Welcome inside the next MINI. The photo above (courtesy of AutoExpress) gives us a very rough look at what MINI is planning for the R56 (in optional Nav. trim at least). But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves yet. AutoExpress doesn’t have the market cornered on MINI scoops. We’ve been working on one of our own lately and this article represents the first portion of what we’ve got coming in the next few days. So sit back, grab a cold beverage (or a hot one), and read on…
If there was one area that MINI definitely needed improvement (except maybe that iron block and single cam under the hood), it’s the interior. Specifically, I’m referring to the quality of materials and the general use of space within the cabin. Our sources indicate that MINI designers have responded with a thoroughly rethought interior. What they’ve done is keep the overall layout the same, but alter (at times radically) some proportions of various pieces. That means the general design language will stay vaguely the same. However, designers have had free reign to solve a few of the current interior’s shortcomings.
First off, the speedometer will grow in size to house a few other gauges and a larger digital display. On cars without the Navigation option (not shown in the above photo), that display will be a larger, two line version of what you see on your radio head-unit today. The speedometer in the non-navigation equipped MINI will continue to have a silver backer, the same as in the current car. In contrast, MINIs equipped with the navigation option (As shown above) will sport a large LCD screen located within the center speedometer. Speaking of that navigation system, don’t be surprised to see the new and improved version of iDrive bundled with the nav option on the next MINI (again similar to the 1 and 3 series BMWs).
The center stack will be slightly narrower and tapered (from back to front) for added knee and legroom. Below that larger speedometer will be the standard array of components, including a CD drive and controls (with no display as it will be within the speedo), heating and cooling controls with a high quality finish and a simplified toggle switch area. Where the current car is black, look for the new MINI to feature a silver finish. We can expect the climate control and stereo components to function a bit more like they do in the new 1 series and 3 series. As seen in the photo above, the auto climate controls will retain some of the current, old-school Mini logo inspired design.
Toggle switches will remain in the new car, but will change somewhat in functionality. They will also slightly grow in size. A few toggle switches may also move up near the rearview mirror. Directly under the lower toggle switches are the familiar cup holders. Only this time we are told they have been designed to fit more than a can of soda.
For all those concerned about the placement of the tachometer, don’t worry. It will stay in its current location just behind the steering wheel on all versions of the car.
In another sign of BMW influence, the next MINI may feature an ignition system similar to the new 1 and 3 series BMWs. These are essentially push-button systems that rely on a “key-fob” as opposed to a typical metal key.
On the wireless technology front, the Next MINI will also feature much better bluetooth integration that will come installed from the factory. The display will most likely be integrated into the multi-purpose display within the speedometer.
The steering wheel (not shown in the photo) is a two-spoke design that is actually more similar in shape to the version on the 2002-03 MINI than the current 3-spoke wheel. It does, however, share a similar center horn area to what is in the current 2005 MINI.
The side mirror controls will move from their current location to something a bit more typical on the driver side door. And speaking of those doors, the overall design will become a bit more stylized and, from the looks of the photos we’ve seen, less useful in terms of storage.
Look for more BMW-like seat controls, including a more intuitive mechanism to move the seat forward for rear access (similar to the 3 series coupe).
While back seat space will grow by a few millimeters, the overall look will remain largely unchanged. Improved plastics in the rear of the car will give rear occupants a much nicer environment however.
The boot will be very similar in size to the current car’s, but will add a few small but useful features. Since the battery will be moving near the engine (where it is currently on the Cooper), there will be a shallow storage area under the floor (potentially similar to what is found in the current 3 series wagon). Further, the boot lid itself may feature a small amount of storage for umbrellas and the like.
In the end, I think many people will be a bit shocked at the amount of change MINI was willing to make to the interior of the car. While they kept much of the general shape the same, many elements have changed drastically. Personally, my initial thoughts were of surprise. Although I have to say that I’m quickly warming up to many of the changes (and hoping others still have time to be massaged a bit).
It’s my guess, however, that many people will initially respond negatively to some of these changes. To that I say it’s important to keep in mind that there may still be a few alterations here and there before production. Also, keep in mind that there was initially quite a bit of negative reaction to the current MINI when it was first shown in the late 90’s. We all know how that turned out!
I had originally planned on releasing this information as part of a large article on the next MINI this weekend. However, with the release of the AutoExpress story on the new MINI’s interior I felt I had to post at least this portion today. Expect a full report on the next MINI, including exterior styling and engine range information, in the next several days.
