How do you create the second generation of a car that has defied all expectations and gone on to become one of the biggest surprise hits of the past 20 years? That’s the question that BMW has been asking itself for the past 4-5 years as it gets closer and closer to finishing the next MINI.
While we’re still at least a year and a half away from the launch of the R56, quite a few details have recently become more clear. With recent spy-pics from northern Europe and other information we’ve recently received, we’re finally able to get a fairly accurate idea of the final design and specifications of the R56. So grab a comfortable chair, sit back read on…
Engine and Drivetrain
One of things we know for certain is that the next MINI will feature a new BMW designed 4-cylinder engine range. BMW have joined forces with French automaker PSA (Citroen/Peugeot) to create a truly state of the art four cylinder engine range. BMW did the majority of the work in designing and engineering the engines while PSA used their expertise to help with the logistics of manufacturing.
Topping the range will be two new engines pumping out around 115 and 170 bhp (the latter belonging to the new turbocharged Cooper S). All versions of the new engine include variable valve timing, composite camshafts, and an `on-demand’ water and oil pumps. The engine will be lower and wider but will weigh in at a respectable 120kg (in Turbo form). The other notable feature of the new turbo charged engine is the twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger that will virtually eliminate turbo lag.
Interestingly it would seem MINI has decided to use the naturally aspirated 115bhp version of the engine (equipped with BMW’s Valvetronic) for the Cooper despite the fact that there is a 140bhp turbo version that will be available and put in use by PSA. Perhaps MINI has plans for this engine down the road later in the R56 life-cycle.
On the JCW front power is the big story. If the rumors are correct, (we don’t have much info on this yet) the JCW MCS should see an increase to around 220bhp and loads more torque than the current car. This is still strictly a rumor however.
With these engines comes even less required maintenance. Depending on running conditions and the driver’s style of motoring, oil service intervals will be approximately 20,000 miles. The spark plugs and air filter, in turn, only have to be exchanged approximately every 40,000 miles. The timing chain driving the camshafts is not only very precise and reliable, but also remains maintenance-free throughout the full running life of the engine. And automatic hydraulic valve play compensation serves last but not least to rule out any service or maintenance on the valve drive.
Expect the MINI to use a 6 speed manual on both the MCS and the MC. While the 6 speed automatic should be optional on the MCS it’s unclear if MINI will keep a CVT for the MC or move to a more standard automatic.
An SMG type of transmission could be a possibility as a later update but packaging the SMG module within the tight confines of the MINI would probably be a hurdle to overcome first.
The long rumored all-wheel drive could very well see the light of day within the product life-cycle of the next MINI. We’ve heard from sources that MINI could have brought the option to the market with the current generation (using the design and components created by Getrag) but chose to wait for a few reasons. For one the next chassis will be created from the start to better accommodate such a configuration.
In general these new engines will offer exceptional power and a muscular torque curve throughout a very wide useful speed range, at the same time reducing both fuel consumption and keeping weight to a minimum.
You can read more on the technical aspects of the new powerplants here.
Exterior Design
Here’s where things start to get interesting. Mostly due to new pedestrian crash regulations (and to some degree the new engine) BMW/MINI designers will be forced to change the now famous face of the modern MINI designed by Frank Stephenson almost ten years ago. As seen in the photos above, the shape will become more upright with the lights being moved slightly outward to the corners. Further, the crease to the inside of the headlights (where the fenders meet the hood) will become much more subtle as the hood is raised to adhere to the engineering demands of the new engine and 2005 EU pedestrian crash standards. Also new (and surely due to those same crash standards) will be a larger front bumper with a bit more of a rounded look. Also changed in the name of pedestrian safety is the cowl area in front of the windshield. MINI has moved the current exposed wipers down just a bit and changed the black air vents so that there is just a single vent that runs the width of the car.
(Note – the exterior spy photos above are of cold weather testing mules. These cars have all their trim blacked out to hide the design details and the front clip is not final. These images are not indicative of the final car.)
As mentioned previously on MotoringFile, MINI is looking for some cost cutting with the new model and one area they’ll be focusing on is the complex front end. First off the running lights and the turn signals (currently placed between the headlights and foglights) will move within the headlight cluster and the foglights will become a bit more pronounced (think slightly larger than the bottom of a soda can). The headlight design (both xenon and halogen) will remain similar to the current car.
In other news that’s sure to surprise, the hood will still be a clamshell design (despite what we had heard) however the headlights will not be integrated like the current car. Instead they will be mounted from underneath. Keeping the clamshell is a bit surprising as many of the UK mags had speculated this would be one of the first places looked at for cost cutting.
