With the debut of the 2007 MINI just months away, BMW engineers are busy putting the finishing touches on the final production version of the car. And that means more photos and less camouflage. This latest series of photos comes courtesy of AGSL and were taken on a French highway just days ago. (You can click on each photo for a larger look)
While there’s nothing ground breaking seen here that hasn’t been discussed previously on MotoringFile, here are a few observations based on the above photos:
Of course you can read much more in our full report on the 2007 MINI originally published almost exactly a year ago (and updated last month):
[ The Next Generation MINI Revealed (updated) ] MotoringFile
Not looking quite as scary as I 1st thought. Seems pretty nice….I do hope they keep the silver gas cap though.
Still a very MINI looking family lineage.
I can’t really tell, but from the second picture, it looks like the rear hatch will look more like Subaru’s Outback Sport’s hatch, and the exhaust pipes are larger than the ones currently offered.
You know, I kind of like the new front, but we’ll see when the final model shows up without the tape around the headlights.
I think the new car is looking good and my local dealer has been taking a stack load of orders for it already. Mini have done a good job of improving the current car which is excellent. I also like the fact that they have not messed about with the looks too much – NICE!
The driver does not appear to be smiling…what’s up with that? 🙂
I’ve always liked the outside, but it’s the interior that concerns me about the R56s.
It also looks like the sunroof is slightly larger, or just moved a little, more of a 50/50. It stops closer to the antenna and the split is in line with the side windows vs. just behind the rear edge on the current model.
I’m diggin’ it so far… a nice evolution.
“The driver does not appear to be smiling…what’s up with that?”
Probably German. :>)
very nice indeed. but no regrets on my 06 Mini with JCW… puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it.
What’s that little silver thing on the passenger side roof? One of those deer repellant supersonic sirens? 🙂
That gas cover looks “plain” and I wonder if the new C pillar inhibits visibility.
When are we predicting the auto show debut? Seems like Paris is the next big show in September, right when you’ve reported the UK MINIs’ availability to kick in.
It is really nice to see the black tape coming off.
This is going to be a fun six month build up!
Black on Black…hmmm
What if Gabe just taped up his car and took a picture from one of Chicago’s freeways? A little adobe and there’s the “new” mini spy shot…
I don’t want to be a party pooper, but I’m just curious where these photos come from. Was this MINI out doing laps on the French highway and somebody happened to noticed the back and forth or what? I seriously doubt some random French MINI enthusiast happened to be chillin’ on an overpass with his Nikon. Or do these photos just come straight from MINI under the guise of being “spy shots?”
I’m cool with it, just curious.
It seems to me like a we’re getting taunted with this body-cladding strip-tease purely to generate a little buzz before the big debut in Paris. Again, I’m cool with it, just curious. I’ll be excited to see one in person, especially the Cooper S.
I don’t like the changes much so far
Loss of clamshell bonnet (i.e. headlights fixed) – cheapened.
Use of a “middle support bar” for the spoiler – looks cheap (as if the spoiler can’t support itself well)
* Moving the brake light out of the spoiler and area ind inside the rear window – cheap…
I don’t like to be a skeptic, but so far I still don’t like it… 🙁
Maybe after I see it for myself…
I’m sorry to hear they’re moving the third brakelight inside behind the back glass… I always thought of that as more of a cheapo detail found on American cars.
Since we’re all MINI-crazy, it’s easy for us to pick out the small details. Based on these pictures, I’m sure the average person on the street would have trouble telling an ’06 from an ’07.
I am surprised they didn’t more the 3rd brake light to be part of the strip that goes around the whole car, just below the windows. Where it is on the current cabrio. Then they would save money by only having to make one 3rd brake light for both cars.
Overall I think it looks good. Can’t wait to see one in person!
>Loss of clamshell bonnet (i.e. headlights fixed) – cheapened.
Actually the “clamshell hood” is still there, it just won’t house the lights.
>Use of a “middle support bar†for the spoiler – looks cheap (as if the spoiler can’t support itself well)
No idea how this could be construed as cheap.
>Moving the brake light out of the spoiler and area ind inside the rear window – cheap…
Again, how this looks cheap is beyond me. This change allows MINI to be much more varied in their approach to the rear spoiler design over the 7+ years of this products life-cycle. Personally I think an exposed third brake light looks much more like an after-thought than something behind glass.