<p>When Gabe first showed me these pictures, I wrote back:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It was fun while it lasted.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I have to admit that it’s growing on me a little, though. There’s an older, more charming feel to the new design that the current one lacks. Still, it needs a lot of refining.</p>
<p>I’d like to see that center stack refined a bit. I wish we had a better image of a non-navigation unit. From the info I’ve seen I think that would look a bit more similar to what everyone is used to. </p>
<p>BTW a huge huge thanks to the sources used for this story. I’ve been working with a few people on this information for what seems like quite awhile now and it’s great to finally see it posted. Like I said above I had wanted to post it together with all the other information coming in the larger article however with AutoExpress posting their story I felt like I might as well put up what I had.</p>
<p>Definitely. I was about to add something about the center stack to my first comment.</p>
<p>So it’s different, but not that drastic. I just hope they use a higher quality plastic, and keep the option to have the dash the same color of the body.</p>
<p>A couple things I didn’t add in the article (consider this the MotoringFile back page):</p>
<ul>
<li><p>There’s a thin red light that is on the backside edge of the tach (not visable in this photo) – could this be for some type of HU display?</p></li>
<li><p>There’s a row of buttons just above the shifter. One has the word Sport. Could this be a similar function to the sport button found on the BMW Z4?</p></li>
<li><p>The heated seat controls stay in the general area as they are currently.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I hold back judgement until I see the final product , but I’m no fan of integrating all funtions of the headunit into the dash.</p>
<p>Gabe – The red light seems to be the hazzard lights button.</p>
<p>Btw, i want one of these alreadt. 2007?</p>
<p>The red light I’m referring to is <em>behind</em> the tachometer and not visable in the photo. I can’t imagine how it could be a hazzard light button.</p>
<p>What about all those who enjoy putting difference ICE in? That console doesn’t look to inviting from that point of view…</p>
<p>It does look cool though – although the plastics must be right – it could really be let down if BMW aren’t careful.</p>
<p>changes don’t seem to drastic as many have said, but the changes are definitely numerous. I really like the interior of the current MINI, besides the cheap plastic part. </p>
<p>A few things though, I also do not like all the integration into the speedo, seems like it’ll just be too cluttered. </p>
<p>Second, i’m not sure why the toggle switches were made to be larger, IMO, they are pretty large already. </p>
<p>With the cup holders, another problem was that a conventional soft drink from a restaurant would run into the switches and such, hopefully they accounted for that, although it doesn’t matter much since drinks shouldn’t be allowed in the car anyways. </p>
<p>Also the door panels look really odd to me, definitely less useful as Gabe has mentioned. </p>
<p>One good thing, the new ignition system is definitely a plus. As well as the extra compartments in the boot. </p>
<p>all in all, can’t wait to see the new MINI’s</p>
<p>Perhaps the red circle is a boost guage? I think Paris Hilton could state it best if so… “Thats Hot”</p>
<p>This really changes the style of the interior. I really like the current style, even with it’s drawbacks. I like the fact that the Mini isn’t refined and it is unique. Mini appears to be bringing it more inline with the 3-Series or Z4 style. While I know the complaints, I am not sure what the need is to make the changes. They still sell more than they produce, so it can’t be market demands. The ’07 is quite a change. Do all these changes make the car better? Sure, a lot of them do, but in my opinion, it is starting to morph from a uniquely styled, quirky Mini, into a car that is fitting into a BMW corporate look and feel.</p>
<p>I like the fact that the Mini was the odd bunch for BMW. I like that I can sit around in an iron block, non techy engine and still blow the doors off of the Honda mega-overhead cam, super fancy engines. I like sitting at the gas station and telling people who ask me that is has a supercharger in it. A lot of people say the look and feel of the current car will be retained, and that they will reserve judgement when they see it. I say there is no way the look and feel will be the same. After 2006, the original feel will be lost. It has to. Sure it may still be a hatchback, that is quick and handles well, but it won’t be the same. The innocence has been lost. And corporate manipulation has set in. I am not spelling the demise of the Mini. I am sure it will be successful, but it won’t be the same.</p>
<p>Holy write-up, Batman! Nice job, Gabe.</p>
<p>Some thoughts:
Bigger speedo? Gawd. The current one is big enough and the one in this picture is really overwhelming. </p>
<p>As someone already stated, I don’t like having the radio display integrated with the other electronics in the car. I guess it makes sense from an integration and simplicity standpoint, but then you’re basically stuck with what the manufacturer gives you (or bends you over the counter for, in the case of the high-end options). As it is, you’re either stuck with the stock head-unit if you want to use the MFSW buttons, or you have to kludge something together. It’s a tough balance between usability and integration with the car and upgradability.</p>
<p>I still remember my mom’s first Honda Accord back in the ’80s that came without ANY radio; there was a blank in the dash which you could put anything you wanted into.</p>
<p>I do like the look of the new console, especially the more-usable (perhaps) cup-holders and what looks to be a clock.</p>
<p>I’m concerned about the MINI remaining a low-cost premium car. At least that’s how I feel about it… All this other glitz and electronics takes away from the less-is-more design of the original Mini which MINI’s done a good job with. I like being able to get a performant vehicle with gobs of options for $25k. I fear that the base prices will be hiked several grand…</p>
