Instead of sprinkling all 20+ photos of the new R56 prototypes throughout the official MINI press release, we thought readers might enjoy seeing them completely on their own in a separate post. Just click on each photo to increase the size. To move to the next image, simply click the next button or use the “N” key on your keyboard. To go back hit the previous button or click the “P” key.
Now let’s hear some initial thoughts. Likes, dislikes, questions, concerns?
MINI will release final, un-camouflaged photos (including interior shots) in mid-August.
Sitting here having lunch…that bonnet/nose looks rather prominent in these pictures….
For the more knowledgeable, engineering types…how different is the R56 rear suspension pictured versus the current suspension setup?
Guys, a short break. I extracted this comment from Leftlane News:
<blockquote>Why is Mini still around? You can get a far superior Cobalt LS or Pontiac G6 for the same price and have a much better looking car than this POS Rollerskate
Comment by GM number1-4ever, posted on July27 at 10:26 am</blockquote>
And this person reads automotive news everyday.:lol:
i think we’ll be hearing this a lot: i really like that mellow yellow.
can’t wait to see this thing naked.
Well I was really hoping that once I saw “uncamo’d” photos I would warm up to it, but I just hate it.
Seriously what the hell is up with that grille? It was a LARGE part of MINIs signature look to have the slotted grille and a throwback to the classic.
I guess you can’t improve on perfection.
Guess I will drive my 05 into the ground. Im pissed because I really don’t know what other car I would get. I really wanted another MINI but I just am not feeling this one at all.
I have to say that I have been a neysayer over the months looking at the taped up mules but these images look really good. I love the yellow. Most of the changes do seem to be very tasteful. I think the wrap around glass will be missed and the only part I think is really off is the huge black grill insert in the rear bumper. It is too large and doesn’t seem to relate to too much of the rest of the car. The front looks great.
I’m glad to see that it is still going to be a good looking car although not quite as good as the first generation. Now I’m interetsed in seeing it in person.
Good shots and the car is looking great as we knew it would (although I still think it looks more feminine).
Roll on the interior shots!
The nose looks fat and bulbous to me but then I tend to think that about all MINIs without stripes, so I need to see stripes before I can really make up my mind.
Gabe, are these pictures just of the R56S, or are there shots of the base R56 in there as well? With regards to the slatted grille, I seem to remember from one of the earlier proto-type articles that the base R56 still came with the slatted grille standard; the mesh grill is an option on the S model – is that correct?
There’s still something just a little bit off about the front end for me, but I can’t put my finger on it.
<blockquote>Gabe, are these pictures just of the R56S, or are there shots of the base R56 in there as well?</blockquote>
The R56 MC is not pictured in the photos, only the R56 MCS.
I agree that the bonnet is not very appealing compared to the current model, but the length of the nose in alot of the photos seems to relate to the use of a fisheye lens by the photographer, rather than a real increase in length.
overall i like what i see. i just hope i can get past the fake hood scoop. i never did get over the fake grills (aka stickers) on the aero kit.
…I’m loving this car,so far. I can’t wait to see the MINI Cooper photos. Again,good job Gabe,damn’ good job,indeed…
the ram air slot for she super charger is kinda obsolete for the new MCS…. i am assuming it is not used for a forced air induction for the Turbos INTERCOOLER?
i don’t think the hood scoop is fake. It looks like the air is just routed over and behind the engine to the intercooler. there could also be more when the real engine cover is in place.
One thing that caught my eye from looking at the preview pictures, and reading Paul’s review on the MINI2 website, is how small the 17’s look in proportion to the 2007 Cooper S – they look just like 16’s in contrast.
If 16’s are still going to be the standard size, they are going to look positively tiny on this car!
I like the look of the new 17’s – basically updated version of the current S-spokes – more finished look, while still maintaining that classic MINI heritage.
I was always part of the “let’s not jump to conclusions.. wait and see what it looks like before you decide to hate it” camp, but now I can definitely say,
I HATE it. It’s absolutely horrid.
I ordered a 2006 to get my color before it was canceled and I was a bit worried that I would regret it with the new ones coming so soon. No regrets. The new colors I can run with, but the rest is a disaster. ugh.
I’m sorry but I when I look at the new MCS I just can’t help but get visions of Jimmy Durante out of my head. That nose, it’s….huge….bulbous…
I’m not sure, but is that tape along the top-front of the hood? I just don’t see why they would put a chrome piece only on the bottom. Maybe the chrome is taped up?