I misused the word “clamshell” then… just the fact that the MINI is losing the unique headlight-in-hood feature is a negative change, IMO. It was one of those little things that makes the MINI special.
My opinion on the middle support bar for the spoiler probably stems from all of the piece-of-crap aftermarket spoilers I have seen that do exactly that. It’s likely more psychological than anything else, but I’m sure I’m not the only one!
As for the brake light, again I’m not the only one – look at Bartmack’s post. 🙂
Naturally, seeing the final product side-by-side with the current MINI will be the true test of opinions. I’m just expressing my early reaction, clearly it’s subject to change!
Wow… two seperate people, one after another both think that moving the brake light to inside the rear glass looks cheap? I mean, what are the odds? 🙂
I’m with Gabe, I think it will look far more integrated from built inside the rear window than a screw on/ snap on backlit piece of red plastic.
I think the beltline moulding looks strange wrapping so far in front of the windshield, it will look even stranger in chrome. The rest looks pretty good though!
Is the sunroof bigger? It seems that he rear portion goes back farther.
Any guesses as to what the round dealy-thing on the passenger side roof is? Camera?
Kennedy….It isn’t 4/1 yet!
I love it! Conspiracy theories, assumptions, congecture, sacrasim, lotsa these… :>) ;-() 🙁 ÷)…..Gotta Luv it!
For me I think the new solution with rearcenter brake light is no good. Why? Simple. We will have less upward visiblity area. Also, if red plastic is aesthetic not pleasing, why not have in white lens with red LED instead? Very much cleaner with white roof. So for me, original design is better still. Plus, is anyway inset now, not tack on. Middle support for spoiler I no like either, is like old technology for bridges, more modern is float suspension bridge look, much cleaner and shows superior use of good plastic which does not sag. Maybe they use downgraded (cheaper) material? Headlamps in bonnet no more? Is unique, new will be just normal 🙁 More big rear? I like big rear but not on small car. I no buy my MINI for big boot, I buy for quicky snappy driving, not for hauling big booty wife and mother in law plus all luggage in bigger rear. This is wrong for MINI I think. For me, better would be to make MINI even smaller and tighter, more go-kart like, more extreme giant killer, more cool features, more unique. MINI now is becoming mainstream car, something for everybody to be happy. I no happy. 🙁
Maybe the center support is more of an aerodynamic thing that directs the air flow better?
I’m wondering if the rear side glass will open at the rear like the Classic Mini – less buffeting at speed with the windows down. Prolly not, but it would be nice. I’m holding any criticism until the real deal appears, as it would be meaningless at this point, but I’m not sharpening any knives, either – looks promising, IMHO.
Hey Giacomo, That name’s been taken. Find a new one. I did, there was already a Josh so I took a different name. No se queja, no quiero escucharlo.
Yeah, I agree with Edge, I miss the integrated headlights. Not historically Mini, but it is MINI.
I have always thought that if a center spoiler isn’t able to support it’s own weight then is it able to pass along any down force that it creates in the first place?
The gas cap doesn’t look like the current model either. Hopefully it will. If not maybe something like an Eclipse? The aircraft fuel cap design is neat. That would be cool.
I liked the high mount stop how it was. But I do agree with Gabe that it would free up design for the rear spoiler.
Yo CAPN…. I was Giacomo… this has already been hashed out. Give the guy a break.
I thought we covered the fact that the S’s gas cap cover would be more like the current S model. This looks like more spy camo to me.
Can anyone tell me what the two taped over things are on either side of the rear “difffuser”? Back-up lamps or 2 rear fogs instead of one?
<blockquote>I can’t really tell, but from the second picture, it looks like the rear hatch will look more like Subaru’s Outback Sport’s hatch..</blockquote>
I thought the same, comparing the ass-end with a Subaru. Not that it’s bad, just… Different. I still like the current shape better, but there’s nothing especially ghastly with the re-design. It’s an evolution. Less “cute” I suppose.
Wish could get the new engine and lower weight figures put into the current shape. Ah well! =]
I am surprised that no opinions have taken exception to the new rear window design sans curved glass. I think the current design is far more elegant and aesthetically pleasing. I also prefer the more pronounced fender contours of the current design and wiper location. With the exception of the improved powerplant and associated mechanicals as well as the interior upgrades, I would opt for the existing design.