<p>I like the new doors; very hot-rod. I hope, however, that, with all the changes to the dash and doors, we don’t lose the sleek, bold look that’s gripped me so. I’ve ordered my MCS in Chili Red/Black with the black/red leather/cloth upholstery and red dash. It looks loud and bold, without being garish or cheap-looking (well, at least I hope so!). I think some of that’s already been taken away, from what I can see of the wood on the dash. </p>
<p>The all-red dash reminds me of ’50s-vintage Chevys. You know, the all-metal ones that would smash your head or knock it clean off in an crash? Yeah, that one. :-)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I’m bracing myself for the backlash of comments from the naysayers and doom-and-gloom types. That’s gotten <em>really</em> tedious, folks. Grow the <em></em> up.</p>
<p>Gabe,
I heard that the red light behind the tach is for the factory alarm.</p>
<p>Cheers, Brian</p>
<p>I thoroughly dislike the entire center section, from the top of the speedometer to the bottom of what I think is the radio. The odds of me hanging onto my 2004 model get higher with each release of information about the 2007 redesign.</p>
<p>There are things to like and things that aren’t that great. The stereo/AC/Toggle switch area seems a little weird. Everything else sticks with the retro ideas, but this seems like one of the designers went overboard. It definitely looks like a concept model over a production model.</p>
<p>The rest is pretty good. The idea of increasing the size of the speedo to fit other gauges is pretty cool. Yeah, its big enough, but the idea that you have the tac and speedo, and nothing else is something I love about my car, and one of the things I don’t like about the setup with the navigation system.</p>
<p>Either way, we all know there’ll be some revisions, and that its hard to judge until the materials become a bit more clear. I’m holding off final judgements until I see the final product in person (really, can anyone fully appreciate a Mini until they’ve sat in one? Pictures don’t always do it justice), and looking forward to this with cautious optimism.</p>
<p>I would like to see it finished, but it looks nice.
I hope they dont chanage the exterior radically, and make the present design a clasic, like the past mini.
But I see they are planning on doing it, so what can we do about it.
It would be just another short-term consumer product, not a keeper.
Here is a real challenge BMW, make it better without redoing it.</p>
<p>Overall it’s not horrible. I’d like to see a traditional stereo (something the aftermarket audio industry is fighting for). But what really bothers me is the term “i-Drive” being used in a new MINI article.. Now that’s just not right.</p>
<p>Well, I do think the dash looks much more like the classic Mini, which is nice. The speedo does not need to be that big. If you can read the oil pressure of the car in front of you, you know the thing is too big!</p>
<p>I think the center console is too empty looking. Hopefully that gets filled in more. As for the shape of it… ?, not sure yet.</p>
<p>Very nice write up though :).</p>
<p>Actually I really like it. Not the look of the woodgrain but that would obviously be optional. They’ve made a bunch of good decisions. I do wish there were more toggles though. And of course iDrive is scary. 🙂 But I REALLY like what they’ve done with the nav…the current one just doesn’t fit right.</p>
<p>Ya, it seems logical that the red light on the back of the tach could easily be the alarm indicator. Although, a heads-up display would be a welcomed James Bond feature.</p>
<p>An alarm sounds right. But in my mind it’ll always be a laser projected hologram :)</p>
<p>Something that jumps out at me when I see the door is the speaker set up has changed drastically. It doesn’t look like either are as large as the current bottom speaker. (But the top speaker at the end of the door handle now) appears bigger than the current tweeter. That’s a big change. It will be interesting to hear the specs on these new speakers. I love the way the current HK sounds (I know, some will argue with me on that one).</p>
<p>I agree with Aaron. i-Drives are bad enough in the cars they are in. But in a MINI? The only excuse for this I can think of is that BMW signed a contract to order X number of i-drive components from the manufacturers, and they are just trying to get to that number as quickly as possible in order to get out from under that contract. I know that’s not true, but I just can’t stand the i-drive (yes, I’ve driven several cars with it).</p>
<p>In the end, the difference will be seeing it in person. The white door panel looks rather cool, I must say. But for gods sake BMW, lose the wood trim, it’s BMW yes, but it’s not MINI. </p>
<p>Can’t wait to see the back seat, not that anybody ever really sits back there in mine. The rumors of higher quality plastics have been around for the last year or so, and that part is definately much needed.</p>
<p>I like what they have done with the speedo and the fact that it stays there even with Nav. It looks like they have moved the cupholders to the rear, making them actually functional. I will miss the door pockets, though.</p>
<p>One other thing that jumped out at me and I don’t think anyone else mentioned it, is that they are moving the battery to the front on all models. If that is true, and even though there is mention of a small storage space in the floor of the boot, I wonder if there is going to be a spare tire on the S models. I hope so.</p>
<p>It’s my understanding that all models will continue with runflats. I would doubt we’ll see a spare, even on the Cooper.</p>
<p>There isn’t a display for the stereo – Should it be assumed that this will be in the new super-sized speedo?</p>
<p>Having seen a Cooper mockup (w/o Nav) firsthand in a marketing survey last weekend, most of the changes described above and in the autoexpress pictures were still being considered.</p>