I’m liking what I see a lot, plus the performance boost over the current models is HUGE. Almost traded in my ’04 on an ’06, ’cause I wasn’t liking the early info on this release. Very, very glad I waited!
<strong>The hood scoop IS purely cosmetic…</strong>
“Now we’re back at the front of the car we suppose it’s time to mention the pointless hood scoop. Well, we say pointless, it is there to distinguish the S from the rest of the range “at a glance”. But that’s it. To say this was disappointing (if expected) would be an understatement. To say that MINI were shockingly honest in their presentation of this fact would be even more of an understatement. But the tactic worked, and they seemed to gain more respect for admitting it to be purely cosmetic than they lost for the fact itself.”
Some of these pics show the gap between the top of the front wheel arch and the bonnet even more than the previous ones!
UGH! It looks like Chevy build-quality.
The overall design changes don’t bother me too much, but it seems that they missed some of the details. Hopefully there is a bit of ‘polishing’ left to do.
It’s a nice enough car, but I’m happier (cosmetically) w/ my ’06.
The hood scoop is fake???????? Now I hate it again. I hate cars with fake hood scoops, that is what I love about the current car.
Damn
Hmmm…I think the R56 has a little too much ‘junk in the trunk.’
Overall I’d say MINI did a good job of changing the car enough to say it’s a new one without ruining where it came from.
That said I definitely prefer the current model. There’s something about the rear bumper/exhaust which doesn’t look right to me. Almost like they don’t mate together properly. Just me I am sure.
And the front has lots of things I don’t like. The grille, the headlights and other design cues that just make me shift in my seat.
I think saying MINI ruined things is a bit harsh. I think its more apt to say you prefer the old to the new. Then again some of you may really, truly hate this thing.
I like what I see of the exterior, the interior still concerns me greatly. The new center stack and speedo look very tacky. The optional ability to change the instrument panel lighting color sounds fantastic! I think the new engine and suspension tweaks will also be great but with all of the changes, I will definitely wait a year or two to see how everything shakes out. Although the interior space seems improved, as a daily driver, the downsizing of the cubby holes concerns me. Is the battery for the S in the front up by the firewall ala the 2002-2005 Passat?
Are you guys serious? You do realize that to the non-MINIfile, the difference between the generations will be almost imperceptible?
Granted I like my ’06 better, but to say this is a hideously disgusting car as compared to the current generation is absurd. Now lets wait for the disaster of a interior to pass final judgement. 🙂
As with all things, I’m going to have to see these in person. Often, pictures do not do justice. While a fake hoodscoop is a little offputting, I don’t think it would make me hate the car.
“You are strange and off-putting. Go now.”
Nice pics and comments. I too don’t care for the larger gaps above the front wheel well trim. I am dying to see some pics of an almost-production interior!!!!!! I don’t think many will complain of the engine, suspension, or the exterior once this car hits the market … but the early photos of the radically changed interior, may put some prospective buyers off (me included). Come on Gabe … interior shots now! 🙂
Although I have already got my order in for the R56 I can say its going to take a while to get used too. I am sure the non-functional hoodscoop will have pleanty of after market companies fixing this obvious oversight that mini has shown. The exterior is fine although the width of the plastic over the wheel will take some time to get used to, don’t think the designers choose to well when designing it. So far most my worries are reguarding the interior, I like most of what I see with the definete exception of the AC controls. I think the new speedo will work out fine once I get used to it.
All in all I have no doubts about purchasing the R56 as I do have trust that mini will polish the R56 before it goes on sale. I also know that I will add atleast as many aftermarket modification as I did with my last two mini’s.
I hate to be a hater, but there’s something about the front that I dont like. The extra overhang with the more upright hood maybe….
I think, with these pics, I prefer the current exterior design. That said, I think the interior will be very nice when we get to see it completely.
I too, never thought the increased length of two inches would amount to much, but I also agree the front is more stretched out than this current model.
We’ll truly never know until we see it in person.
Fake hood scoop?! Maybe to cool the backward mounted engine?
The front end manages to look even fishier than the current aero-kit grilles. I think it will look better if there is a version with grille bars instead.
Bottom line, I think the new Mini is going to be a marked improvement over the current car, and everyone will forget any quibbles they had with the styling once they drive it. Less weight, more power, improved handling (I assume)…who cares what it looks like?
If I didn’t care what a car looked like, I’d buy a Subaru.
What about aftermarket stereos? Is that even possible with the new center stack?
