Clubman Update: the Return of the Silver Roof
With the Clubman debut scheduled for later this year at Frankfurt (press photos should come even earlier) we’ve been getting new information almost weekly. Today we’re happy to confirm that the much loved silver roof will be back exclusively on the Clubman for 2008. And the roof won’t be the only part of the car that will come in an optional second color. We’ve learned that the rear of the car will feature trim that will come either body colored or the same color as the roof. The trim will run from the roof to the bumper on both sides of the car much like this rendering from AutoBilde from over a year ago.
This news has been confirmed by multiple sources in different location. In fact don’t be surprised if you start seeing production mules out and about with silver roofs.
In other R55 colors news, expect at least one exclusive interior color combination to be offered on the R55 along with the two exclusive exteriors choices mentioned above. Also expect a good number of exclusive accessories for the new car as well.
And finally, it may be worth noting that most if not all R56 colors will also be available on the Clubman.
All right – I love the silver roof on my HB ’06 MCS. It’s great to have more color choices!
After seeing the R56 coupe at my local dealer last Saturday, I can tell you that the “squared off” design of the Clubman will work much better with the chunkier front end and raised beltline. In fact, I believe (without seeing finalized production models) that the Clubman and upcoming R56 convertible will look much better than the standard R56 coupe.
Tonight I plan to test drive a regular R56 couper equipped with the AISIN 6-speed automatic and steering wheel paddles. I am very excited and look forward to post a full review on the car. This is essentially the same powertrain that will proper our new ’08 Clubman next year.
I’m liking the silver. On my monitor at work, that Clubman looks to be a color fairly close to light green that was available in 02/03 (which name escapes me right now. DOH! ). I’d love to see that available–on an S this time around.
thank you Frank. I totally agree with your dimension/scale assessment.
Jimskater, the color you are referring to was called “Silk Green Metallic” and it was only available in the Cooper from march 2002 until January 2003.
i like his writing style…similar to douglas adams.
and of course top gear is still the best car show on TV.
doh, commented on the wrong post…jeremy clarkson is like douglas adams.
this article is more like…hmmm, i don’t know, maybe sam adams?
Frank…
Looking forward to your review of the R56/Auto, if thats what will be in the Clubman. Test drove an ’06/Auto, and it was awful. Fingers crossed that with the R56 MINI has improved the performance of the Aisin 6 speed. I really want to upgrade my ’04 to the Clubman when it comes out, but I just won’t do it if the auto trans is still bad. MINI/BMW needs to switch to the newer manual/autos.
Definitely a step in the right direction. Now why can’t they just make the silver roof available once again for the standard MINI? The BRG w/silver top looked superb!
Mark, will do.
The ’08 Clubman will replace our ’02 MC CVT which has been a fairly solid and reliable car, but now with a baby onboard and the fact that her MINI is way out of warranty, the R55 is most definetely a very palatable proposition.
The “Clubby” will be the family car and I think it will be a great match alongside my R53 ’05 MCS.
I have read a few R56 Cooper 6-speed auto reviews and most people agree that this car is a huge improvement over the CVT. We have grown to enjoy the CVT and when you really get to know it, is a fantastic transmission, but MINI sadly decided to do away with it for good (It is however, still available in new ’07 and ’08 R52 Cooper convertibles).
I also wanted to test drive a manual 6-speed Cooper, but those won’t be available for another couple of months. Intteresting that Auto Coopers are available first than the manual counterparts.
By the way, the HP rating in the new Cooper engine is 118HP, but it is supposed to have substantially more torque downlow in comparison to the 115HP N/A Tritec engine it replaces.
I would concur with those comments suggesting that the design elements that may not work terribly well on the standard MINI may be better suited to the larger scale Clubman.
Although this may be a stretch but could the Clubman begin to bear a disconcerting Scion-like resemblance?
Bud, no way no how. The old Scion xB looks like a small rendition of the Chevy Astro Minivan (Which for some akward reason is very popular in Japan).
Scion just released the all new xB, not as boxy and goofy looking as before.
What we need to have come down the motoring pike next will be a true anti-hero to combat the invasion of the “Killer SUVs” — a mean looking AWD MINI MOKE!
Of course the option exists to introduce a super MINI rival to the upcoming MB SMART car. Yep — an authentic “mini” MINI would be fantastic and serve to preserve the “mini-ness” that MINIs are known and loved for.