<p>The door storage is definitely diminished with the new door styling (not that I ever use it for much anyway). I do like the idea of keeping the center speedo with Nav – never did like the look of that lil’ speedo.</p>
<p>The cupholders were a bit bigger, but the most useful part was that they were set a bit further back from the toggles so if you have something taller than a can of soda it won’t lean into them.</p>
<p>I don’t recall a large light behind the tach, but there was a thin red light on the top along the seam (maybe about 4″ long). It was a model of the new tach, so I can’t be sure what it was for. I didn’t see the low washer fluid sensor on the right stalk as is on the current model.</p>
<p>The back seat didn’t seem much roomier, although the seat seemed to have less of an incline. While this would probably make it easier to get out – one of the survey questions was ease of entry/exit for the back seat – it seemed to take away a bit from the already sparse legroom (I’m 6′ tall).</p>
<p>If the opinions I gave at during the survey were of any influence, some of these changes may not come to light in the near future or may be further refined. At least one other person I talked to seemed to feel the same way.</p>
<p>One interesting part of the survey was a program regarding cost differences. It went through about 20 different pricing schemes for the Cooper vs S – I made sure to select the Cooper whenever the price differential was more than the current $3,000.</p>
<p>Hmm, well, all I can say is that it looks more British. Something about it reminds me of the Rover 75… don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. ;-)</p>
<p>have to wait to see the final product, but i’m a fan of the way it looks now…sure it could use some minor changes (move cupholders out) and upgraded quality of parts, but this new mockup looks more like a BMW than a MINI…it just doesn’t seem to fit the MINI’s fun, go-kart, retro style…</p>
<p>oh, crap! i like it. dial back some of the details, but overall i like what i think they’re shooting for.</p>
<p>Not too shabby. Except for the integrated head unit display, I like the changes. I’ve never kept the stock stereo in any of my cars so the integrated head unit would be a drawback.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to see what the final results are.</p>
<p>One thing that I’d hope to see is changes in the clock. I love the overhead clock, isolated from all other display elements, in my 03. I’m sadded by having it in the tach in the 05s.</p>
<p>Anyone else think this new two spoke steering wheel is downright awful? I didn’t think too highly of the pre-04 steering wheel either. Something about the way two spokes look — just doesn’t suit the small, sporty character of the MINI. A three spoke wheel would be better — perhaps something along these lines:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html</a></p>
<p>Gabe – first off, <em>great</em> article. I’m looking forward to the rest of the scoop…</p>
<p>After jumping over to MINI2 and checking out the pics, I’d have to say I like the look of the door panels. I never found much use for door storage, especially the way I take corners! The new stuff looks sculpted, and evolves from the current shape well. I too wonder how speaker arrangements will affect stereo sound…</p>
<p>I also like the cupholder and center tunnel revision. I also never really use the cupholders either (see reason stated above) but the whole sculpted look looks great, much more thought through. Let’s hope the plastic quality can back it up.</p>
<p>As previously stated, I too like the idea of keeping the center speedo with Nav – never did like the idea of a little speedo. Keep one big one where it is on all models – one of the trademarks of the original cars.</p>
<p>One thing I really didn’t like in the first generation cars is the arrangement of the climate controls in the shape of the MINI “logo”. Current cars with the auto climate controls have this treatment, but it’s somewhat subtle… not so as pictured here… making a big honking silver logo as the button arrangement seems a little gimmicky to me.</p>
<p>I welcome better plastics and better rear passenger environment.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to see what’s become of the exterior…</p>
<p>Steve – the light behind the tach I was referring to is the long thin one. Sorry for the confusion.</p>
<p>Sorry, Gabe. Forgot to make it a hyperlink:</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html">http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html</a></p>
<p>gabe.. so have people seen a full prototype of the next mini?? from the sound of steve’s comments it sure would seem like it!</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>I LOVE the new larger speedo. The rest is not too bad, though as far as the toggles, I would like more than we have now, not less. </p>
<p>I think overall I agree with the comments about integrating the radio into the car so tightly since it does out the kibosh on upgrading the head unit but of course it does make things a little sleeker which is why the designers do it.</p>
<p>I like the direction they are going- and I especially like integrating the nav into the round speed-o-meter ;)</p>
<p>I just couldn’t bring myself to order nav on my 05 MCS (though I’d like to have nav) because I strongly dislike the rectangular screen inside the circle.</p>
<p>I think it’s exciting!</p>
<p>I hate it. There is nothing good about it. As others have mentioned, it looses that retro, simple is better… look and feel. Too much BMW influence. The large speedo is crazy. The orginal classic Mini’s speedo was much smaller, and simpler. My god, the speedo is almost bigger than the steering wheel!</p>
<p>I had a BMW 745i, and went to an 05 Mini to get away from the push-button ignition and the iDrive. I hope they rethink all of this. Because I like having a key again.</p>
<p>Everything I’ve seen doesn’t fit the MINI’s fun, go-kart, retro style, classic car feel. The current Mini is refined enough. It’s unique – and it should stay that way. </p>