The fact that the hood scoop is purely cosmetic is LAME. It would be better off with the simple Cooper bonnet rather than being boy racer. When American carmakers do fake bits on their cars, I always call it “American cheese”…so I guess the R56 will have some “German cheese” on its face.
honestly, as cosmetic as the hood scoop may be, it does have a purpose. the under hood compartment of any turbo car gets EXTREMELY hot especially without more air intake. hopefully this scoop will help with some air flow. and You never know, this press release might just be mini’s way of tricking people into thinking its the actual top model S. it could actually be one of the other engines that mini was going to relese in time.
What??? No fake rear brake ducts? Bah.
Hate the pizza-platter center speedo. And the MINI-logo controls. This redesign perfectly compliments my goal of driving my ’05 S cabrio for 20+ years. Thanks MINI! Now I can spend my money on other stuff! 🙂
“who cares what it looks like?”
I do.
y’know what? the exterior is pretty cool if you ask me. it’s grown on me.
just a little positive vibe – for a change ; )
i don’t really like it. the front is sad looking. the first gen mini’s look happy and eager to go, this one looks like he’s sad or moody and to me looks kinda just like a car instead of a MINI. The back end is funny too, looks really chunky and short. i’m disappointed in it.
ChrisW, give it 1 or 2 years and you’ll see MINI re-designing the polarizing interior…
Looks good to me.
How can anyone in their right mind call the new design a “disaster” when most people on the street won’t even see the visual differences between the new and out-going model.
Thanks Johnsocal, so true….
Some of you folks are really cracking me up…
You are sounding like the hard core Classic Mini owners back in 2001-2002 when the R50/53 was released….”It is ugly!”, “it is too big!”, “It is not a real Mini!”, “It is a BINI!”, “It is not made by BMC!”, “Issigonis would have never approved of it!”, etc, etc, etc.
It seems to me that each generation of the Mini/MINI comes attached with its own group of cry-babies!
People, stop being so resistant to change!
Thank MINI, for keeping this car fresh and interesting! Look at VW with the New Beetle…. That car hasn’t changed in 7 years and look where it is….stale, abandoned in dealer lots and a sales disaster.
In the samll car segment if your product doesn’t change or evolutionates, people start lose interest and look elsewhere! Plain and simple!
Do you really want MINI to fail, so you feel better about your MK1 MINI resale values>???????
Please!!
I hope the R56 continues to follow on the success steps built by the classic Mini and the MK1 BMW MINI.
If the R56 fails, MINI fails and we will be left without MINIs and a manufacturer to put thm together.
Geez!!!
Keep in mind that the pics provided are of slightly masked examples. I reserve myself to conclusions until I see it in person without the disguise. I recall when pictures of the new Porsche 997 were released and all I could think was the nose looked bulbous. Now that it’s on the road, it’s as beautiful as the old 993…if not more so.
I see it coming soon to your nearest MINI club…..
Classic Mini owners excluding MK1 BMW MINIs from their events….
MK1 BMW MINI owners excluding R56 MK2 PSA/BMW MINI Owners from their events…
See the pattern…?
Yeah what he said above me! These people keep raving about the grille but they have totally forgotten what MINI is about. The key work here is “You-ification.” I bet for the people that dislike the grille that much the Cooper Grille will be able to be retrofitted to the Cooper S much the same way the people witht he current MINI add either a Chrome Grille or the Honeycomb grill from the Aero Kit. Cry babies is right. I think the car looks wonderful and I can’t wait to get my forst crack at one in January! Motor on!!!
I can’t wait to see the new “hate” stickers issued by the MK1 MINI community:
“100% free of FRENCH parts”
And the backlash from the R56 MK2 community will be:
“100% free of MOPAR parts! I love kraut and French wine much better!”
frank! my man! take it easy ; ) nobody wants miini to fail…nobody wants ANYONE to fail! i think change is good – and for the most part i am jazzed about the new mini. however, you can’t seriously look at those interior dash bits and tell me that’s a step up…can you? unless mini does something really different to make it look better, then i think they have missed the mark there – by a long shot! i have sat in the car and seen this stuff with my own eyes – and it looks the way it looks – trust me.
anyhoo – to each his own!
Drew, I don’t disagree with you about the dashboard design. I think it is a little over the top and seems to try too hard to create a style that doesn’t quite go well with the rest of the car.
And yes, Frank Stephenson must be busy puking as we speak, head buried deep down at a toilet near him in Ferrari headquarters….
But my point is…whether we like it or not, the car must evolve for the brand to survive. The small car segment is extremely competitive and has the lowest loyalty rating among all other auto segments (I am sure MINI has completely changed this trend in the last 4 years).
