It looks like the floodgates are starting to open and Edmunds.com is first in line with spyshots of those recently built 2007 MINI product mules. Here’s an excerpt from today’s edition:
>The Mini Cooper hasn’t cooled off much since its introduction in 2002. In fact, its retro styling is still so well liked that the next-generation 2007 Mini Cooper won’t look any different. We caught a recent prototype out testing with minimal exterior camouflage and found it hard to pick out the updates.
>Up front, the headlights may be taped up but their shape isn’t expected to change much from the current model. Same goes for the grille as it looks to be roughly the same design with a slightly larger air intake opening that will feed a new family of turbocharged engines. In place of the low-tech iron-block 1.6-liter will be a twin-cam, aluminum-block turbocharged four-cylinder of the same displacement. The standard Cooper will get a significant boost to 143 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque while the Cooper S will maintain its rating of around 170 hp. A non-turbocharged 115-hp Cooper may also be offered to keep the entry price low.
You can read more and see the full spyshots below:
[ Makeover coming for 2007 Mini Cooper ] Edmunds.com
MF Analysis: While there are probably no surprises in these pictures for MotoringFile readers, it’s great to see the final car taking shape outside of the auto-show circuit. It would appear that our Next Generation MINI Revealed article from last March was on the money with quite a few interior and exterior details finally emerging in these new spyshots.
Related:
[ Next Generation MINI Revealed ] MotoringFile
[ Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI ] MotoringFile
Thanks to Demiurgo for the tip
Why mess with success?
After seeing pics of the interior, it doesn’t look as bad as I was thinking it would. Of course, I still like my ’05 interior better. And is that a CD slot in the speedo?
It looks streteched out like a wagon to me. The interior does look nice though.
the quality of materials appears to have improved, but i still see large swatches of what looks like painted plastics ripe for scratch marks.
the style i’m a little lukewarm on. i’m not a fan of the recessed dash treatment and it doesn’t look like they’ve improved the centerstack from the horrid mockup we saw some time ago.
but i’m no hater, these are my preliminary feelings and i’m certainly going to reserve final judgement until i see a production version in person.
Seeing the interior is a relief, though I still don’t like what they’ve done with the center stack – too Fisher Price for my tastes – I like the current stack/speedo better. I do like the rest of the dashwork though. I don’t like what looks like chubbier little white toggles instead of the clean industrial silver we’re used to. I am very pleased, however at how little exterior change seems to be present. I like the new grill and the average person isn’t going to know the difference between the generations. Good.
hmmmm…that “The new steering wheel design incorporates more extensive auxiliary controls than the current model” looks exactly like the one in our 05…. 🙂
good to see more info coming out, although it does make it a little harder to put an order in for my 06….
-jac
<blockquote>hmmmm…that “The new steering wheel design incorporates more extensive auxiliary controls than the current model†looks exactly like the one in our 05…. :)</blockquote>
That’s because it is. MINI probably won’t fit the new wheel until later. However I’m told that it will be similar to what is on the current car.
one other thing..base Cooper with 176 Ft/ LBS?!? um..wow! not taking that number with out a grain of salt…but that could be interesting!
It seems that like with most car manufacturers that as a car model evolves it becomes bloated.
Is it me or do these pics of the Mini indicate that future models are going to get larger?
176ft/lb of torque and is it still a 1.6L engine? I very much doubt that claim.
Lucas, turbo.
i dont like the front grill and how the headlights look slanted. im hoping the mule is drasticly distorting the new front and it is not as bad as it looks in these picts. one of my favorite things about the current mini is the almost upright front headlights and the blunt grill. aggghhh!!
<blockquote>176ft/lb of torque and is it still a 1.6L engine? I very much doubt that claim.</blockquote>
Just an FYI – Edmunds simply grabbed figures from the BMW press release detailing the engine design and output. You can find the full press release on MotoringFile <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/14/new_mini_38_psa_engine_range_in_detail" rel="nofollow">here</a>. And if you want to read more about the 143 bhp version of the turbo engine, check out the following excerpt from the official press release:
<blockquote>The turbocharged fuel injection power unit combines the torque curve of a diesel with the benefits of a modern reciprocating-piston engine. Maximum torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft comes at just 1,400 rpm, remaining virtually unchanged all the way to 4,000 rpm. This ensures significant thrust and muscle from low engine speeds, powerful acceleration, a perfect response, and maximum driving pleasure. Together with its maximum output of 105 kW/143 bhp at 5,500 rpm, this engine guarantees sporting performance wherever you go.</blockquote>
You can even download the full press release as a PDF (including power graphs and detailed engine specs) <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/files/3_Technologietag_GB1102934639.pdf" rel="nofollow">here</a>.
It may be worth noting that BMW has yet to release any information regarding the 170 bhp version.