<blockquote>I am surprised that no opinions have taken exception to the new rear window design sans curved glass.</blockquote>
I’m holding off judgement until I find out whether or not the side quarter glass opens! 😉
Besides, I really don’t think they’d leave the c-pillar with a plain, painted finish. This just seems to be another cost cutting measure. Forming an optically clear piece of glass that has such an exteme bend in it is pretty expensive. Adding a seam allows them to mold a conventional, flatter window, then add a seperate, curved piece of glass where optical quality isn’t as important. My $.02
<blockquote>Wow… two seperate people, one after another both think that moving the brake light to inside the rear glass looks cheap? I mean, what are the odds? :)</blockquote>Kennedy… I don’t know how long you’ve been around here, but I am NOT the kind of person to fake post. Ever. Your insinuation is ridiculous. The fact that Bartmack posted right after me on the same point is pure coincidence. And LTZMTOR, you aren’t helping any by feeding the theory deliberately (i.e. doing it yourself).
I love MotoringFile… but sometimes I just wish Gabe would create a -real- login system, as well as the ability to make post edits (to fix spelling errors, etc.)
Of course, there’s always NAM for that… but I think that MF could really use it too. 🙂
Is it me or does it look like there are two additional fog/headlight that are blacked out next the headlights???
Could this confirm the 4-eyed rumor from last year?????????
<blockquote>I don’t want to be a party pooper, but I’m just curious where these photos come from. Was this MINI out doing laps on the French highway and somebody happened to noticed the back and forth or what?</blockquote>
There are known “hotspots” for spy photographers, I can only assume the maker of these shots had reason to believe he had to be in this spot to get some new shots (there’s actually people making a living of creating these spyshots and selling them to car magazines). Of course, it’d be very naive to think this is a pure and total gotcha, and that this brilliant spy caught BMW with their pants down. Idiots, you were too lazy to put on all cladding this morning and now look what happened! 😉
The photographer probably was tipped off, either without it being a part of BMW marketing strategy, but just as possible <em>with</em> it being part of the strategy. Either way, it’s no coincidence that the amount of cladding seems to get less with time. It’s a game, and the manufacturers participate in it.
i like it 🙂
I thought the next big motor show was the Brisitsh Motor Show in London in July.
I thought it was more likely the Mini was launched here rather than anywhere else in Europe due to the Mini heritage and it being built in the UK.
Does anyone have any different information as I am intending to go to see the R56 and maybe order one.
surely the rear glass change means the windows will now open – like they do on most hatchbacks, giving rear passengers much needed vetilation, and stopping the god damn awful wind noise from the sunroof above 25mph…????
Hopefully they will be electrically operated from the front too…
>I thought the next big motor show was the Brisitsh Motor Show in London in July.
>I thought it was more likely the Mini was launched here rather than anywhere else in Europe due to the Mini heritage and it being built in the UK.
>Does anyone have any different information as I am intending to go to see the R56 and maybe order one.
The next MINI will most likely be launched at the Paris autoshow in September. However BMW will probably release pictures and technical info before then.
Hey Gabe, with all your sources, do you think you could dig up comments from Classic Mini owners when the new MINI first hit car magazines and then the streets back in 2001/2? It could be a fun read. Thanks. Continue the outstanding job you do.
Nick: ouch 🙂 But really no need, just read the comments from current Mini2 owners about the R56 😉
One thing about the exposed C pillars: I wonder if the A and C pillars will be body colored now, instead of black–that would be very cool, and with a different colored roof would be reminiscent of the classic mini. Lose one thing, gain another…
Say there Mr. Edge….I was just having some fun, you know FUN. There aren’t any Pentagon, National Security or Cuban Missile Crisis issues here. IT’S A SITE ABOUT A CAR….PERIOD! So let’s keep that in perspective.
In my opinion there is way too much spanking going on here. Unless someone is personally attacking another, which has happened to me, BUTT OUT.
:>()
Do we have any word on what the 07 color choices will be or when the new colors will be revealed? I am hoping that in 07 they will lose some of the dull colors (aka 3 shades of gray) 😉
>Do we have any word on what the 07 color choices will be or when the new colors will be revealed? I am hoping that in 07 they will lose some of the dull colors (aka 3 shades of gray) 😉
Here’s some info from a few months ago: <a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/11/seven-new-colors-for-07/" rel="nofollow">motoringfile.com/2006/01/11/seven-new-colors-for-07</a>
<blockquote>Kennedy… I don’t know how long you’ve been around here, but I am NOT the kind of person to fake post. Ever. Your insinuation is ridiculous. The fact that Bartmack posted right after me on the same point is pure coincidence. And LTZMTOR, you aren’t helping any by feeding the theory deliberately (i.e. doing it yourself).</blockquote>
Edge – Man take it easy… I was just kidding, notice the 🙂 just really did think it was funny… and I never actually said you fake posted, never even went through my mind that someone would actually go to that trouble.