I lament that the original and brilliant design mastermind behind the MK1 MINI is not longer involved with the car, but life goes on and MINI needs to be able to quickly recognize and correct and design mishaps based on public feedback.
The R56 is a tremendous challenge for MINI in many respects. First, it has big shoes to fill after the R50/53 hardtop production ceases at the end of this year. Second the car has to continue and excel in all key areas that make a MINI a MINI and third…. The car has to exhibit top notch quality, design, safety and reliability that surpasses the benchmarks set by the outgoing car.
MINI doesn’t have Stephenson anymore so now they are on their own and BMW knows that any mistep, no matter how small it might be, can send the MINI brand sparilling down and effectively destroying all the good work and successes of the past 4 years.
I pray that the production models have a better interior, at least the plastics are of better calibre and that the car at large is another home run hit. If it isn’t BMW will have a very expensive hot potato burning down their own hands.
The slotted grill will be on the cooper though. And the back doesn’t look that bad in the technical drawings (un cammoed). I like it alot.
<a href="http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=704369" rel="nofollow ugc">http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=704369</a>
Check out MSN UK for some different shots of the interior. One site announced that there would be new leather options including orange with black piping.
Wow, how can something look so similar yet so different? It’s a mini, but incredibly uglified! The car seriously needs rhinoplasty, it looks like it had the front of a New Beetle grafted on by a mad scientist. Ouch, my poor eyes.
I have a quick question about the model numbers. At one point, I thought the R56 was going to be the 07 MC and the R55 was going to be the 07 MCS. Now it looks like both MC and MCS are R56 and the long wheel base is now the R55.
What are the true model numbers?
Mini should sell body-color tape…
The negative vibe here is taking away my horny. Although we’re slowly getting to know the car, its still a little to early to pass judgement, in my opinion. We’ve grown so accustomed to the winning good looks of the R50 and R53 that I think any visible change is inherently undesirable. Nevertheless, everyone should try to keep an open mind until we get some legitimate seat time. 🙂
If I had to choose between an R53 and an R56 sitting side-by side, both the same color, and with similar equipment, I think I’d prefer the R56 based on exterior appearance. It looks a little more “butch”, more muscular with its upright grille. I really like that, but could do without the overhang.
I’m not fond of the grille in the rear bumper – its not understated enough. Nor do I like the “fish eyed” front clip, and the center dashboard column. Although they were obviously attempting to adhere to a “winged MINI emblem” design theme, it looks like it might be overdone and potentially <em>tacky</em>.
These small items aside, I still get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I look at the car. I’m excited to see one in person, and possibly own one if it passes muster. 🙂
NOT for Sale:
2005 MCSc
Wanted:
2007 Audi TT to breed with Cooper S to provide second gen offspring with top notch interior.
looking at the pictures of teh new gen MINI going its paces through the corners at high speed.. can’y help but to think that the R56 has a lot more body lean into the corners? theres a pic even showing the R56 lifting off its inner rear wheel.. is this the new suspension setup we are expecting?
The return of LY?
It looks blobby on the outside and even blobbier on the inside, following the German trend to make each new model uglier than the last.
Engine: absolutely excited about state of the art technology as opposed to low-tech stuff in current car.
Exterior: rather pleased about the good job they did of preserving the current car’s charm, if a little put off by the fake hood scoop on the S. (Maybe the JCW kit will include an intercooler to be mounted behind it? And/or the option list will have a zero-price option of fitting a Cooper bonnet to the S). I think it’s a shame they found it necesarry to hide the S-spoke wheelnuts behind a cover plate. It doesn’t look right to me.
Interior: absolutely despise the center part of the dash, with the stereo controls integrated in the speedo, no needle gauges for temp and fuel, but tacky led indicators, and horrendous fisher price climate control. Other than that center bit, my sentiments about the interior are simmilar to those about the exterior, just a shame there’s apparently even less storage space.
WRT to the gap between the wheel well and the hood, keep in mind these are pre-production cars. I think the gap is most noticeable on the Laser Blue car, might just be a bad example. WRT the mesh grill: I quite like it (at least I like it a lot better than the color-coded grill that comes as standard on the current S), but, like others, I’m sure it will be possible to replace it with something more classic looking.
Thanks, MINI, for making the decision to hold on to my 02 Cooper very easy.
couldn’t have said it better myself eelke!
Dude…
I have to say, as photos of the new car keep emerging, it’s growing on me. A lot.
Am I the only one who thinks the interior rocks?? I like and appreciate the new design elements, and I think the new materials and soon-to-be color combinations will be a refreshing, killer update.