The Cooper S will again feature its much loved hood scoop but it will be slightly smaller than the current car. MINI will also give its sportiest model a more aggressive look in other ways. Another change they will make to the front of the MCS will be a black grille in the place of the chrome grille on the Cooper. The MCS will also have a much larger bottom air intake that is designed to mimmic the shape of the top grille. While the two grilles aren’t connected, they will look somewhat integrated due to the similar designs. Below this will be a more aggressive front air-dam.
On both cars the vents and side marker lights remain but will grow in size substantially. The new vent specifically will extend all the way to where the hood/bonnet begins on the side of the car.
The side rearview mirrors will also change shape slightly and become a bit more aggressive. The mirrors will lose some of their oval shape and come to more of a subtle point at the top.
Moving to the rear, the next MINI will feature a different shaped light cluster. The lights will be wider and shorter than the current car. They will consist of a large circular starburst red light with a yellow turn indicator inside it. The reverse lights will be a thin rectangle at the bottom of the cluster.
The third brake light will move from the roof to just inside the top of the rear window. This will give MINI a bit more freedom in the design and manufacturing process of the roof and spoiler.
Speaking of the spoiler – look for the MCS to get a longer and taller rear spoiler. I’m told it’s similar in size to the new JCW spoiler but less of a rear wing in its form.
In general the rear of the car should remain similar to the current car’s rather iconic design. The rear foglight will substantially grow in width (think 6-8 inches total) but should remain in the same place as the current car. The chrome or body colored strip on the handle of the boot will remain but will increase in height by an inch or so.
On the MCS the rear will follow the front and get more aggressive. The faux grille area will get larger and the center tailpipes should remain but may look a bit more aggressive as well.
Moving to the side of the car the changes become much more subtle. The Cooper will get a BMW-like refueling door that you push to pop-open rather than pull. The MCS fuel cap design will probably remain similar to the current car. The wheel arches will grow in height but won’t actually flare out much more than is currently seen on the 2005 MINI. Due to a reengineered wheel well area, 18″ wheels will be more prevalent in the options list than with the current MINI.
Elsewhere the sunroof remains mostly unchanged and the roof looks to be the same (no word on those clip-on roofs yet!).
Overall, the shape of the next MINI will very much be an evolution of the current car. In fact I’ve been told by a few people who have seen mock-ups that the average person on the street would have a hard time telling them apart. Based on everything I’ve heard, I’d imagine the exterior changes will be much less controversial than the new interior design. It’s probably also worth mentioning that I’ve been told by several people (who have first hand experience) that the new car looks fantastic and that these changes, as a whole, are exceedingly well done.
Interior Design
(updated from Thursday’s initial posting)
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. 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 for the past week that procides much more detail.
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. Directly under these 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. And speaking of toggle switches, several of them (finished in black) will also move up near the rearview mirror for controlling things like the sunroof.
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. The tach will also add a larger digital display that shows a illustration of a MINI. It’s assumed this would be an indicator of doors open, lights out etc..
In another sign of BMW influence, the next MINI will 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). Speaking of the seats I’m told the standard version has been redesigned to be more comfortable and offer better support.
While the rear seat space will grow only marginally, the overall design will change to use higher grade materials. We’re told the result is a big improvement over the current car rear seating environment.
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. Finally the two panels on both side of the boot that currently house the CD Changer connector and some optional H/K components will be open and actually part of the boot itself.
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!
Photos!