Anyway, whatever, don’t want to become “that guy” on motoringfile, so my apologies. Didn’t ever think you would be insulted, nor, I’m sure did LTZMTOR… Let’s just say yesterday was monday…
Peace out…
Just saw LTZMTOR’s reply post too. Just like he said…
Didn’t someone say on WhiteRoofRadio that they needed to cover some more conspiracy theories? 🙂
Shark fins are lame… Gonna have to pick up a convertible just to avoid the shark fin.
What was it– the early 80s when the third brakelight became law in the USA-? Immediately all the manufacturers stuck a rectangular red light inside the back window to meet the law while a few years later cars began to appear that had the third brakelight integrated into the design somehow… so to my eyes, third light behind glass = cheesy afterthought, integrated third light = thought-out design.
I’ve always thought that, didn’t just make up my mind on it now!… but glad to see somebody else agrees with me.
Now, being able to play searchlight with the bonnet up and the headlights on —- priceless 🙂
<blockquote>Now, being able to play searchlight with the bonnet up and the headlights on —- priceless :-)</blockquote>
Getting your headlights stolen in Boston…expensive. This happened to someone I know.
Anything that MINI can do to make the headlights more secure…like bolting them to the body under a locked hood is a step in the right direction. Valuable note for those of us living in urban areas.
<blockquote>Here’s some info from a few months ago: motoringfile.com/2006/01/11/seven-new-colors-for-07</blockquote>
Thanks. I had seen that article was hoping for some new scoop lol. I will keep watching for news : )
<blockquote>third light behind glass = cheesy afterthought, integrated third light = thought-out design</blockquote>
Sorry, but that just sounds a little too much like a generalization to me there 🙂 Integrated in the bodywork it can seem like an afterthought (hey, it’s causing problems with spoiler designs, should have thought of that before putting it there in the first place), just like “behind the glass” could look beautifully integrated and nothing like those square blobs that are stuck to the inside of the glass. Just hold your judgement until you see it.
I agree with you Shamus. The decision to use flat glass v. curved translates primarily into cost-cutting. Could it also be that chassis ridgity by may be improved by incorporating the thick/ugly c-pillar? Moreover, the possibility of providing a pop-out window v. the current fixed/curved design may be a comfort driven decision v. a purely aesthetic one?
It seems that the most compelling reasons to consider purchasing the ’07 are:
(a) the turbo engine; and
(b) the improved interior design and materials.
Aside from these considerations I am inclined to favor the current iteration.
that’s funny, those two are the main sticking points for me, and why i’m happy keeping my 2005 mcs. i’d rather have a supercharger than a turbo, but i’m guessing the new engine should be an improvement overall? the interior is definitely a major step down.
the new interior looks and feels cheap. and imagine all the new rattles… ick! oh the interior is a sad, sad story indeed.
I personally think the new engine will be less tuneable, therefore, ultimatly dissapointing.
z4mini, someone stole MINI headlights in boston? i thought this only happened to hondas and nissans… why would someone take mini headlights, its not like they’re gonna be able to tart up their acuras with them?
>I personally think the new engine will be less tuneable, therefore, ultimatly dissapointing.
Not according to every single tuner I’vee talked to.
Is crazy idea that to put new headlamps fixed to engine bay is good solution. So nobody take them away from you??? Maybe they should hide the beautiful doorhandles too then! Or hide beautiful Cooper S fuel cap. Or hide exhaust pipes! My gosh, this are all beautiful design solutiones to show, and to keep MINI as UNIQUE! Why they don’t think how to make new MINI become even MORE unique again? Instead now all new solutiones are taking away strong personality and favoring normal design solutiones because is more simple for them AND cheaper! Is so obvious! I hate! And I still think to put rear brakelight in glass is crazy because as I say before, even with my MINI today I feel I have letterbox size opening for a rear window. Oye Josh Capn…paz amigo! Que bicho te ha picado? Turbo ok for me if no turbo lag but of course it will have a some. If they serious about progress, why not biturbo or combination supercharger/turbo in top model? I see clearly they are changing everything in new car for bigger profit. This is normal for company to do but true client suffer. And to say that average person of the street can not see difference between ’06 and ’07 is, in my opinion, not valid because it IS visible for us, the real MINI aficionados. Sigh…
Hey, is that Tony Soprano driving the 2007 MCS?
