk over many used options. </p>
<p>Viva El MINI Del Sol!      </p>
<p>Â I’m with you on the roadster requiring RWD. Honda did sell a lot of Del Sux back in the day but for all the car magazine comparisons with the miata of the time it is pretty clear which car is still relevant (and heading into its 4th generation more than 20years after launch) as a proper sports car or modded track car and which is a footnote in Honda Civic history.</p>
<p>I also agree that when MINI drivers who are driving-oriented spend a proper amount of time tossing around a light RWD balanced car (like an S2K or a miata) it is “revelatory” … it’s a feel that you just can’t get when the front wheels are pulling the car. Â And for an even more dramatic “revelation” it’s fun to spend time in a mid-engine machine… but now that gets you into very expensive cars (or now-very-old mr2’s). Â :)</p>
<p>Mid-engine does not = $$$$. Boxsters and Elises have actually become quite affordable. Not that I would advocate buying a used Elise.   </p>
<p>Â Shame it won’t have supercharger whine …</p>
<p> It may hold a candle with the performance but not the character of the GP, the sound from under the bonnet is part of the fun of the car. To me still the new jcw’s just don’t have the same visceral character for sure from the front end.</p>
<p>After having lived with an NA V6 with an open airbox good exit piping for a while, I have to say I do not miss the dentist-drill whine of the SC at all.</p>
<p>Â True that a NA motor can sound great, the fact is that the current turbo 4 in MINIs just seem to have almost no character from audio sounds under the hood. The current exhaust note is decent but the car is dead from the front end to me.</p>
<p>Agreed. I’d say they are close to dead at the rear as well.</p>
<p>The big exception is the JCW.</p>
<p>After having lived with an NA V6 with an open airbox good exit piping for a while, I have to say I do not miss the dentist-drill whine of the SC at all.</p>
<p>Maybe they will offer an App for that.</p>
<p>From a visual standpoint looks like the JCW body kit is A MUST. Unless it will come standard with it.
All the images above have it.</p>
<p>Really looking foward to the Sep release. May stick with the S level (currently have an ’08 MCS hatchback) as the JCW would likely be well into the 30’sK pricing. But adding some JCW accessories to an S would be at at much lower price than a fiull blown JCW coupe.  </p>
<p>Really looking foward to the Sep release. May stick with the S level (currently have an ’08 MCS hatchback) as the JCW would likely be well into the 30’sK pricing. But adding some JCW accessories to an S would be at at much lower price than a fiull blown JCW coupe.  </p>
<p>Can’t wait to get this car with the 3 cylinder BMW engine, not the “frog” engine it will be introduced with. </p>
<p>You have a real problem with the French, huh?</p>
<p>FYI – the current engine is a BMW design. It was the manufacturing process that Peugoet-Citroen had a hand in. Anyway, not matter who designed it, it’s still a good engine.</p>
<p>once they refreshed it so the piston skirts werent falling off </p>
<p><– already there.</p>
<p>Â (well, sort of.)</p>
<p>Once again Gabe has put it all together. Thanks for the great work.</p>
<p>I’m still not sold on the post R53 cars. BMW/MINI has another shot at making a MINI dedicated to the performance oriented MINI owner. Given how they have already accepted the fact that this car will not appeal to the broader public why not go all the way and make it a no holds bared performance MINI. Give it the sharpest handling, most connected feeling, most exhilarating acceleration, cornering and braking of any MINI made.</p>
<p>Lets get back the great confidence inspiring feel that the R53 has. Matched with the stronger motor of the R56, even if it doesn’t have the supercharger whine, the reduced weight, the lower frontal area, reduced drag and increased down force, this could be something great. Let’s hope that BMW/MINI doesn’t blow it, again.</p>
<p>My $0.02</p>
<p>I agree that the JCW aero kit will be a must have for this car. I doubt it will be standard but please oh please have it affordable with the challenge wheels, that is a nice price on some good looking options.</p>
<p>Â FIrst of all, the R56 is only marginally lighter than the R53. Â Not enough to feel or notice. MF has always championed how much lighter the R56 is; it’s a minuscule difference.</p>
<p>That being said, 150 lbs IS significant, and will be noticeable.  I applaud the effort, I’m glad to see this car hit the lineup, but I just can’t wrap myself up in the looks of it. It has that cobbled together at the last minute look (especially in base trim), similar to the R53 convertible. </p>
<p>I like the fact that this car is coming to the marketplace, I’ll be very interested to see the uber performance version, but at the moment, the GP is still my all time favorite.</p>
<p>Gabe guess my question that I would like to know is that I remember quite a bit of info when this was being developed that they were going to reboot the front and rear clip and possibly hood. I am assuming that they decided against this. Only saying as the car is better with the jcw aero kit but it feels a little boxy hanging off the smooth and flowing lines of the twins.</p>
<p> Over at German Car Forum I have posted some pictures of an actual Spice Orange MINI Cooper S JCW Coupe.  <a href="http://www.germancarforum.com/mini-lounge/36500-mini-coupe-first-spy-pictures.html#post516273" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.germancarforum.com/mini-lounge/36500-mini-coupe-first-spy-pictures.html#post516273</a>
Â
I hear over @ MINI that Dr Segler is looking at another nice Orange number for the Coupe.</p>
<p> Over at German Car Forum I have posted some pictures of an actual Spice Orange MINI Cooper S JCW Coupe.  <a href="http://www.germancarforum.com/mini-lounge/36500-mini-coupe-first-spy-pictures.html#post516273" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.germancarforum.com/mini-lounge/36500-mini-coupe-first-spy-pictures.html#post516273</a>
Â
I hear over @ MINI that Dr Segler is looking at another nice Orange number for the Coupe.</p>
<p> YEAH, I love orange! Not so much the spice orange but the hot orange!</p>
<p>Â Any word as to when the Configurator will come out? Â I need to ask for a few days off work. Â Thanks!</p>
<p>It’ll likely be updated in August or September with the rest of the 2012 updates.</p>
<p>via mobile</p>
<p>Â I’ve been waiting for the JCW/GP version to replace my current R53 JCW. Do you happen to have any idea of timing and pricing for this baby? Thanks!</p>