Since this story was posted a handful of interior shots of the new MINI have surfaced on the web. You can check them out below:
[ MINI Cooper Interior (2007) ] Wheels24.co.za
Update: A few months back Autobilde published what look to be the first accurate renderings of the next MINI. Check them out below:
<p>Nice article. </p>
<p>Since the battery is going to be moved near the engine (if I read
that correctly) then the S could have a spare tire! </p>
<p>And good luck selling your car.</p>
<p>Wow, not sure where you guys got your info, but that’s quite detailed! Sounds like many of the changes are just making things “bigger”. </p>
<p>I’m not wild on the idea of integrating everything into the sped. in the interior – might look a bit cluttered. And the whole sped. cluster will be bigger?? Big enough already, methinks…</p>
<p>Glad to hear storage is being looked at and addressed. Bluetooth is a bonus, too.</p>
<p>Looking at the first mini picture in gabe’s article – beneath the bonnet protector appears to be a coolant/intake grille on the hood (ala Mitsubishi EVO). Is that correct?</p>
<p>Good job, Gabe. Can’t wait to see the finished product, this is really interesting. Too bad the interior leaks the other day stole some of this thunder. Still, great stuff.</p>
<p>Outstanding story… I cannot wait to order mine!!</p>
<p>Interesting that the running lights should make it into the headlight cluster and the car still retains the lights-in-a-clamshell-hood design. From what I understood of the current car, the lights were moved <em>out</em> of the headlight assemblies and into the bumper (hence the third ‘hole’ in each assembly with nothing in it) so as to have the hazard lights still visible up front with the hood open. Since someone who broke down most likely would have their hood open along the side of the road, having the hazards in the open hood drastically reduces their effectiveness. Just a thought!</p>
<p>Thank you sooo much. I think I know what I’ll be getting come 2008… I am praying that you are very right about the clamshell one piece bonnet. It is the best part of the current car. The one piece keeps the entire front area clean and beautiful.</p>
<p>After glancing at MINI2 I have to say I like most of the new interior changes, including the handsome new door panels. I also enjoy the large silver MINI shaped clock/climate control. Sharp and very British while retaining the current MINI’s tech look. I do understand that much changes between now and production and hopefully one of those things would be the busy and long two line readout at the bottom of the speedometer. Keep the classic speedo clean please with radio readout with the radio. </p>
<p>BMW seems to have their wits about them for this MINI redux. Heck even the E90 3 series coming out is actually good looking and hopefully great to drive like the E36 and E46 were (avoiding active steering though).</p>
<p>Overall, I’m psyched for it. My 2004 MC will always be my baby and will be with me forever, but a second gen Cooper S is looking really good in a few years… plus AWD?!?! Phew.</p>
<p>Keep it coming Gabe!</p>
<p>Excellent rundown, Gabe! A very thorough examination of what info is available, that should put to rest a lot of the speculation regarding the next iteration. The new engine, especially, looks promising. </p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>SO GLAD my ’05 arrives in June. It will be my last MINI. Don’t care for the evolution. I like my supercharged tritec.</p>
<p>Great article Gabe. I like the evolution process from a design standpoint. I just wonder what this new engine gets us. I am greatly excited, however, about the possibility of AWD. Here’s a thought question–how can honda make a 240 horse naturally aspirated four and we still have to blow it or turbocharge it and only get 170 stock? more $ for JCW? i dunno</p>
<p>GREAT article Gabe – I really enjoyed reading it!</p>
<p>I’m feeling much better about the next MINI now that it sounds like the clamshell bonnet and bonnet scoop have made it in! It sounds like the MINI design team has been listening to what us MINIacs have had to say! 😀 The new engine sounds great – very high tech!<br />
All we need now is for MINI bring back the supercharger and the black finish inside and we’re set! :D</p>
<p>I wonder if the 140 HP engine will be the base engine on the Clubman and a cost-option engine on the MC a year later in 08?</p>
<p>So does this mean the Cooper S will be renamed the Cooper T?</p>
<p>No, “S” stands for Special, not Supercharger…</p>
<p>Great article, but I’m not a fan of the new exterior, especially the front end. Having seen it myself, it resembles the current car if the front end was a balloon with two extra breaths of air in it. It looks like a victim of the new EU pedestrian safety standard.</p>
<p>I have no doubt it will still be one of the best bangs for the buck, but after the lease is up on my MCS, I might look elsewhere. It’s just too ugly!</p>
<p>[From what I understood of the current car, the lights were moved out of the headlight assemblies and into the bumper (hence the third ‘hole’ in each assembly with nothing in it) so as to have the hazard lights still visible up front with the hood open. Since someone who broke down most likely would have their hood open along the side of the road, having the hazards in the open hood drastically reduces their effectiveness. Just a thought!]</p>
<p>Phil,</p>
<p>It’s possible that just the turn signal indicators were moved up into the headlight assemblies and that the running lights themselves will be down in the bumper sharing the same location as the new larger fog lights.</p>
<p>— MIKE</p>
<p>I thought the “S” stood for Sport.</p>
<p>Hi Gabe,</p>
<p>Great article! You’ve certainly outdone yourself with this one. :-)</p>