Frank I hope your optimism pans out and I have no rreason to doubt your information. The Japanese are very adroit at creting some super funky vehicles bordering on the bizarre perhaps according to our sensibilities at least.
Anyone familiar with the ’05 Renault Clio Sport turbo?
This bon-bon comes with perfect 50/50 weight distribution by virtue of its beautifully positioned mid-engine design. The ’07 (like the MINI) in my humble opinion has unfortunately gone awry including cheap interior materials and awkward design. As for handling, I am convinced that it could smoke the MINI. U.K enthusiasts have their own Clio club, by the way.
Addendum:
Keep in mind that the R56 now sports a “French” powerplant and Renault has garnered some impressive F1 victories over the decades. Citroen and Pugeot have also created some very compelling prototypes in recent years. Why even the old Citroen Maserati was quite a remarkable automobile with its avant garde lines and interior design. On the other hand the “Snail” continues to be seen crawling along the corniches of the Riviera despite its gawky and anomolous appearance. It continues to be endeared by many.
>Keep in mind that the R56 now sports a “French†powerplant and Renault has garnered some impressive F1 victories over the decades.
The “Prince” family of engines found in the R56 and some PSA products were designed and engineered exclusively by BMW in Munich. I personally spoke with the head of the engineering team about this a few weeks back at the R56 US launch. Citroen and Pugeot had nothing more to do with them than specification requests.
The only two negagive items I found in driving a 2007 MCS yesterday was the long travel clutch engagement and long throws in the transmission. The a/c controls in the center stack are weird and were awkward to use. The rest of the car was great. Quieter, electric steering was very light, less harsh suspension and the transmission shifted easier than our ’04. MCS basic price only went up $300. However, transporation went up $25 to $600, Los Angeles.
…love the silver roof, my ’06 MCS is Dark silver with the pure silver roof…
…i’m getting the mirrors painted candy apple red so it looks in the same spirit as the GP…
…would love to see a diesel Clubman with royal grey and a silver roof…
…also, i agree the clubman will probably be the best-looking all around Mini this generation…
Gabe — Your update is welcomed by all. And although I have nothing but praise for BMW engines I would caution anyone that may be predisposed to regarding entirely French engineered/built powerplants as inferior. But all-in-all I would favor BMW products over them — particularly their renowned straight sixes. The Nelson Piquet Brabham FI car of years’ past enjoyed world championship recognition several times over and it was only a Motorsport turbo 4. The McLaren sportscar was originally fitted w/ a BMW 12 (now oddly enough runs w/ an MB engine) as you no doubt know. BMW builds some of the finest engines and vehicles available.
FrankinMiami… Thank you!
Silk Green it is. 😀
I will do my best to reserve final judgement regarding the Clubman/Traveller/Estate? … but must say, at this time, that the idea of a MINI MPV or wagon for that matter does not intrigue me. This is not to suggest that wagons are as a class are without many practical attributes. I just do not think that MINIs were originally intended to be necessarily “practical” vehicles aside from their “little gulp” appetite for petrol. Of couse the same could be said for the entire range of BMC/Austin vehicles of yore.
Given a preference for wagons, I would opt for a larger vehicle offering greater cubic feet of cargo and passenger space. I think that MINI is attempting to be too many things to too many people and runs the risk of diluting its essence, i.e., authenticity as it was originally packaged — one helluva spartan econo-rocket that supremely provided a sublime thrill for one or two (motorers) to take for a spin. And although times have changed our experential expectations have remained steadfast and continue to demand fulfillment.
It really was not that long ago when we found ourselves thrilled to see the Cooper marque resurrected in the U.S. It is rather unfortunate that the once tight focus has broadened in an attempt to capture a “wide-angle audience” of consumers. MINI needs to switch focus back to its original target in order to once again effectively resonate in the hearts and minds of true enthusiasts and forget that panavision ever existed.
Water-cooled V-Rods et al —
If it is the intent of BMW to create a broader consumer market by offering a spectrum of models then they are certainly moving in the right direction. I mean their decision would not be without precedent> one need only to look to Porsche which has launced a SUV in recent years and plans to offer a 4-door Carrera sedan. Mercedes now describes one of their 4-doors a coupe! Obviously there must be some marketing research that supports such a departure from tradition. Perhaps some day we will see production Ferrari limos and Maybach sports cars and pick=ups! Witness the Cad and Lincoln trucks. It’s all getting fairly ludicrous. A genre should remain faithful to its pedigree lest we prefer hybrid mutants to purebred thorobreds.