<p>One thing I would like to see, is an analog clock… just like the Mini Screen Saver clock. I love that thing… with it’s smooth, gliding second hand. I wish they would put that clock into the Mini. In fact, if a real clock was made (just like that one) for the home, I would buy at almost any price.</p>
<p>To me, the simple things are what makes the Mini a great car. Don’t give me a futuristic, plastic, looking and feeling car. They could make improvements, but without going overboard!</p>
<p>It is evolutionary, but not so gradual that is becomes stale before the next redesign. </p>
<p>Overall, I like it. Overall, I am looking forward to the next MINI.</p>
<p>I’m going to Pomona next weekend, for a marketing survey, Its a review of a future car interior. I assume this is what others have mentioned before. </p>
<p>I don’t like the images at all. The MINI legacy seems like it’s become a burden to the current designers, like its something that they must overcome.</p>
<p>The interior doesn’t look fun and friendly, like the current model. </p>
<p>I’m glad I bought my 05 MCS.</p>
<p>I think the new interior direction looks more grown up , but less “fun” at the same time. I fell in love with the original interior, so I’m biased in that respect.</p>
<p>Gabe – I doubt the thin red light you mentioned behind tach could be related to Heads Up Display (HUD). As you will remember from the way this unique technology is installed in new BMW 5 or 6 series today, the space required is just enormous. It has a large projector / glass area under the dash in front of driver which beams the info unto the windshield in very crisp resolution, regardless of sunlight. In fact, it is so space-consuming that BMW couldn’t fit into the just announced mildly redesigned 750! Unless they solved the space issues, the BMW model 7 series (the flagship of the line) will not get HUD until the ’09 total model redo. Z356</p>
<p>Just to end speculation on the enigmatic red light district, an anecdote.
Me: “hey, where did the washer fluid indicator light go; it’s not on the end of the turn signal stalk.”
Someone else: “that light has been moved to the speedometer display, and the alarm indicator has been moved from the right-hand stalk to the back side of the tachometer”.</p>
<p>Red Light District (con’t)… Steve (marketing survey subject w/1st hand knowledge) says “I don’t recall a large light behind the tach, but there was a thin red light on the top along the seam (maybe about 4″ long). It was a model of the new tach, so I can’t be sure what it was for.”
-Let’s say/agree that there is a red light behind the tach and this is the alarm light.
-Could the long thin red line of lights along the top seam of the tach be some kind of rev warning light?</p>
<p>i really really like the new interior…
now i just really want to see the exterior a little less camouflaged than the spy shots we’ve seen!!
gabe, i can’t wait for the full report!</p>
<p>To my knowledge there is only one red light. I’m assuming that it is indeed the alarm light.</p>
<p>I don’t want to get your hopes up… I don’t have any photos of the exterior other than what has been published. Just info :)</p>
<p>The exterior shots I’ve seen published as spy photos pretty match up with the changes I remember to the front of the Cooper. The hatch door was not recessed in the rear, however (which I think is a good thing). They also lost the ‘bone’ in the new bumpers.</p>
<p>Lets see who else can spot Mickey Mouse.</p>
<p>(Hint) He is in the photos that the MINI2 poster posted.</p>
<p>Some I like (new door panel)…some I fear (iDrive and the huge speedo). I’ll hold out a full opinion until it is refined a bit. Interesting none the less.</p>
<p>Steve – I would’ve been there with you if I had been contacted earlier than Friday night! Wish I could’ve gone.</p>
<p>I haven’t seen any comments about the shift know yet. Hoepfully that is not the final design…</p>
<p>hoo boy.</p>
<p>It’s hard to look at these photos objectively on first pass. They’re just so <em>different</em> than the current design.</p>
<p>I think that in general the dash is cool. Very British. I’m in agreement with most everyone that the integrated display is a bad idea, not only for radio customization, but also because of poor readability. The speedometer looks pretty nice, but I do agree with others that it’s too big. Visually its proportions fight with the steering wheel.</p>
<p>The general shape of the interior’s lines has become less bulbous and puffy, which distances itself from the very New Beetle-esque shapes of the current design. This is a good thing.</p>
<p>The main area of the dash which I think is terrible is the radio/climate controls. The silver finish looks tacky and out of place. I hope they’ll still offer a black facade on the electronics.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the pedals on the regular Cooper, but these look paltry. The brake and accelerator seem pretty far apart — might make it hard to do heel-toe manuevers unless you’re wearing clown shoes.</p>
<p>While I generally like the dash (although it is still hard to swallow), the shifter area looks like they outsourced that portion of the car to the BMW design team. Where’s the chrome knob? Where’s the sporty playfulness? All I see is a drab BMW influence. This is a sign that some of my long-standing fears about BMW simplifying their production process with the MINI (read: use more BMW parts) have merit.</p>
<p>I think this car could still be salvaged, but they need to seriously address the shifter area. Right now the interior is a real amalgamation of parts, with the top portion of the dash looking well done, the middle dash looking like the designers were confused about what to do, and the shifter area looking flatly un-MINI. If they can sort these problems out (and wishfully returning the bonnet to its current embedded headlights design), they might have the start of a fitting successor to our MINI. But right now, the overall picture I’m feeling is FrankenMINI.</p>
<p>ah, and by the way, thanks much Gabe for taking the time to sort out these details for us!</p>
<p>Scott: yeah, it was a unique opportunity – and one I got paid $100 for (plus paid parking in the BMW garage, which seemed exactly like every other garage in NYC). I didn’t like the new shift knob design (indent in the top and smaller than current stock), but as long as the Whalen still snaps on we’ll all be OK 🙂 Even in the freezing cold, I love my Whalen!</p>