<p>Since I was lucky enough to be one of the folks selected to “preview” the next generation of the new MINI (I even got to sit in it!), I can tell you first hand (hopefully without exceeding the boundaries of the NDA that I had to sign [GRIN]) that your sources have pretty much got their info right in-line with what I saw.</p>
<p>I’m a huge fan of the current MINI (I own two of them) and so I really hate to see some parts of it go (like the supercharger, etc.). However, after seeing new MINI for myself in real-life, I can say that I was very pleasantly surprised to see how good it actually looks. All but the die-hard new MINI fans are going to absolutely love it I think (and the new Cooper S is going to knock your socks off for sure!).</p>
<p>Keep the info coming…</p>
<p>— MIKE</p>
<p>I believe there was a post from Gabe a while back that explained that the “S” was a much argued over letter. One side wanted it to be sport, the other side wanted it to be special, so in the end, the “S” just stood for S, nothing more.</p>
<p>You’ve got one mini man here that for sure would like to sell his 2005 MCS when that model comes out :^)</p>
<p>So is this next generation 2007 model going to be the New NEW MINI? :o)</p>
<p>Count me in the “Sport” camp. “Special” just sounds like something you’d see on a short bus. And besides, with as many MCSes as they are selling, they’re not exactly “special”. Just my take.</p>
<p><em>FYI – For all those that are dying to debate the “S” in MCS – I present you this story posted a few months ago: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://motoringfile.com/2005/01/02/why_the_s_in_mcs">Why the S in MCS?</a> Enjoy :-)</em></p>
<p>Heh – sorry. O:-)</p>
<p>I gotta agree with Sid; my last MINI may very well be a late-build ’06 MCS.</p>
<p>BMW, </p>
<p>Stop the nonsense and build the best FWD-car since man made the Golf I/II GTI,</p>
<p>could you please make me a current model 140 hp Mini Cooper?</p>
<p>Why all this non-sense about people already writing off the new MINI? The mockups of the interior are described as ‘very rough’, and the exteriors are seen in dark conditions, black cars, under snow, and those of you are already ready to call it a day on the MINI?</p>
<p>Come on now, let’s give the new guy a chance to make it before we decide to put it under ground.</p>
<p>I agree with Brian – it is very hard to assess what the new car will be until it actually hits the showroom. Car companies can be very clever when it comes to ‘leaking’ details of new designs or updates…</p>
<p>Only one thing bothers me about the new car and it will stop me ever considering a replacement for my 2004 MCS JCW: iDrive. It has no place on the new Mini (nor on any other BMW as far as I am concerned). I drove a new 530i last year with the dreaded iDrive – I asked the sales man to show me how to use it (I was driving) and he said I will wait until we get back to the parking lot. He suggested that it should not be used while on the move!! A Mini is for driving, as far as I am concerned, do ditch the driver-distraction aids!</p>
<p>As with the BMW 1 or 3 series, iDrive on the next MINI will be purely optional.</p>
<p>Some of you peoplw writing of the MINI because of: new looks, modifications, new models, new size, larger size (see new models)… really need to get over yourselves. You’re all strarting to sound like the Dodge Charger whiners. You don’t want to sound like them do you? The MINI, from what I hear, is still sticking to what it’s best at… small and fun. It doesn’t need to be anything else!</p>
<p>moderator, how about deleting cj’s post?</p>
<p>(many years in the future)</p>
<p>Hmmm……that first gen new MINI really <em>was</em> something special, and they <em>ruined</em> it. </p>
<p><strong>DAMNED FILTHY APES!</strong></p>
<p>“at least a year and a half away from the launch of the R56”
Does that mean in Sept. ’06 I should be able to test drive one at a dealer?
Sounds like the Cooper will remain H stock for Solo II, man I was hoping for the 140bhp. What is the weight difference between the current engines and the new ones, and if they are lighter will the new cars be lighter overall? Is the hood scoop functional on the S?</p>
<p>I’ve heard production will start around 9/06 for the Coupe and the following year for the Clubman. I hope to get some confirmation on that in the coming weeks. </p>
<p>The weight figures for the current engine are surprisingly light. The Tritec website lists the MCS engine at 118kg. I’m guessing that they’re not comparing apples to apples when they give the weight of the new engine at 120kg. Especially since BMW has gone to </p>
<p>I’ve heard production will start around 9/06 for the Coupe and the following year for the Clubman. I hope to get some confirmation on that in the coming weeks. </p>
<p>The weight figures for the current engine are surprisingly light. The <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tritecmotors.com.br/english/motors/16LSupercharged.htm">Tritec website</a> lists the MCS engine at 118kg. I’m assuming that they’re not comparing apples to apples when they give the weight of the new engine at 120kg. Especially since BMW has gone to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/14/new_mini_38_psa_engine_range_in_detail">great lengths</a> to say that this new engine is relatively light compared to the current powerplants.</p>
<p>It’s my guess (since BMW hasn’t upped the power really) that the next MINIs will be right around the same weight as the current cars – if not a bit lighter. </p>
<p>I don’t have any concrete info on the hood scoop functionality at this point.</p>
<p>Do you know how they plan to put the bonnet scoop in? From the spy pics it looks like the grille is much taller, taking up the space the current bonnet scoop occupies – will they move it back towards the windscreen?