<blockquote>one of my favorite things about the current mini is the almost upright front headlights and the blunt grill. </blockquote>
The new grille will be even more upright than the current version.
David – the “slot” in the speedo appears to be a display screen – I’m guessing that the cd slot is under the speedo – see passenger side photo.
it could be the photo, but it looks like the rear lights are bulging out….please, no. It does look like they are going back to the ’02-04′ style with the yellow blinker….and I can agree with that.
With a “regular” Cooper producing that much torque and HP, I would have hoped for more from the S. What’s the incentive to buy an S now if there’s only an extra 27 HP on tap instead of the 50 or so in the previous generation? Perhaps the Cooper will be the model of choice now as it might be the one that tweakers can exploit the most.
WHere are people seeing the new “pictures”??? Looking on Edmunds via the link I only see a single photograph….the back of the car.
<blockquote>WHere are people seeing the new “pictures�?? Looking on Edmunds via the link I only see a single photograph….the back of the car.</blockquote>
You can click on the picture above to see all four photos.
Z4MINI
Scroll down and look to the right hand side of the page.
Thanks!
Hmm…If you look at the shot of the back of the car….just below the bumper….looks like multi-link suspension. Could be mistaken, but that is what it looks like.
BTW: The interior way nice.
Still don’t like the interior. If the car is now turbo, why the hood scope? I love the scope and glad they kept it. Just curious why?
<blockquote>Just an FYI – Edmunds simply grabbed figures from the BMW press release detailing the engine design and output</blockquote>
Ah, its turboed, ok 🙂 I just thought the normal Cooper would have an NA engine like the current one, I guess not!
This sounds like a very potent engine combo, looks like I might have to save up and get a new MINI in 3-4 years time afterall 🙂
It’s not as “Cute”
A little long on the nose, and with the boring color line up, I’m not excited.
Nervous, I was actually talking about the thin grey/silver slit under the display screen on the passenger side photo. But, after further review, the ruling on the field has been reversed and the CD slot IS under the speedo, the gray slit looks like a line of buttons.
<blockquote>and with the boring color line up, I’m not excited.</blockquote>
Expect an entirely new color line-up for the 2007 model year.
yes….ben holiday!!! you hit it right on the nose (no pun). i could not figure out what looked NOT MINI about this car and thats it. its the elongated (or so it seems) front end.
i know the length of the car is pretty much the same…it just “looks” longer in the front end. more car like and less MINI like.
It’s not as cute
Fine by me. I like the current car for the way it goes and the way it handles. Not because it is “cute”.
anybody know this music? name+artist.
I’m obsessed with it.
thanks,
<a href="http://www.mini2.com/galleries/showphoto.php/photo/1124/cat/movies" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/galleries/showphoto.php/photo/1124/cat/movies</a>
How long till the next JCW car? I’m looking to trade in next October…
Is it me, or does it seem like the front overhang is quite a bit longer than the current Cooper? I’m guessing the engine is taking up more space than the current one (which is amazingly compact, let’s face it). Whatever the case, from the front 3/4 view, the increased overhang makes the car look more nose-heavy than the current model. Interesting that they didn’t do a little more…I guess the resale hit on the current models won’t be so bad after all!
The 2007 looks interesting but 1st year…..Not a chance. It took them 4 years to work out the bugs on the current design. The 2006 will be the best Mini yet. But thats just my .02.
It’s not to bad. I don’t like the idea of haveing the radio in the speedo though. Kinda leaves out the option of upgradeing the radio at a later date. Your stuck with what you get.
I agree with most of the comments about the interior, but I’m not saying anything until final production. As for the appearance, the cuteness factor, to me, is no factor at all. In fact, I like the way it looks now. It looks a lot “sportier”, and possibly a tad raised. That would be good, given that my aero bumper acts as a snow plow in the winter. As for the longer front, more room for the TURBO! Can’t wait to see what the final JCW S power output numbers look like.
As an aside, I’m sure glad we’re starting to get some real info!! Woohoo!
Right now I’m still leaning towards ordering an ’06 MCS this spring…the new engine sounds really exciting though. Argh!
I think the blunter, longer-looking nose has to do with the new European pedestrian safety standards. There may not be much MINI can do about it.
“I think the blunter, longer-looking nose has to do with the new European pedestrian safety standards. There may not be much MINI can do about it.”
so you are telling me that if someone gets hit with this new MINI at 20 MPH and our current MINI at 20MPH they will be noticeably less hurt with this new design. please, what BULL$%&#!!! and in the meantime we all have to suffer with uglier cars.
If you look closely (or magnify the pic with photoshop, etc) you’ll notice there is still camoflage covering the entire front end. Look how poorly the hood (bonnet) and side sheetmetal fit relative to the gap lines on the rest of the car. These panels obscure some of the design details–particularly the area near the side turnsignal and around the front bumper. I think it is still too early to pass judgment on the new car’s appearance.
