(Updated) – MINI is sending the R50 and R53 out with a bang in their last year of production. While the 2006 model year won’t offer nearly as many changes as the the 2005 brought us (or what the next generation MINI will bring us), there will certainly be a few surprises.
While we don’t know all the details at this point, we’ve learned enough to start sharing a few of them. Of course this is especially helpful for those wondering what’s coming down the pipeline over the next six to eight months and when to potentially buy their MINI. In an effort to come clean with all the info we have we’ve even added a few things to the list that have yet to be confirmed (marked with an asterisk).
- Several new colors added across the range.
- Electric Blue and possibly Jet Black will be dropped.* (updated)
- Silver Contrasting Roof.
- Several new wheel designs.
- JCW Engine upgrade available at the factory.
- JCW Sport Brake Kit available at the factory.*
- JCW suspension available at the factory.*
- Full Aerokit available at the factory.*
- Two new “special” options packages with at least one consisting JCW upgrades and Recaro seats.
In other related news, we’ve learned that the 2006 model year should being with September.
We’ll update this post as we know more.
* Not yet confirmed.
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>Based on prior years experience, does anyone know when the ’06’s are due out and available in the USA? I need wheels early August and want to order, but don’t know what is available or when.</p>
<p>I’m new at this. Can anyone give direction?</p>
<p>Bruce</p>
<p>Except for the 2005 model year (which was different due to the cabrio launch), MINI typically starts new model year production in September.</p>
<p>Bruce, I picked up my 05′ on the last day of August. I placed the order in early june. hope this helps.</p>
<p>If you were to guess, what would the JCW engine upgrade cost, installed at the factory?? This may be enough for me to delay my Mini order… <em>sigh</em></p>
<p>i would think that the JCW factory upgrade would be priced similar to what is on the website right now, if anything prolly a couple hundred more. Bruce, if you want to order an 06′, i’d call up your friendly neighborhood MA and ask if he can start taking orders on the 06’s. don’t be surprised if he can’t, but there’s always a chance he can</p>
<p>Any word if JCW suspension available at the factory & seats are for the Cooper too?</p>
<p>In Canada a factory works package is now available. It consists of;</p>
<p>Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
17″ Web Spoke, 2-Piece Alloy Wheels – style 98, Performance Run-Flat Tires: 205/45 R 17
Limited Slip Differential
Foglights, Front and Rear
John Cooper Works Kit (210 hp)
Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps</p>
<p>The cost is $7,200 Canadian. The base MCS is $30,500 in Canada or about 50% more than the $20,400 in the US. That would put the equivalent US package at around $5,000.</p>
<p>The Works engine kit is $6,800 in Canada. </p>
<p>The only disappointment is that it does not appear to be offered in the Convertible.</p>
<p>[Quietly chants to himself] Non-metallic BRG. Non-metallic BRG. Non-metallic BRG…</p>
<p>Actually JR – that package does not come from the factory with the JCW engine Kit installed. Still it’s a great deal.</p>
<p>I guess I assumed it was all factory installed since some parts like the DSC and LSD can only come factory installed.</p>
<p>I guess I should clarify… it’s my understanding that the JCW kit is add post-production in Canada presumably at the dealer or VPC.</p>
<p>Any word on the ’06 JCW HP wise? Will there be another upgrade (i.e. 210 from 200 in ’05)that I can add to my ’05 MCS/JCW.</p>
<p>I would guess that JCW and MINI are done updating the kit for this generation. For more power you’ll probably have to wait for the next generation car in 2007. And of course there’s no telling when the JCW package for that will be coming out.</p>
<p>I’d really love to have an ’06 with the special options package and silver roof/other body color next to my ’03 Pure Silver JCW :-D. This final model year of the current generation MINI is really going to be the ticket!</p>
<p>2006, the final model year of the current generation MINI is the ticket ?….I agree !
The body size is one of the excitements.