Thanks!</p>
<p>The lease on my ’03 S is up in September ’06. I’m fairly committed to trading it in at that time for a JCW. How long after the assumed Sept’06 production start do you think that it will be likely that JCW upgrades will be available for this next gen MINI?</p>
<p>So, is the next generation MINI all-new or do some major components carry over? From the photos available so far, it looks like the greenhouse is unchanged from G1 to G2. Does this mean the basic body shell is to be retained?</p>
<p>The mechanicals will be almost entirely new. The basic shape of the car will mostly carry over.</p>
<p>Thanks for such a detailed description of the new MINI. It seems much improved from what we saw and read about earlier. I wonder if specifications for the new design have been influenced by MINI’s recent polling of some of the current owners.</p>
<p>I must say I was very interested to read your article.</p>
<p>I work at BMW Plant Oxford (The Home of the MINI), and it’s very interesting to see the kinds of speculation that surround our little car!</p>
<p>I look forward to hearing what you think of the new variants in 2008!</p>
<p>I’m not sure about the less sleak front nose of the Cooper and the speedometer is already quite large enough. I’d like one in an automatic but can’t get enough info on it and can’t get to test drive one. Can someone tell me about the automatics?</p>
<p>Has anyone else noticed that from the pic of the front grille headlining this thread it looks like they shopped the design out to the folks at Ardman Animation (Wallace & Grommit)?</p>
<p>I hope Cooper is coming up with a sliding shade of some sort for the sun roof I like. The light coming from the current sun can not be blocked out. I don’t count the “accessory” shade one can buy for it.</p>
<p>I truly appreciate the info Gabe is able to provide.Very informative,thank you ….but no offense, reading some of the responses –some of you dudes/dudettes are wound too tight. Not all, but much of this is still in the preliminary design stages–as mentioned repeatedly in the reports.Why so fast to jump to such early conclusions on this or that? Lets see how much of this progresses by (at least)the end of 05. I cannot imagine that BMW will mess up such a surprising success as the MINI. Have faith. I truly believe that much of the car (when released) will be an improvement over the current version(s). Hopefully they will keep the 3 spoke steering wheel and extra gauges at least as an option.</p>
<p>I say, “When can I order one?!” I honestly think it will be a great improvement…I love how everything is getter larger except the car itself! (i.e. speedometer, grille)</p>
<p>I also wish (somewhat selfishly) that MINI would do away with the automatic transmission…this is a driver’s car. I do, however, realize that this would cause a large loss in buyers——-Maybe just in the ‘S’?</p>
<p>I wonder if there will be a major price increase—</p>
<p>Thanks for the updated article. Very informative and appreciated. Question… you had mentioned the HP increase with JCW to 230 give or take, unconfirmed or not, with the new and upcoming model. I have an ’05 MCS with JCW and complimenting JCW rims and dunlop tires- absolutely love it by the way and regret nothing in terms of the upgrade. My question is… can I take advantage of the HP increase as well down the road if I wanted to, by replacing just the ECU? Do you think, or do you know if it is possible to simply replace the ECU part for the benefit of the upgrade and keep the exising parts already installed. If so, does the Mini dealer do this, and any clue on even current cost of the ECU by itself for a greater HP increase? Currently, I am at 210 HP, yet is there room for expansion in this respect? Thanks in advance for your response and time anyone. Have a great day. Regards, Joe W.</p>
<p>iDrive was the Germans giving the Americans too much credit. Imagine a PDA, Cell Phone, PC, designed from the perspective you all want the interface designed? It’s absurd. A learning curve does not constitute a poorly designed interface, but it does display the average Americans lazyness.</p>
<p>Is it just me? I’m not overly thrilled with the new interior at all. The Dash is starting to look too conventional. The new clear shots show the upper dash hanging over with the silver or wood part recessed – too much like many other cars out there. I really like the mini because it’s not like other cars.</p>
<p>I just prefer the whine of a supercharger over the whoosh of a wastegate. Does that make me a whiner? :-)</p>