That said, I’m still excited to see the design and prototype evolution. The interior pics are nice– those older images that have been floating around the internet for a while were spot on!
I’l bet that the folks at BMW/MINI have a great time reading all this stuff. This site has to be the biggest and easiest site for them to get feedback from. I’ll bet it’s a lot of giggles for them.
I was hoping the new grill would look more like the original Mini’s sorta like the one shown on the concept wagon, I mean if they had to change it at all.
Oh yeah, is the test car sporting a new wheel design?
I also think the Euro MINI’ are allowed to have the yellow turn indicator as we aren’t.
I’m warming to it 🙂
Small changes make a big difference. To me that new front end is fugly! The whole front does look longer and less aggressive, and not a fan of those long stretched back lights – I really hope the camouflage is responsible for that. It also seems that the front wheel arches are higher than the rear, me no likey.
I’m not gonna buy this car just because it has great dynamics – if I wanted an ugly car that was fast, I would’ve gotten a WRX.
Of course, we’re still speculating on test mules and I will reserve final judgement for when I see it in the flesh. 🙂
You all are way too critical but understandably so. Everyone is excited to see the new kid on the block. This car is going to be awesome and I know it. I could go for an ’06 but I’m saving my dollars and hedging my bet on a Space Blue/ Silver ’07 or ’08 (I’m in no hurry because I love my ’03 MCS). I can’t wait until the product launch happens.
I can’t wait to sell my ’05 and get an ’07. The folks that are judging this thing as ugly are out of their minds.
Bill – I’m in the same boat with my ’05, bring on the turbo!
Ben Holliday is right on, its the nose job that looks odd. But is it just because of the way its turned?
Not a fan of the interior. Too long and elongated along the dash.
more importantly, what does nav look like?
I finally put my finger on what looks so strange about the nose in the photo. The wheel arches don’t blend in properly and wrap under the bumper like on the current car – and it NEEDS to. That’s most of what looks a little goofy about it. Sure, it’s a touch rounded out, but looks like these days it has to be – in order to soften the blow of running down unwitting pedestrians. I’m with you, MINI VANILLI, people were not meant to be hit by cars and buldging out the nose of the car isn’t going to change the physics of metal + bones = ouch. How about a cow catcher on the front? Body-cladding by Nerf? Either way, I do like the updated grill, though I do wish the headlights were a little more upright ala classic Mini.
But I will wager that the final, finished version will look so much better.
Interesting – I thought the wipers were going to be recessed under the bonnet for the new Euro passenger regs. Or is that section still pre-’07 on that mule?
I am enjoying my totally flawless ’05 MCS with 7,200 miles. When MINI works out the kinks of the new R56 MCS Turbo, then I’ll be interested. I have no desire to jump on the “First year issues” bandwagon.
Around 2009/2010, maybe then, I will be ready to switch to a Turbo.
I like it so far. And I especially like how the frontwheelarchs have a onepiece design, they never lined up on my ’03 MCS. The headlights are pretty much like the ones on the showcars that were shown recently (did somebody say Aston Martin?).
As for the wiper: I think just the wiperaxes has to be covered for pedestrianprotection.
Other than that, one have to see it in reality to make a final judgement.
Cheers…
I Drive! Long nose and no possibility of upgrading the radio. Rats……I Drive, won’t the Germans ever admit to making a mistake?
Whoever asked about the hood scoop. THe scoop is not on the current MCS for the Supercharger, it is there for the intercooler. An intercooler also can be used on a turbo car, or the scoop might function for the air intake or even help to cool the engine compartment down.
I have to admit I like the car so far. It does seem like they didn;t stray too far IMO. I like the new speedo as well.
100% mini heritage, that’s the good part. Yes time for the new clours, wheels, interior seats and electronics that will allow people to personnalize their own.
Mini Vanilli,
No, I’m not telling you that. Europe is telling you that. I don’t spew Bull$#!t.
No more one piece wrap around glass on rear side glass?
<blockquote>No more one piece wrap around glass on rear side glass?</blockquote>
Nope, as indicated in that <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/20/next_generation_mini_revealed" rel="nofollow">Next Gen MINI Revealed</a> story I did in March, that will be one of the cost measures MINI will make to allow the next generation car to be manufactured at less cost. For more info on the 2007 MINI I’d highly recommend checking that story out again.
Is it me or do the lights look like they are flatter to the car. They almost look like the show cars recently on circuit. If so, I am not a fan.. that is a step further away from the original Mini look. The lights should stay as upright as possible even if it is a difficult stamping process. The Mini/MINI is an upright kind of car period not a sleek sports coupe.
It’s amazing how much you guys can see when a car is COVERED IN BLACK PLASTIC!
