Auto Express has the inside scoop on why we’ve recently seen all these spy photos of almost completely undisguised Clubman prototypes:
>So why was this prototype out testing without the usual black plastic disguise? It’s all down to a twist of fate. The truck on which it was being transported suffered a mechanical breakdown and burst into flames. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to see the pictures on our website. As a result, the test drivers had no choice but to unload the car and drive it the rest of the way to its destination out in the open. And our spy was on hand to take these shots.
You can read more (and see photos of the truck fire) here:
[ MINI Traveller Undisguised ] Auto Express
Side note: So do you think AutoExpress call it a “scoop” when they finally realize that the R55 will be named the Clubman?
Auto Motor und Sport also also has spy shots of there own:
[ Erwischt: Mini Traveller ] Auto Motor und Sport
MF Analysis: It may sound like a great story but in reality the prototypes we’ve seen in recent photos are indeed camouflaged to some degree. There’s plenty of detail styling that has yet to rear it’s head.
I don’t get what the hubbub is about either… Big surprise, the Clubman has the frontend of the R56. All the news is basically in the the rear end, and I have not seen that uncamouflaged yet. The only “news” from the last pictures is that it can now more clearly be seen that there’s a suicide door only on one side. But of course, thanks to MF we’ve known that for a long time.
How did this door get the name “suicide door”? I don’t understand where that’s coming from. Can someone explain the story behind the term please?
<blockquote>How did this door get the name “suicide door� </blockquote>
MINI actually uses the phrase “coach door” to describe the side doors on the clubman.
It appears the rear doors will be split down the middle. The overlapping panel seen on the rear doors of the test mules is merely a diversion from MINI. The handle most likely positioned somewhere under that protruding crease on the extended panel. If you check out many of the spy pics the rear bumper appears set to hold the license plate in the center.
But the bigger question is: who will be the first aftermarket company to offer a “woodie” kit for the Clubman?
It may just be me, but the link doesn’t to see the fire. Put it into the address bar, works fine.
I am interested to see this in person. I think the longer dimensions will improve upon the looks of the new generation.
Suicide door refers to the fact that if it were to become unlatched at speed, it would be torn open by aerodynamic forces. A door hinged at the front kept closed.
My Dad always said that if you ever had to jump clear from a moving car with these doors, they would hit you and kill you because you couldn’t clear the door.
The photo shows smoke pouring out of the rear trailer of a 2 part covered truck. But there’s no engine in that trailer. I think one of the MINIs was on fire!
Suicide door actually refers to the fact that the door opens “backwards” to flow of traffic. Thus, if you do no pay attention to on coming cars and you open the door, it can close ont the person trying to get out and subsequently decapitate the passenger attempting to exit the vehicle.