Water-cooled V-Rods et al —
If it is the intent of BMW to create a broader consumer market by offering a spectrum of models then they are certainly moving in the right direction. I mean their decision would not be without precedent> one need only to look to Porsche which has launced a SUV in recent years and plans to offer a 4-door Carrera sedan. Mercedes now describes one of their 4-doors as a coupe! Obviously there must be some marketing research that supports such a departure from tradition. Perhaps some day we will see production Ferrari limos and Maybach sports cars and pick-ups! Witness the Cad and Lincoln trucks. It’s all getting fairly ludicrous. A genre should remain faithful to its pedigree lest we prefer hybrid mutants to authentic thorobreds.
Pleae delete the posting preceding the last. Thank you.
Frankly, I’m amazed at how prescient the AutoBild photo was – had to be some leakage there. I saw the wall hanging with new Oxygen Blue, a very different kettle of fish from the metallic Silk Green. Can’t say I’d go for a silver roof, but I’ll wait for the actual colors to be announced. No ash woodie bits in mix, I reckon.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
Any hint at the Street Date and MSRP for the Clubman?
>Any hint at the Street Date and MSRP for the Clubman?
There are dozens of ways to find the info on MF. However the best way to find out all sorts of information on the Clubman is to click on the “R55” link below the title or you the drop down menu on the top left to get to the R55 section. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the R55 will magically apear.
It’s a Bud, Bud, Bud, Bud, World! 😉
Actually, I find it a bit of a shame Mini apparently is abandoning the idea that silver roofs are exclusive to end-of-the-line special editions.
This may not have been that apparent in the US, where the silver roof was part of the regular option list for the last year, but over here in Europe, you could only have a silver roof on the Checkmate, Park Lane and Seven Special Editions. The same thing was true for the classic Mini, where the final bunch of cars had a silver roof. I think this was a nice tradition-in-the-making, that was somewhat of a bridge between the classic and the new Mini. Personally, I think BMW is chucking away these kinds of small little links a little too easily.
A pretty long-winded answer to be of no help. I have spent a lot of time looking at your site and had not found the information I was looking for (hint at November release, not confirmed, and no price). No need to be condescending – thanks for the welcome, I’ll “magically” find my my information elsewhere from now on.
>A pretty long-winded answer to be of no help. I have spent a lot of time looking at your site and had not found the information I was looking for (hint at November release, not confirmed, and no price). No need to be condescending – thanks for the welcome, I’ll “magically†find my my information elsewhere from now on.
Wow – I seriously wasn’t trying to be condescending. I was hoping that information would help you to find quite a bit more about the R55. I guess I won’t bother next time.
Ahh, the dangers of the written word – misunderstandings in context and tone all too easy. Came across as “go find it yourself,” thanks for clearing that up…
Added more photos of the R56 Cooper automatic and Cooper S 6-speed manual. Completed back to back test drives last night and will have a review later today. For now, some pics to wet your appetite:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankinmiami/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankinmiami/</a>
>Looking forward to your review of the R56/Auto, if thats what will be in the Clubman. Test drove an ‘06/Auto, and it was awful. Fingers crossed that with the R56 MINI has improved the performance of the Aisin 6 speed. I really want to upgrade my ‘04 to the Clubman when it comes out, but I just won’t do it if the auto trans is still bad. MINI/BMW needs to switch to the newer manual/autos.
Thee ’07 Auto is identical in every way but software. Don’t expect any miracles. From my tests it’s the same rather lackluster experience.
Gabe, I disagree to an extent. The R56 Cooper automatic is substantially better than the R50 Cooper CVT it replaces. I was extremely pleased with the street performance of the R56 Cooper auto. The car really comes alive once you press the “Sport Button”. It was very fun. Honestly, I don’t see a compelling reason to buy the MCS other than the need for sheer speed and turbocharger bragging rights.
Perhaps out in the track, the auto is at a clear disadvantage. But for 99% of the R56 Cooper buyers out there, the automatic model performs incredibly well with clean, smooth shifts and almost no lag on quick downshifts. The steering wheel paddles are a welcomed addition, as the US market missed them completely in the previous CVT.
Simply put, I could not wipe the stupid grin out of my face as soon as I stepped out of the Cooper.