<p>I should clarify my comments about the middle dash being terrible. Not only is the silver distracting, but the placement of components is just <em>odd</em>. The lines in this area do not flow, especially compared to the auto-A/C unit on the current MINIs. Now I’ve never been a fan of the current MINI radio head unit, but at least it blends in with the rest of the console.</p>
<p>But I think I’ve just put my finger on what it is that really puts me off about the dash components. They are mounted as if they are in a computer server or audio component rackmount system. In theory this seems like a cool idea, but in this execution it is really bad because this techno-industrial motif conflicts with the retro-British look of the upper dash area. I also wonder how easy or even possible it will be to replace the radio head unit with one of our own because the unit seems to be curved and molded into the support arms. And speaking of the support arms, I’m not fond of the way they taper. I realize they were trying to add space, but I’m a bit over 6 feet tall and never had a problem with those arms.</p>
<p>The switches look the same size as ours..I have no problem with them except for the silver finish.</p>
<p>Anyone else concerned about the crash-worthyness of the car after removing the B pillar? Didn’t the trucks and such other vehicles suffer from greater damage after a front end crash and therefore eliminated them? I know the RX8 has it and I don’t think it would do real well in an accident either. Also, where are they going to put the seatbelt mount now? Hopefully not in the seat like some others. </p>
<p>Other than that I think the new models will only bring as little more spice to the line-up. The MINI we have all come to love is slowly motoring into the sunset. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn into the MINI version of the 240Z.</p>
<p>If anyone still thinks that the next gen Mini won’t be more expensive, you are in denial.</p>
<p>MC’s will most likley start @ $19,995 and MCS @ $24,995. The fact that idrive will make its way into the Mini will certainly mean the a fully load MCS will easily sell for over $30,000.</p>
<p>Everytime I look at the new speedo in those pics I expect to see the EYE OF SAURON looking back at me.</p>
<p>Now even Frodo’s car has succumb to will and influence of the dark lord ;)</p>
<p>ok….</p>
<p>I’m going to wait until the final production version is out to form a firm opinion. In the meantime, some of these photos are, I’m sure, doing wonders to help maintain the astoundlingly high resale value of our current MINIs.</p>
<p>I can’t resist one more comment about the new 2-spoke wheel, though.</p>
<p>“Lord Vader, we have located the remains of your last TIE Fighter!”</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>Well, more stuff to personalize, at the very least. The dash looks like a throw-back to the BMW late-60’s heydays, rather than the British sporting cars of the same period, which mainly had downright upright flat facias, which lent themselves to more bold statements in wood. Still, a bit more refined than the present MINI’s which has too much of a “plasticky” look to it. Will withhold final judgement on the dash until seen as a final product; however the door inserts, while refined, take away from the utility of the present car, which needs all the space it can get. Pregress, progress, tho. </p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>So does anybody know the last day you can order an 06′ MCS? OK, it’s not THAT bad, but I think it needs serious attention. I have dinner plates smaller than that speedo. The logo shaped climate control in silver looks like it was farmed out to the folks at Fisher-Price. Doors are OK by me, as the current pockets are only good for gloves, tissues, and fuzzy dice unless you want to listen to a racket everytime you close the door or take a corner. If they could tone things down a bit with the speedo, lose the sharp contrasting silver/black center dash items, and keep a proper three spoke steering wheel, I’d get on board with this new design. Funny … when you read Gabe’s write-up, it “sounds” great … but the pics were a bit of a let down for this viewer.</p>
<p>dgszweda said it right.</p>
<p>With these changes the Mini is loosing its innocence. I was enjoying the crisp morning air in Little Rock today in my MCS convertible (top down of course) when I ran upon a fund raiser for breast cancer at my local BMW dealer. It’s a tour that moves across the US. Each mile you put on the car, BMW gives a dollar for research. Good Idea. </p>
<p>I drove a Z4. What an isolating experience after stepping out of my mini. No road feel. Felt like a big, heavy car. I couldn’t tell when the car was at its limits or when it would break loose. The Mini, in contrast, gives so much feedback I can push it to the absolute limits and know what it’s going to do. Another drawback of the Z4 was the confining, steeply slanted windshield at my forehead. In addition, the Z4, on the outside is stupid looking. Really. BMW has lost me with the new body styles. I still gaze at my parent’s 1992 325i convertible (old style) and love what they did. Nothing extra. Just a great looking car. Also, the Z4 interior is, well – crap. Gauges are surrounded in odd angular shapes of silver plastic, for no good reason. So American. I might as well have been in a Pontiac. </p>
<p>A glance at the center stack in the new Mini shows it giving way to the new BMW interior look. Outlined gauges in silver plastic with odd angles and shapes that serve no purpose. The new interior look is really distracting, and impersonal. It doesn’t let the car’s soul show though as in the current version. I know BMW is profitable now with its new line up. They just need to realize that not all of us want there current formula force fed to our Mini’s.</p>
<p>I was so glad to get back in my MCSC and rip out of the parking lot in my edgy ride with tons of feel, acceleration and handling. Ahhh! What a great car.<br />
.