Some of things I’m really concerned with are:
1. Reliability: MINI needs to do a lot better – I think things like simplifying the dashboard is a step in the right direction
2. Ride Comfort: the 2006 MCS I drove was pretty harsh for an everyday driver – and that had the 16″ stock wheels (I live in NYC with some pretty bad roads)
3. Transmission – now that the VW GTI has DSG, how is MINI going to respond and compete
4. Engine – I think with the new turbo and variable valve timing we’re getting something pretty special although increasing the hp more would be a good idea – let’s say 180hp
Let’s hope MINI comes through on all fronts since the GTI is some pretty good competition.
<blockquote>Is crazy idea that to put new headlamps fixed to engine bay is good solution. So nobody take them away from you???</blockquote>
Some of the reasons I have come up with for the relocation of the headlights off the hood:
1) It removes the (sensitive) lights from the jarring they take when the hood is slammed shut.
2) Removes the need to make an electrical connection when the hood is integrated.
3) simplifies hood design since it doesn’t need to have attach points for the lights.
Number 1 seems to me to be the major reason. It doesn’t simplify the assembly much if any (although it may help with the build flow), but it would seem to cut down on some warranty replacement costs later on (slamming the hood shut can’t be a good thing for those little auto leveling motors for instance)
Just some thoughts.
Yes Dave, but I think this is reason why the bonnet (hood?) already have hydraulic struts tuned for avoid slamming jarr. No body here seem concern about big gap that will be needed between headlamp lens and bonnet headlamp opening hole to make clearance for closeing slam clearance. This will be big gap with/without big black seal. No pretty! Again, this will become a basic common engineering solution to replace current beautifuly clean integrated solution.
I don’t mind the new design at all, but I am really pleased with my decision to go ahead and order the MCS 07 I am driving now. Major reason is that I won’t have to wait to drive the MINI. I also love think that back end of the current MINI and the wrap around glass look great as is.
<blockquote>Yes Dave, but I think this is reason why the bonnet (hood?) already have hydraulic struts tuned for avoid slamming jarr. No body here seem concern about big gap that will be needed between headlamp lens and bonnet headlamp opening hole to make clearance for closeing slam clearance. This will be big gap with/without big black seal. No pretty! Again, this will become a basic common engineering solution to replace current beautifuly clean integrated solution.</blockquote><blockquote>
This is incorrect. If you look at the spy photos Gabe has posted earlier you can see that the new headlights are positioned in holes made through the stamping of the hood. So the hood completely surrounds the headlights. This is a nice design feature and probably not cheap. Either you are going to have a very complex metal press to make this as one stamping or you are going to have to weld it from pieces. Either way, it’s quality.</blockquote>
No Z4MINI. Excuse me. The bonnet will be actually easier to stamp and more cheaply furthermore. First, it already has a hole that completely surround the headlights today and is flanged, current style headlamp is beautifuly flush to bonnet all around. Second, there is production condition factor, “overslamm”, which is distance needed for compensation of bonnet closing PAST the settling (nominale) position and then returning back to correct position (about 6mm. more travel distance)and this is needed so that bonnet does not touch lamp lens in worst case closing scenario. So gap IS requiered between lens and hood in this new design case. Either they leave this gap open and visible or they fill with rubber seal. What will rubber seal look like after exposure to sun, rain, soil after 3 years? This is quality design? Hmmm! As to new one to be complex metal stamping…why? The new one will have less pressing depth of material – look at less bonnet material over front wheel arch and much less curvy shape of top of the bonnet. I think though BMW will do best possible process for this and I hope.
Are trite comments and obnoxious hairsplitting contractually obligatory with the purchase of every MCS? I have to say that so much bickering back and forth about the nominale panel gap between the as-yet-unseen new hood and headlamp assembly is almost obtuse enough to make me reconsider signing up as a mini owner altogether.
PLease help! I want to buy a Cooper Cabrio – but should I wait till 2007 for the new shape? My dealer claims that the Cabrio shape will not change yet. Is this true???
Rita – this story will help: <a href=http://motoringfile.com/index.php?s=Production+Timeline" rel="nofollow">2006-2007 MINI Production Timeline</a>