When I heard ’07 would have a bigger body size, I feel that I’m not interested anymore.</p>
<p>lovelyjcwmini – The 2007 MINI (R56) <strong>will not</strong> be noticeably bigger in the standard coupe form. You can read all about it (in detail) here: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/20/next_generation_mini_revealed">motoringfile.com/2005/03/20/next<em>generation</em>mini_revealed</a></p>
<p>Gabe, do you or anyone else know whether dealers will still offer the JCW engine kit for the first gen MCS after the redesign arrives? I’ll be picking up my car in about a month and possibly want to put in the kit after my warranty period ends.</p>
<p>If you live in Bay Area, Cali. it’s a 2 month wait from order to deliver at SF MINI with a $2,500 mark-up or 1 year, yes, 1 year wait at Eastbay MINI wihout a mark-up.</p>
<p>It’s alittle off-topic but I simply can’t imagine waiting more than a month or two for a MINI. Especially when there are <a rel="nofollow" href="http://motoringfile.com/ad_redirect.php?id=1">dealers around</a> that sell for MSRP with very little wait.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>do you or anyone else know whether dealers will still offer the JCW engine kit for the first gen MCS after the redesign arrives?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I assume you’re referring to the 2007 redesign. I would imagine that the kit will still be available for some years to come. Granted, probably not in the same numbers as before.</p>
<p>I’d love to see the classic Mini color Tahiti Blue for the MINI. And give us a factory JCW Kit (not a sound kit) for the MC. I’d love a 2006 Tahiti Blue with Silver roof JCW MC. That might get me out of the 2003 MC I said I’d never part with.</p>
<blockquote>lovelyjcwmini – The 2007 MINI (R56) will not be noticeably bigger in the standard coupe form.</blockquote>
<p>It may, however, be noticeably <em>uglier</em>. We hope and pray, of course, that this is not the case.</p>
<p>WHAT!! getting rid of the electric blue. </p>
<p>I never understood why ppl didn’t get this color. If I would have been able to get an MCS instead of an MC, electric blue would have been my first choice with the black roof. It’s a rare sighting and in my opinion an awesome color. I sure hope they bring it back when I’m looking for a new car.</p>
<p>Everyone’s taste is different. I told my Motoring Advisor that Electric Blue was the one color I would not take under any circumstances.</p>
<p>It seems like every third MINI in Georgia is Electric Blue.</p>
<p>Let me cast my vote for a true British Racing Green as well.</p>
<p>New wheel designs and new colours?
My Mini is due to arrive in June!!
Noooooo..>!~!!</p>
<p>I think the silver contrasting roof is going to be awesome!! That’s one of my favorite additions.</p>
<p>I remember SVC (Special Vehicle Concepts) in Newport Beach, CA did a couple of the very first MINI’s, and one of the custom touches they added was a silver roof to a BRG Cooper S, it looked really nice.</p>
<p>Miles</p>
<p>GABE:</p>
<p>THANKS.</p>
<p>Regarding the probable dropping of Electric Blue: I wonder if we’ll finally see Candy Blue reach production as a replacement color.</p>
<p>I’m told it’ll actually be a couple of entirely new colors.</p>
<p>BTW, is anyone else totally shocked at MINI dropping Jet Black? I had heard rumblings of something like that but I can’t believe it’s actually happening.</p>
<p>What, no more Jet Black?!?!? If Astro Black was available on the MCS, I would order one with a silver roof – think that would look great.</p>
<p>Candy Blue is available in other markets, but not here in the U.S. :(</p>
<p>I’m hoping some of these colors (or U.S. renditions) will be available in 2006:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mini2.com/news/news243.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/news/news243.html</a></p>
<p>There are two colors that I’d consider untouchable for a Mini–red, and black. If they get rid of jet black, I’m sure they’ll replace it with another black. But I’d prefer the jet black to astro black, having seen them side by side. The jet black is beautiful–I’m getting a 2006, and I was really considering jet black, silver roof and silver bonnet stripes…A true BRG, nonmetallic would be a strong consideration too–it’s too bad there isn’t a nonmetallic green similar in quality to the nonmetallic red. Also hoping for some nice 16 inch rims–hopefully there’ll be some anthracite finishes.</p>
<p>They had BETTER NOT drop Jet Black!!! Or, if they do, they must replace it with another non-metallic Black color.</p>
<p>A German car company making a car that doesn’t come in non-metallic black is like GM or Ford making a car that isn’t recalled. Doesn’t happen.</p>
<p>Hopefully, this is just a rumor…</p>
<p><em>David wrote:</p>
<p>Gabe, do you or anyone else know whether dealers will still offer the JCW engine kit for the first gen MCS after the redesign arrives? I’ll be picking up my car in about a month and possibly want to put in the kit after my warranty period ends.</em></p>
<p>Why wait 4 years or 50K miles to add the JCW Kit? The JCW Kit is covered under warranty for 2 years or for the remainder of the factory warranty, whichever is longer.</p>
<p>I agree, a truly non-metalic BRG has been a long time in the making. I would jump at the opportunity for a real BRG and White combo.</p>
<p>Why Jet Black and not Liquid Yellow? If any color needs to be fixed is the current too pale LY.</p>
<p>MINI needs to get rid of whomever is responsible for making color decisions..</p>
<p>You mean like Lime Green? Then they should put a big ole superbee logo on the side too! or a superbird..</p>
<p>I’d love to see the classic Mini color Tahiti Blue for the MINI</p>
<p>Me too! This is my favorite color – I settled for Indi Blue, but whenever I see a Classic in Tahiti….heavy sigh….</p>
<blockquote>I agree, a truly non-metalic BRG has been a long time in the making. I would jump at the opportunity for a real BRG and White combo.</blockquote>