Overall, looks basically the same, a slightly higher hood line, slightly different headlights and all of the usual new model changes to keep a great design fresh. iDrive is not going anywhere, and it will only be getting better. Plus, let’s look at who is rushing similar interfaces to market…. Overall the dash does look a step up from the current with a better overall effect than the concept.
BMW/MINI will not spoil a great design. I only wonder when exactly it will debut. Geneva in March is probably too early, but then they wouldn’t do Paris in September, so that leaves Frankfurt?
Please continue to inform!
Does the tach seem to have a flatter bottom instead of a full circle shape?
Gabe,
I thought they were doing away with the ‘clamshell’ bonnet and going to a more standard hood? All the photo’s I’ve seen so far seems to show the same clamshell design?
Hey Ken – actually based on info <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/20/next_generation_mini_revealed" rel="nofollow">I reported on last March</a> they are keeping the clam-shell hood. Here’s the info from the article I wrote awhile back:
“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 clamshell bonnet is one of my favorite design features of the current MINI. However, it is not a traditional design cue of the car. The classic Mini has a conventional bonnet and headlights integrated to the front fenders.
Glad they are keeping it, but I am not so hot on the recessed wipers on the next MINI.
With regard to the Euro pedestrian laws, they actually do make sense, but at the expense of aesthetics.
The bonnet needs to be raised (or the engine lowered, which obviously isn’t going to happen) to create a crush zone between the bonnet and the engine–this is where most injuries occur. There is a method to the madness, and it probably would make a significant difference in the severity of injury (I’m sure it’s been studied), as you’d hit the crush zone, rather than the engine directly underneath. It’s not BS, but it’s going to be challenging to car makers to work around it.
Why don’t they spend some money on educating pedestrians, instead of [attempting to legislate around the problem](<a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/content/1134518603816215521/index.php" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/content/1134518603816215521/index.php</a>)? No amount of engineering exercises will remove the fact that someone caroming off the hood of a 3,000 lb car is going to lose in the altercation. You can’t change the laws of physics, people! Does that mean I think manufacturers should replace bumpers with knee-level spikes? No, of course not, but I think a little personal accountability is in order, here.
Blalor I agree.
Should we get rid of air bags too? You can’t change the laws of physics, but you can make things safer…Adding crumple zones has made cars significantly safer. It also caused body style changes, but they were well worth it. With regard to the new Euro laws: If a twelve year old kid ran in front of my car–my car that didn’t look quite as nice because of the law–but was saved by hitting the more forgiving crumple zone rather than the underlying engine, yeah, to me it would be worth it…
Forgot to add–it’s ironic to me that so many people tout Mini as safe for the driver, then react so negatively when it’s changed to protect people outside the car…The changes really aren’t THAT big of a deal in the over all scheme of things.
cct1….then according to your approach we should have exterior air bags or a sponge rubber exterior surface, a loud siren and continuously flashing lites on the car so some imbecile can cross a street?! Hum, sounds like a good solution. Let’s legislate for the idiots. Maybe the 12 YO shouldn’t be running in front of your car or maybe the parents should teach their kids some responsibility? Most of these laws, like the law that puts a warning on water buckets, the label should be put on the forehead of irresponsible parents, want the majority of us responsible people to hold their hands! Heck maybe we should just all walk.
Sorry if this offends you but it offends me that people who don’t take responsiblity for their actions cost me money.
Don’t get me wrong there are people in this world who need special help, Handicapped parking, ramps, doors, crosswalks……ADA….Braile signs and so on………
Remember you can’t legislate intelligence.
Have you had someone in your family hit by a car? I have. It had nothing to do with “taking responsibility” or “intelligence”. Your line of reasoning is way off base, and this isn’t the forum for this discussion. Suffice it to say that a relatively minor change–3 inch elevation to the hood–is not a big deal. It’s worth a life to me. Sorry if it is inconvienent to you…
The crumple zones and especially air bags were resisted quite vociferously by a substantial number of people at first by many because of the added expense. Not too many complaining about it now. Doubt the Euro laws will be an issue in 20 years either.
I’m all for taking responsibility, and I’m about as die hard a conservative as you’ll find, but that’s really not the issue here.
This debate is over for me as I said what I wanted……”You can’t legislate Intelligence!”
Yes, you’ve made that abundantly clear.
hey wait a sec…what happened to our funky little side vents where our turn signals are? Is it just covered in plastic – cause it looks like it’s gone……….. 🙁
Overall I like it, and I suppose they’ve done a fine job… but I must say I don’t really dig the dash as much as the current car. I think it’s the Speedo treatment mainly that bothers me, it sticks out too far IMO, and still reminds me of a front loading washer… and I think integrating the stereo is just a really really bad idea, sorry.
But hey, I’d take it over a Camry every time! =)