<p>Thanks for the info.</p>
<p>I own a mini one and am waiting for the new model to come out before I upgrade to a Cooper S. The problem though is that I hate the tachometer and the way they have placed it in the current car. I was hoping it would change for the next generation mini but it won´t, so I guess I will be looking for other options before looking into the mini.</p>
<p>I think you will find that S stands for Sport not special or supercharged. Like the classic Mini, S was for sports.</p>
<p>Wow- so can I get an AWD “S” model by Spring 2006- with an (need I dare say it) automatic. I know you Miniacs like the 5spd stick. The man who claims to work at Mini in the UK said 2008! ???</p>
<p>Dan – we’ve already covered the “S” in a previous article. Check it out: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/02/why_the_s_in_mcs"><a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/02/why" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/02/why</a><em>the</em>s<em>in</em>mcs</a></p>
<p>Kevin – I’ve heard a release date anywhere from the <strong>fall</strong> of 2006 to the spring of 2007.</p>
<p>Hey,
Thanks for the all the info, very interesting. To be honest dont really like the sound of the new changes or the pictures but it has got me all a bit worried. I get my new MCS in three days after a 7 month wait and 5 years of saving for my first car, and am a bit worried that it will depreciate rapidly with the new updated model coming out. Should i just enjoy the amazing drive of the cooper s until i want to get rid of it (if that ever happens) or sell it in a year and a half or so prior to the new one arriving? Anyone got any advice on this. Cheers</p>
<p>If not mistaken, isn’t the rear suspension being “dumbed down”? Instead of independent rear arms a cost saving suspension will be fitted..
Am I correct on that?</p>
<p>kutch</p>
<p>That was rumored a few years back but since then there have been no mentions of a dumbed down suspension. I would bet we will see something similar to what is currently offered.</p>
<p>Actually I read that in a motortrend mag while waiting in a docs office. But then again- “believe none of what you read and only half of what you see”…</p>
<p>From what i understand the new mini will have a seperate hood from the lights because the european union has changed the law so that the headlights have to be visable even when the hood is lifted for safety reasons</p>
<p>Whew! I am glad to hear that the exterior differences on the mini are rather insignifigant. I just recently fell in love with the cars and was worried about what would be comming for 2007. I very much like the turbo as opposed to the supercharger, twin scroll should make it so the lag is nothing. I just set up a budget so that my future wife and I can purchase two in 2007. I can’t wait…</p>
<p>I agree with the comment made by ‘kutch’ on April 16. I went to a talk at University of Bath, UK by the Production Manager of the ‘Body in White’ manufacturing centre, at BMW/Mini, Oxford, UK and he was giving nothing away. He did make a slip of the tongue and mention turbo, when he meant to say supercharger but he did emphasise when asked the question about the next generation Mini, that BMW were not going to make the same mistake as Mercedes did with the E-Class. If you haven’t heard the story, it goes like this:- Mercedes leant the film makers, for the movie ‘Men in Black’, an unlaunched E-Class and lived to regret it. By the time it was given it’s full launch everyone around the world had seen it and the launch lost it’s impact. For me, let’s just wait and see and enjoy the fantastic Mini’s that we already drive.</p>
<p>Wow… I just heard from a friend of mine that the next gen of minis was coming out… after reading this article and seeing the photos.. I can give a massive sigh of relief as I wait for my ’05 MCS to arrive. From what I can see, the new interior sucks. It’s lost it’s character. As for the new turbo engine… well I don’t think it really matters so much, coz the MCS as it is right now is still a great drive. I think no matter what SG wrote, I think that you’ll always lose no matter what when it comes to resale price, so just enjoy the mini as it is, and don’t worry so much about it.</p>
<p>guys I just bought a week ago a brand new cooper s 2005 and love it.
Been a former honda crx si owner back in the 90’s, (havent had the need to own a car in manhattan until now due to my bussines commute) do you guys think that we will be able to swap the newest engines into the current cooper models?