<p>Word to tha mutha, Brother James.</p>
<blockquote>Personally, I’d like to see them offer some really obnoxious colors like the High Impact colors from Chrysler in ’69-73</blockquote>
<p>I agree. Some non-metallic retro colors would be great. Burnt orange, avocado green, turquoise, sky blue, plum, chocolate brown… I think Mini has played it very conservative in terms of color, and stayed far too close to the contemporary automotive palette. I still can’t believe they went with that dark metallic BRG. A major missed opportunity, imho.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me how reliable this info is? Does it come from inside Mini or something? </p>
<p>Can someone point me to a picture of a non-metallic British racing Green, I’m not sure what you guys mean?</p>
<p><blockquote>MINI needs to get rid of whomever is responsible for making color decisions</blockquote> – I have to assume that CUSTOMERS are making color choices, and MINI drops the (world wide) least popular colors.</p>
<p>Avocado green with a camoflaged roof pattern would be cool.</p>
<blockquote>Can someone point me to a picture of a non-metallic British racing Green, I’m not sure what you guys mean?</blockquote>
<p>My pleasure. Here are a few examples:</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://images.traderonline.com/img//img/10/dealer/742117/76313655_1.jpg">Bentley Sport Tourer</a>
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bobsclassics.com/sold/53ju12.jpg">Jaguar XK120</a>
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-abc/Austin-Healey-3000-Mk-III-green-fa-lr.jpg">Healey 3000</a></p>
<p>Wikipedia <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_racing_green">BRG entry</a>
.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Can anyone tell me how reliable this info is? Does it come from inside Mini or something?”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Well since I’m the author of this story and the editor of this site I can tell you that the information in the original story is very reliable. Everything that isn’t marked with an asterisk has been verified by at least two sources within MINI (corporate). The items marked with an asterisk and labelled as not confirmed have only been confirmed by one reliable, internal source.</p>
<p>Of course if none of that persuades you, I’d recommend taking a look at the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/archive.php">news archives</a> over the past 2.5 years and judging our success on our past record :)</p>
<p>Ditching Jet Black?? seriously???</p>
<p>It seems like every week I see another black one (I am pretty sure it isnt the same one every time but who knows…).</p>
<p>I hope that is because they are offering a metallic black in it’s place.</p>
<p>-m</p>
<p>Gabe: Thanks, that sounds pretty certain. I’m looking for a new car so I’d love to get a special edition’d last model year Mini, kind of like the performance package for the 330i.</p>
<p>Chris,</p>
<p>I think that’s probably a good analogy of what’s coming.</p>
<p>Ian, Solid Gold is hardly popular and yet it has outlived Velvet Red and Silk Green, 2 gorgeous colors that should have never been discontinued.</p>
<p>Frank,
You may be right about the popularity of Solid Gold <strong>in America</strong> but it is a color specifically released for arab countries.</p>
<p>Hi Gabe. I’d like your opinion. I saw an ’05 MCS/JCW on ebay claiming 225+ HP. I e-mailed and asked how and the reply suuggested a “Shrick” camshaft. He also claimed this would not affect the warranty. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Oops! I meant Schrick.</p>
<p><em>Greg wrote:</p>
<p>I saw an ’05 MCS/JCW on ebay claiming 225+ HP. I e-mailed and asked how and the reply suuggested a “Shrick” camshaft. He also claimed this would not affect the warranty. Any thoughts?</em></p>
<p>The Webb Motorsports site says a Schrick cam “provides 5-8 horsepower depending on other modifications”.</p>
<p>Changing the cam is just like any other aftermarket modification … if it is the cause of a failure there is no warranty coverage.</p>
<p>Don’t drop Jet Black, that’s the color I want!</p>
<p>MINIAC,</p>
<p>Why wait for the JCW install? Well, A little thing called MONEY. As in, I don’t have it…</p>
<p>In reality, I could afford getting a JCW kit on the MINI I just ordered. But that would leave me with less money left over, after mortgage, bills, retirement, incidentals, etc. I purposefully waited 8 months before ordering to put a hefty down payment down (more than 1/3) to keep my monthly payment low, not that I couldn’t afford it otherwise, but the more money I still have at the end of the month, the more non-MINI things I can enjoy in life. I don’t want to be one of those people “working for my car.”</p>
<p>If I leased a JCW MCS it would be more affordable, but I don’t lease, period. A waste of money in my opinion, especially since I want to keep mine forever.</p>
<p>No, I’ll wait until after the financing is done, by then I’ll probably modify the hell out of it when the money is freed up.</p>
<p>Did someone ask for a Chocolate Brown Mini?? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2128043648&mode=invite&idx=14">Here is a pic of one.</a> This is a custom color, the car is in Germany with a number plate from “Darmstadt” a region 20 miles south of Frankfurt.</p>
<p>Philip</p>
<p>That’s an … <em>interesting</em> color.</p>
<p>The new UPS edition MINI. To be used in a yet to be offered express delivery service. ;)</p>
<p>Brown is beautiful, Guero.</p>
<p>I just ordered a jet black mini.. I wonder if they’ll come back and tell me they don’t make it anymore and force me to upgrade to the new metallic black they have. I ordered black witht he chrome exterior and interior packages. Every mini I see that’s black has a white roof and mirrors, some with the stripe. I like the look of black and chrome much better.</p>
<p>Good choice Sean. You’ll have fun adding even more chrome features later. There’s ALOT of after market chrome int/ext stuff.</p>