I’m going to drive mine hard and enjoy it. At the same time I’m going to try my best to preserve my (PERFECT) copy, because I’m skeptical of whats to come. Where’s Frank Stephenson (with the new version) when we need him?</p>
<p>johnsocal—-
there’s no way that mini could effectively raise the price at all. anything past ~23k pushes us into evo/wrx land. sorry, but for 25 or 30 thousand you can have a lot more fun in a car than in a mini (i know it hurts). of course there will always be diehards that love the mini for design and fun in a segment lacking it, but it’s really hard to compete past the niche it’s found. just somthin’ to mull over. it seems really hard to reconcile the two, doesn’t it?</p>
<p>I think everyone is ignoring the fact that we can still get the interior in silver or body colored dashes. It’ll be fun just like the current mini but with better material (sans this new ugly center consel). This one just shows both types of wood that will be optional, along with a beige and a black interior. </p>
<p>and i think the pedals remain the same as the current car</p>
<p>I’m not going to set my opinions in stone – but one thing I really love about the MINI now is it’s quirkiness, it’s MINIness! 😀 I really hope BMW doesn’t turn it into a mini [MINI] BMW! Either way, I still can’t wait to hear more about these design changes!</p>
<p>I think the biggest problems with the center console are the silver finish and the way all the parts are seperated from one another – it just doesn’t look natural. There’s a bit of the same problem with the rest of the dash – most of the parts look as if they stick out a bit. I’m not a big fan of that, I like the current MINIs streamlined interior!</p>
<p>Cassius,</p>
<p>If Mini offers higher levels of standard equipment on next -gen’s like more HP, larger wheels, more refined and larger interior and etc then they could argue that they are giving you more to offset the increased MSRP.</p>
<p>The current generation of Mini has shown what options are the most popular and this would help Mini include many of those into the next-gen cars as standard equipment to justify a more expensive price tag. This does not mean next-gen Minis will have fewer options since there will most likely be an 18inch wheel option, idrive option, awd option, wood interior trim option, and many more.</p>
<p>Sorry, can’t agree with the comments about the Z4. Having owned a Z3 a Z4 and a MINI, I can tell you that a Z4 will walk away from either of the other two easily.</p>
<p>This was demonstrated at the SCCA Run-offs when the Z4 won showroom stock C (or was it B) by almost a lap on the nearest competition. MINI was represented as well, but was not in the running.</p>
<p>And let’s not confuse “Road Feel”, with a mere bumpy ride. The Z4 is noticeably plusher than the MINI, but I never had the sense that I was disconnected from the road in the slightest. If anything the Z ride gives more confidence because you don’t feel bounced and jerked all over. The Z will also make a tighter turn, accelerate faster, etc, etc… But it is a more expensive car and you should expect all of those things.</p>
<p>Now as far as the exterior and interior styling…the Z4 interior is WAY better than the Z3 or even MINI. Less clutter with controls in just the right places. Less piece, means less edges, means LESS rattles in the dash.
And I’d be all for that in the next MINI</p>
<p>Thanks again Gabe! <em>Great</em> article.</p>
<p>Definitely a dichotomy. I love it and I hate it.</p>
<p>In concept, I love the idea of adding more info to the center speedo.
In execution, however, it doesn’t seem to work all that well. I have
two main complaints. First, as mentioned, it’s just too big. At least
as important, however, is the fact the wonderful simplicity is gone.
The current non-Nav speedo (in all its analog glory) is a great
piece of simple, straight forward, effective design. The new one just
seems a bit too overly-technical.</p>
<p>The center console… This is definitely my least favorite aspect. We still have some toggles (thankfully). The MINI logo, however is anything but understated (its almost begging for a gold trim option). I don’t like the CD intake at all because it draws attention to itself. Some things should just “be” as opposed to yelling “here I am”. </p>
<p>Doors… I think the doors look great. They are simple, stylish, and well executed. They represent a more evolutionary type of change.
Perhaps that’s what I like about them. </p>
<p>Shifter…I’m still not sure. It definitely looks BMW-ish. I don’t
like the peppering of push-buttons around the shifter. I do like the
overall look though.</p>
<p>Other thoughts…
There are a lot of complaints about pulling from the BMW parts bin; but shared componentry is a fact of life in modern manufacturing and it’s
not all bad. Shared componentry gave us the famed Z-Link suspension from the last 3-Series. The shared electrical system (also from the
3-Series) is obviously the reason for many of the more “controversial”
decisions as well. The push button starter and idrive come to mind.