I love my car and plan to keep it for a long time in my nice garage.
nice article…just starting to get hooked on this blog.
good day</p>
<p>Looking at these shots, I’m glad I bought a 1st generation Mini. The front end is huge and what is up with that interior. However it’s not out yet, so we’ll see when she finally does??</p>
<p>One of my biggest concerns is that BMW/MINI does not decide to do what has been done to all other cars when new versions of existing models are introduced, they are made bigger, longer, wider, and heavier. Please do not do this.</p>
<p>I want my new MINI to be absolutely no longer than 12’/3.65m. Morris and Rover managed to make 5.5 million of the original Minis without making it any bigger for the base model. This is very important for the long term life of the MINI.</p>
<p>I like the new larger speedo allowing the GPS to be housed inside the speedo without having the “square peg” in the “round hole” look that we now have. That is the only reason that I didn’t get the GPS with my first MCS. I like keeping the speedo in the center and not having it moved to the steering column. Much more traditional look.</p>
<p>Overall I like the look of the new ’07 MINIs, inside and out. It will be interesting to see how it evolves from here and what the finished product looks like.</p>
<p>I must admit I am very interested in the AWD version and when it will be introduced. That is definitely on my wish list.</p>
<p>“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).”</p>
<p>Maybe the space where the battey was, between the two mufflers on the MCS, could be used as a “crock pot” type cooker. When on a long drive just put in all of the ingredients and when you arrive the meal is done. The heat cast off by the mufflers cooks your meal. A pleasant drive with a home cooked meal at the end, what could be better than that?</p>
<p>All I can say is that I am glad that i bought the original 2005 mini-cooper convertible. While there may be a few interior glitches, they are so MINOR in comparison with my overall great enjoyment of this vehicle that constantly draws compliments. from what i’ve seen the interior looks terribly unattractive. my mini is destined to be a classic so BMW go ahead and muck with the new models as much as you want. it will only make mine more valuable as time goes on.</p>
<p>Great article, and the new versions look good, if preliminary. My $0.02: just chuck the back seats. A two-seater is just fine with me. At least make that an option – I’d rather have more boot space than a space that can only fit my dogs (if I were to let them in!)</p>
<p>Sorry but some of you guys do nothing but moan! These are not the final production pictures so stop whinning and give BMW a break!. How about resrve your judgement till the 07 mini comes out!!!</p>
<p>Well Chris I would say that this is our only chance to influence BMW/MINI designers…..that’s actually what the want us to do….they present several differentations so that based on our comments they will make the appropriate changes and present in 2007 the MINI that we will all fall in love to …..so cheers for the autocar 2007 prediction (blue one with Mercedes flashlights on mirrors)…..!!!!!…:P:P:P</p>
<p>While I look forward to the next Mini, I believe there is a way BMW could simplify the Mini even more, increase its reliability, reduce its petrol consumption, and its emissions:</p>
<p>Make an electric drive version of the Mini. </p>
<p>Yes, this is easier said than done but not impossible. There’s at least one custom version already. The parts count for an electric car is much smaller than for an ICE car so it’s likely to be easier and cheaper to manufacture. BMW has smart engineers and expertise in automobile electronics. They could and should do it.</p>
<p>bmw changed its bumper size on the 1974 cars,that turned out to be a big downfall,then in 1976 they stopped production on the 2002tii fuel injected car.today the small bumper tii is a very sought after collectible car.i think i will stick to the small bumper,supercharged coopers,i am sure it will be a very desired collectible in years to come.</p>
<p>My 04 Red/White Cooper looks and handles better than anything I’ve ever owned and draws constant attention.Dear BMW don’t turn this car into a Mustang from the 70’s i.e. fat,ugly,slow covered in decals and scoops that do nothing. Try this instead.Lightweight good looking wheels with great tires on every Mini (17″ 205’s)work. More power and torque in every model and better mileage please. Never compromise quality while keeping it affordable and don’t change what works best for the sake of change.Thanks</p>
<blockquote>
<p>More power and torque in every model and better mileage please. Never compromise quality while keeping it affordable and don’t change what works best for the sake of change.Thanks</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That sounds just about like what they’re planning on doing actually.</p>
<p>I still see lots of black plastic. Not happy about that.</p>
<p>Beangel…You stay away from the cooper or ill put a contract out on you.</p>
<p>Another great looking car. Nice evolution.</p>
<p>I am on my second MINI, and had enough difficulty accepting the changes for the ’05, most of which to me seemed to diminish the uniqueness and essential British character of the car. I accepted the tailights, which to me appeared to be more appropriate to a Nissan Sentra, a compromise which gave me the rear fog light I so desperately wanted. There were other improvements as well, but the car was clearly “on the bubble” and this version takes it over the edge. What a disappointment. You can’t find a car out there with running/turn indicators separate- (this is a cost issue), and really, the headlight/running light/fog light combo, stacked vertically, really made the car unique and VISIBLE. To lose that, over a cost issue, is terribly sad. Why not just raise the price a bit, I can’t imagine many potential buyers for this “premium” small car would hesitate. And what is the incessant, “since it was introduced” fussing over the interior? A Mercedes has a PLASTIC dashboard, for heaven’s sake! I think the interior of my MINI (anthracite/anthracite headliner) is great. What is the problem here? There is PLENTY of front seat room- why redesign? I think Mr. Stephenson would not have approved. Why is BMW insistent on messing so much with this car IN ONLY A FEW YEARS after its introduction?? Why is the MINI growing 2 inches? The interior now looks like it was inspired by an episode of “The Thunderbirds” or something. My second, ’05 MINI, I fear will be my last…</p>
<p>They’ll sell even more mini’s with the new changes. American’s are the biggest market, and American’s want more space and auto transmissions. </p>
<p>I’ll take a woody clubman, please.</p>
sorry guys……just don’t like the look.