I guess I’m just hardcore MINI. I’ve got a BRG Austin Mini (Right Drive) and a BRG (sort-of) ’05 Cooper Convertible, and, while I was considering buying a Hyper Blue ’06 MCS to finish it off, the light blue R56 MCS is looking very appealing to me. I love the old car, adore the current car, and really like the new car, especially after these new photos. Plus, the videos on MINI2 make it look pretty nimble, and the exhaust notes are very pleasant and MINI-esque.
The imposter bonnet scoop is my only turn off, and I’m sure the aftermarket guys will put it to good use, if the new JCW package doesn’t.
Cheers, MINI, for winning me over again.
OH DEAR GOD!!! What the hell is this? It’s a good thing they don’t offer indi blue anymore because it wouldn’t stick to a car/”mini” like this.
Paul Mullett at MINI2 has assembled a fascinating set of photos that compare the new and current models, shot at the same distance and angle: <a href="http://www.mini2.com/article386-1st-generation-2nd-generation-mini-exterior-design-comparison-photographs.html" rel="nofollow">CLICK HERE</a>
I am so glad i bought my 2006 MCS.The interior is awfull.
I am just glad that when I go to the dealer to pick up my car, its an 06 and is just there for service. So far I’m not a big fan of the new ones.
Sits awfully high due to the raised bonnet line. This one’s going to take some time to get used to…
I don’t know if anyone else mentioned it, but it’s nice to see a one-ball exhaust. This should make aftermarket exhaust options a bit less expensive.
Those side by side pictures posted on MINI2 by Paul Mullet really show the differences very clearly. I think even non-obsessed MINI people will see the changes at first glance. Did MINI have to pay Jimmy Durante’s estate for the use of his nose as a model for the new front end?
I have a sick feeling in my stomach. The last time I felt this way is when the BMW 320i came out and the 2002 went away.
Ugh, something else I just noticed that displeases me: although there is a big new well for the windshield wipers, the sprayers (AKA streamers/dribblers) are still on the bonnet? Aargh! I hate those stupid little sprayer nubs. Why can’t MINI incorporate a nice sprayer (like my Passat had) into the windshield base? Not only did the Passat have a nice, clean hood with no nubs, but the sprayers gave a nice, even misting.
<blockquote>I have a sick feeling in my stomach. The last time I felt this way is when the BMW 320i came out and the 2002 went away.</blockquote>
True, but now they’re both classics. The 2002 will always be my favorite, but I wouldn’t mind a nice E21 in my garage as well.
Aside from the controversial design issues discussed –I think MINI should strongly consider bringing the diesel version to NA. Given the current fuel fiasco that we are all confronted with on a daily basis what could be a better time than now to bring this baby to the USA.Moreover, with the DC SmartCar scheduled for intro. in ’07 by Penske et al, the MINI will be “out-mini-ized” by this 8 foot hyper-scooter. The initial version will be gas, but a diesel is planned to follow. The VW TDI PD has become a phenomenal “cult” car. I think the time is right for MINI to bring us the MINI One D. Many of us (enthusiast types) would welcome the challenge of turning frugality into performance. Bentley even has a LeMans diesel-powered race car which incorporates the engineering genius of the parent company VAG/AUDI. The One D would become a “practical” sensation for many enthusiasts like myself sans the complexity of hybrid technology.
Evolution — can you stop it? I like the R56 MCS, especially in that yellow or blue. But I am still quite smitten by my ’02 MCS in chili red & white accents, 17″ S-Lites… ahhh
One thing I noticed (especially in the MINI2 photo comparo) that I really would miss — where are the Mini badges on the bonnet & boot of the R56?
Couldn’t live without those …
I really stopped caring about car looks and that is why I traded my 05 MCS for an 06 STI. The things is that you get used to the performance and start wishing the looks were a little better.
I’m liking the new mini so much that i might just trade in my STI for the newer new mini
…for me, i’ll take a Dark Silver ’07MCS with a sunroof , black rims, and Cordoba beige interior…
…i will place it next to my BRG ’03MC…
…then my wife and i will cruise around aimlessly debating the merits of each gereration…
…as a solution, we will enjoy both…
I’m no “MINIfile”, just a car guy.
I can tell right away… not what is different, but that it is blatantly obvious overall that it is different: And the previous MINI looks way better.
I will keep my MCS 05 until I also run it into the ground. I am not sure I like the new styling. I had been considering buying another Mini and have come to the conclusion that I am going to dump alot of money into the one I have right now to make it even better!
Very pleased with the styling of my Mini, not sure about the 07…