Left to themselves, the engineers would not likely have pursued either
of those features; but as they were working with an electrical system
that supported those features, I’m sure the “why-Not” factor came into
play. </p>
<p>The more I look at these pics, the more I am convinced of something.
The designers of “our” MINI really felt beholden to aspects of the
design language that had already been established in decades of Minis
before. By that, I mean that they were intensely aware that their
design would be scrutinized against the original. Or, in other words,
they were always looking over their shoulders at what had already been done. I think the current designers, however, feel a lot more ownership of the design. The MINI being a highly successful car in its own right, I think they feel empowered to brave a new path with this design. Or, in other words, they are looking forward a lot more than backwards.</p>
<p>Great point Steve:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think they (MINI Designers) feel empowered to brave a new path with this design. Or, in other words, they are looking forward a lot more than backwards.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There’s something to be said for this.</p>
<p>Sure is Gabe. But whether for good or bad is yet to be determined…</p>
<p>Hmm. I’d venture to say that this new MINI design shares more with the original models that ours does. For instance, the bonnet of our MINI is a departure from the historical models. But now they’ve gotten away with that in favor of the more traditional bonnet. The new dash (at least the top part) definitely has a more retro look than ours does. So I disagree with the statement that the designers are looking forwards. The upper dash shows that they really want to preserve a 60’s style, above and beyond what we have currently. But the disparity between that area and the rest of the interior makes me believe that this was a Design By Committee job, with BMW management dictating design decisions to the designers. So they’ve ended up with a design clusterf’k.</p>
<p>The new MINI was established as a car with its own styling cues and design mantra. A perfect balance of heritage and forward-thinking. My feeling is, the MINI designers should be adhering to these cues. Why muck up what is a brilliant design solution, and why the need to completely redesign a car that is just establishing itself? Then again, the current BMW designers have shown that they are not particularly interested in design heritage.</p>
<p>“A perfect balance of heritage and forward-thinking.”</p>
<p>“Why muck up what is a brilliant design solution…?”</p>
<p>Perfect? Brilliant? I might agree if we were discussing the Mini’s exterior design alone, but I don’t think the current interior merits these superlatives. It’s distinctive, but far from brilliant.</p>
<p>Subtlety doesn’t provoke the same reaction. This appears to be a design exercise to get feedback on what makes a MINI a MINI. By making vast contrasting changes, they invoke discussion about those changes. If on the other hand, they had simply shown customers a progression of interiors with slightly larger speedometers, in millimeter increments, it would have taken several iterations before the target audience would have noticed, let alone be concerned enough to express an opinion about the changes. By drastically altering almost every aspect of the interior, they get plenty of opportunity for reactions from the surveyed group.</p>
<p>I don’t expect that these accurately depict what the 2007 MINI will look like. Although I do enjoy seeing their creative minds at work.</p>
<p>Door panels appear more sculpted and thought out than the current adherence to symmetric oval for purely artistic value.</p>
<p>The navigation integrated in the speedometer is a nice touch. Although they appear to by trying, it still suffers from being a square peg in round hole. They did extend the left and right past the speedometer ring, but I wish they would do the same vertically. Place a square screen behind a round ring that clips off the corners. When drawing just make sure everything fits within the round area. When starting the car, display a diagnostic, icon by icon, then switch back to the map with the vehicle centered.</p>
<p>It’s hard to tell from the photos but I like the current switches much better.</p>
<p>Sounds like it’s almost time to start the waiting game again and place my name on the waiting list again next year for a 2007 model.</p>
<p>Actually I can say, with some confidence, that the text above does indeed accurately depict the 2007 MINI.</p>
<p>I haven’t read the article nor much of the other posts but as with a lot of things I have seen here [Motoringfile] I will wait to see how it looks in person.</p>
<p>I disliked the new headlights until I saw them in person, I disliked the Chrome grill/mirror covers and other chrome exterior stuff until I actually saw them in person, still dislike chrome interior stuff, and really don’t like the woodsy look. I also did not like the smooth grill trim piece until I saw it in person.</p>
<p>One thing I really like is that MINI logo, center console, with the red center.</p>
<p>Not to start anything but the Z4 is SWEET!</p>
<p>But, I must admit most times it is fun to pontificate on these items as most of you have.</p>
<p>These pictures make me very glad I have an “original” ’02 MINI ! It’s fine to change things, but not just for the sake of it, nor to make it more like other cars. I like my Mini to be quirky and different. </p>
<p>To me, the proposed changes serve to make the original version MINI even more special. There’s nothing to beat a first edition of a book, or of a classic car.</p>
<p>The center speedo is a little too large for my taste, and the center stack is a bit too future-past looking for me (and reminds me of one of the rejected designs), but all in all, a great job re-inventing the interior. I also like the new door panels. Intresting look with the ‘floating’ speaker.. Although I’m wondering if this will be a less usefull map pocket.</p>
<p>So, Gabe, where’s the additional info on the new MINI? I’ve been waiting all weekend.</p>