Here's an interesting email I got the other day out of the blue:
You never heard it from me but I saw a very interesting product planning document that went out to about 2015!!! I only got a quick look – but I did catch in the MINI fields there was the Cooper, Cooper S, Cabrio versions of both, and another field that said “Cooper LWB” or “Cooper EXT” – for long wheelbase or extended. I'd imagine after the cabrio the next thing you'll see will have 4 doors or a 2dr with a stretched boot area.
It would seem that Dr. Panke words will ring true when he said that the introduction of the 4-door MINI would be pushed back until at least 2008. I wonder if we'll see a 2-door, longer wheel based MINI and a 4-door version as well.
<p>Now MINI is going to have to “rub out” that guy.</p>
<p>I am dissapointed at BMW's decision to push back the introduction of a 5 door MINI variant until 2008. Too long. I think Dr. Panke must realize that in order for MINI to survive as a standalone brand, there must be more body variants than just the current 3 door and cabrio models.</p>
<p>Too late in my book, Dr. Panke.</p>
<p>What? No SUV variant announcement?</p>
<p>“SUV” and “MINI” don't belong in the same sentence. a MINI based SUV is pure automotive sacriliege.</p>
<p>I would to see a return of the classic MINI Traveller station wagon offered in 2 and 4 door variants.</p>
<p>I think it's best to wait longer on the 4 door variant. besides the fact that it just increases the chance that people will want to Supersize their MINI when the new version comes out. Also, they would do better to wait until MINI and Cooper (S) become more known then they already are. No point in confusing the confused with different variants. But I do hope to see a station wagon (err, I guess they are called 'Crossover' now) and a small van variant.</p>
<p>Mini SUV….these used to be called Mini Mokes….Mini with a proper trunk….used to be the Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet. Nothing new under the sun…there used to be the pick-up truck and the panel van. Maybe we'll get a new varient of the Mini Marcos</p>