Also…the previous interior for me with all the 1930’s type airplane dials (esp chrome line interior) made the MINI really unique and retro. I’m happily ordering an 06 with the works and am glad my lease on another car ran out now instead of next year! Enjoy !
Something i don’t really understand, why has BMW decided to ‘only’ use a turbo on the Mini Cooper S instead of the current supercharger? The sound of this supercharger is great and it does work… so why only a turbo?
ıs anybody know when the NEXT GEN. MINI started to produce ???
I was under the impression in talking to BMW/Mini reps at the recent autoshows that a wider Mini was being tested in Japan for next year.
<a href="http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2005/public/boothguide/photo/20_020_BMW/img_s/VS2V6560.JPG" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2005/public/boothguide/photo/20_020_BMW/img_s/VS2V6560.JPG</a>
or go here and look at last page of PDF and click for above pic.
<a href="http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2005/english/public/boothguide/photo/20_020_BMW/index003.shtml" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2005/english/public/boothguide/photo/20_020_BMW/index003.shtml</a>
What was shown in Japan and Frankfurt this year were concepts based on the forthcoming MINI Clubman extended wheelbase. This will be released in late ’07, after the first of the next generation cars are released in late ’06.
Hello Gabe, I can’t remember if I asked this already, but do you think the next MINI will have the H/K system? That’s the thing which i want most and i’m thinking of just buying the current model with H/K; however, the new model seems mighty appealing? Please advise.
Jeff.
If sound system offerings BMW’s new 3 series is any clue then I would say no. BMW now only offers a “Premium Sound System” rather than the H/K system that used to be found in the previous 3 series. Since the next generation MINI and the new 3 series share most of their electrical I would say this is a good hint at what may come.
Thanks for that, I think I’ll just order the current model because the H/K system is the thing which impresses me most, and I’ve heard the “Premium Sound System” which, whilst no offence intended to BMW, reminds me of how Alfa Romeo’s sound system quality dropped when they switched from Bose to Blaupunkt.
I’m thinking of buying a mini now nut should I wait??
I had a REAL mini and loved it, I like the new one after having been in one a few times but it just irks me that its now the size of a familly hatchback-its not really a mini anymore lets face it. The new one is suppose to be even bigger which I think is just against teh mini spirit-BMW
Also have reservations on the engine, just so low tech and isn;t it built in South America (not theat there is anything wrong in South America but where is there motoring heritage)
So buy now or wait??
Just another thought.
I am strongly tempted by a suzuki swift. It looks good (ok a mini rip off but they copied the best)
has five doors, a vvc engine, seems to be top of alot of small car polls at the moment and oh yes its half the price.
I have honestly NOT connection to either cars I promise but the swift is a terrific little car. But then Iv’r always wanted a mini.
What do I do
Buy a mini now
Buy a swift now
Wait to buy a new mini????
Any body please???-would you wait, buy now or get a 2 suzucki swifts????
I’m in the same boat…buy now or wait for the R56? Tough call!!! I am planning to see what comes across the lot at Mini here in Victoria or over in Vancouver (BC). If I can get a good deal on a MCSa, I’ll probably go for it. Need a slushbox, ’cause I spend a lot of time in bumper to bumper (expecially in Vancouver). The auto is still a blast to drive. Will keep you all posted on my final decision. Have been reading this forum for about a year and really enjoy the insights and inside tracks.
ref one of the above questions, the cooper ‘s’ will still not be able to have a spare due to the exhaust which now runs down the centre of the underside. The diesel will though. Rob Mini oxford.