While the photos are indeed of the Clubman, the information and computer rendering in the story is simply incorrect. For one they’re still calling it the Traveller. We’ve had several sources now confirm to us that the Clubman name is 99% approved on on the way to becoming a reality. Secondly they think it has has two rather than just one door. Again multiple sources (as far back as last year) have been telling us that there will be just one door on the right side of the car.
Finally the time frame they report in the article is also incorrect. Expect the public debut late next summer or fall and release dates to closely mirror what we are seeing with the R56. In the US we should see the car in the Spring of 2008.
All that aside you can see the Clubman spy-photos at the Nurburgring below. Take special note of the camflauge covering the non-door on the left side of the car. Previously we’ve proven it to be nothing more than a decoy covering normal body panels.
[ 2008 MINI Traveller ] Car Connection
I thought tail lights must be visible when rear doors are ajar. No? Just a photoshop-chop of the blue one?
Here’s a question, does anyone know how much longer the original wagon was?
<blockquote>Secondly they think it has has two rather than just one door. Again multiple sources (as far back as last year) have been telling us that there will be just one door on the right side of the car.</blockquote>
I believe it, but I don’t have to like it. 🙂
The lack of symmetry just bugs the hell out of me. Otherwise I’d be so stoked for a JCW Clubman.
the reflection on the blue door shows a different wheel than what’s on the car… hilarious.
>The lack of symmetry just bugs the hell out of me. Otherwise I’d be so stoked for a JCW Clubman.
Actually I think the lack of symmetry on an automobile can be a very interesting thing. And in this case the lack of symmetry means less weight and more rigidity – all things important for a car known for its performance.
Photoshop or not, I really dig that rendition of a Clubman S wagon.
In regards to the rear doors, I think MINI should reconsider adding a pair of rear suicide doors. This will make the vehicle a lot more practical than just having one rear access door on the right side.
Our first baby boy is due to be born tomorrow! I wish MINI already were selling the Clubman, but for better or worse, we will have to endure another year plus doing body contorsions when placing our little one in the rear seat of our 2 door MINIs.
Five people?!
I wish they’d kept the hatch – it’s such a nice way to access the back; don’t see any benefit switching to a pair of rear doors 🙁
<blockquote>Our first baby boy is due to be born tomorrow!</blockquote>
Congratulations
<blockquote>I wish MINI already were selling the Clubman, but for better or worse, we will have to endure another year plus doing body contorsions when placing our little one in the rear seat of our 2 door MINIs.</blockquote>
Speak for yourself, I’m glad it’s not already available.
I’m still single and need a little more time to work on pulling a Clubman lifestyle together.
Ian, as much as I like the “dutch” rear doors (More in line with history) the hatchback is simply better. I am afraid the center post when both barn doors are closed can create some visibility issues.
Dave:
Enjoy your “single” years! Take the time to find that “special someone” and then work on the Clubman lifestyle. Every stage in life has its pluses and minuses, so simply take your time and enjoy!
That just doesn’t look right to me…
How long was the old Mini Countryman / Traveller / Estate?
Answer according to Wikipedia;
Saloon – 3.05 metres.
Traveller – 3.40 metres.
Thanks GregW…
So just about a foot longer. Is that close to this new versions overall length gain?
It’s funny how a little more than a foot is going to make such a huge difference to people with kids who either want to stay in the Mini family or join it. A little truely does go a long way.
I’m seriously contemplating whether I go for a late 07 S or wait for the Clubman in 08. The extra room has a certain appeal give the way my life seems to be heading (Dave, it’s amazing how fast you can actually pull together a Clubman lifestyle,lol) and a JCW Clubman would mean I wouldn’t have to give up my british sports cars for family reasons like my Dad had to with MG’s.
<blockquote>find that “special someone†and then work on the Clubman lifestyle</blockquote>
Well whether or not I’m really “at that point in my life” when it does come out, I’m still planning on getting a Clubman.
There’s something about the prospect of autocrossing an AWD JCW MINI WAGON on R-compounds that has a certain special appeal to me. 🙂
horrible photochop job.
<blockquote>Actually I think the lack of symmetry on an automobile can be a very interesting thing. And in this case the lack of symmetry means less weight and more rigidity – all things important for a car known for its performance.</blockquote>
Yeah, I feel ya Gabe. I’m just one of those borderline OCD folk who anally relish balance. I certainly wouldn’t want to give up any rigidity or performance on the car, I just hate having body seams on one side of the car and not on the other. On things like vans or trucks I can stomach it, I just hate the idea of something as design-conscience as the MINI with odds and ends tucked here and not there. I appreciate the function of it, and I’m sure I’ll get over it, it just bugs me.
<blockquote>I just hate having body seams on one side of the car and not on the other</blockquote>
I guess I fall in the middle. I like the fact that it will be a little easier to access the back with the extra door, and while I’m not a fan of asymmetry, it doesn’t bother me enough that I wouldn’t buy the car.
That said, the Clubman screams out for window tinting. Without it you can see through the car to the other side and then the asymmetry is quite noticeable. With tint, it’s not obvious at first glance that the opposite side would be any different.
I agree that one door on the rear side is impractical as in the US it will be on one and the Uk the other side due to left and right hande drive, probably be cheaper to put suiside doors on both side. What bugs me is the fact the BMW are totaly throwing forty years of mini heritage in the bin and calling it a clubman. It should be a traveller as the clubman was a square fronted mini built from 1969 to 1980 alongside the original style mini.
Ah, gaztrontic, you forget the realities of modern marketing.
The name Traveller is owned by several companies world wide. BMB/MINI can’t use it — because Rover or one of it’s predecessors let the copyright go.
Clubman is available in (from what I’ve read) all markets except Japan.
That’s why we’re getting Clubmans & not Travellers.
<em>I wish they’d kept the hatch – it’s such a nice way to access the back; don’t see any benefit switching to a pair of rear doors :(</em>
You’ve never tried to balance the hatch half open to keep from banging into the surfboards on the roof, while wiggling out of a wetsuit.