Can’t wait to test drive the Cooper 6-speed manual.
I’ll go into further details later.
I also wanted to add that the Cooper handled better than the MCS. The R56 S was very nice overall, but the handling at the limit was a turn off when compared to the R53, even with SS+ suspension and sport button active all the way. Also the extremely light clutch pedal action was unsettling for me. Perhaps this is great for someone new to manual transmission, but for me, I had to re-learn launching the car out of 1st gear because the damn pedal almost gives no feedback. This is one of the most significant differences owners of the R53 will notice on the R56 MCS manual.
Conversely, after my 30 minute drive in the R56 MCS and coming back to my car, I had to re-learn launching out my R53 out of first gear. The clutch pedal in the old car is decidely FIRM but love the fact that it gives you feedback when it “bites”.
The new shifter in the MCS is smooth and direct but I found the throws to be a little on the long side. Reverse is now a piece of cake, but way to easy now to accidentally engage it in the midst of traffic.
More details to come later, but all I can say is this: Current R53 owners (Specially 2005 and 2006) don’t have to lose sleep over the new car. The steering’s calibration and out of the box suspension settings (Not to mention the oh intoxicating supercharger whine and exhaust burble)are still a cut above of the R56. Drving the R56 you can clearly see how BMW decidely over engineered the R53. You may ask how the R53 JCW GP fares against the R56 MCS? No contest! The R53 JCW GP kills the R56 MCS in every measure of performance and handling. The JCW GP will continue to be, for sometime, the fastest best handling Cooper S from factory.
Thanks Frank/Gabe:
I have an ’04 CVT and love it – never take it out of sports mode. Way out-performs the ’06 six speed auto I test drove. I was all set to trade my ’04 in on an ’06, but that auto trans was SO bad, I just could not force myself to buy it. As others have posted in ’06 reviews, it just behaves oddly and is not consistant in picking when/why it shifts. Hope BMW/MINI fixes those issues with new software or something.
>Gabe, I disagree to an extent. The R56 Cooper automatic is substantially better than the R50 Cooper CVT it replaces.
I was referring to the old Aisin auto on the R53.
>I also wanted to add that the Cooper handled better than the MCS. The R56 S was very nice overall, but the handling at the limit was a turn off when compared to the R53, even with SS+ suspension and sport button active all the way.
This is completely opposite of Dave and my experience on the track and on the road. during the launch event.
>Also the extremely light clutch pedal action was unsettling for me. Perhaps this is great for someone new to manual transmission, but for me, I had to re-learn launching the car out of 1st gear because the damn pedal almost gives no feedback. This is one of the most significant differences owners of the R53 will notice on the R56 MCS manual.
New cars have very light clutches. Combine this with the fact that the new clutch is more like BMWs and you have something a little different from the previous set-up.
<blockquote>New cars have very light clutches. Combine this with the fact that the new clutch is more like BMWs and you have something a little different from the previous set-up.</blockquote>
I do remember apologizing to Gabe after giving him whip lash on our test drive.
I took some time to get the feel. My take on the clutch is it is not as good as the previous.
But the ladies should like it.
I like the extra power offered by MCS. But I dislike the cost of the runflat and dislike the fact that it does not have a spare. So here are a few questions:
1. What is the power level of the Clubman? Does it also come with two versions sort of like the MC and MCS?
2. Now that Clubman is longer and has more room, does it now offer room for a spare tire? To travel, a spare seems like a must.
3. Ideally, I like to get a Clubman with 170 HP, run on regular tires with a spare tire. Am I dreaming?
4. I do not seem to read anything here that discusss the reliability, or repair records. Should we just be happy to get one at all cost?
Finally, what is this deal about having dealers far and apart? It is absolutely no fun to have to drive an hour or two to get to the nearest dealer. (I live in Seattle area.)
Pete:
To answer your questions….
1) We can assume the engine power outputs on the Clubman and Clubman S will be about the same as the current R56 coupe, but there hasn’t been anything official from MINI in this regard.
2) The Clubman is rumored to be at least 12-13 inches longer than the standard coupe. You can guess there will be increased legroom for rear passengers and some more (but not overly mind blowing) rear cargo space. I have driven on the east coast in my MCS with runflats and no spare tire with no problems. I think BMW by promoting run flat technology in its vehicles is discouraging the additional storage space and weight of spare tires. But then again, we will not know until the car’s specs are released later this year.
3)I don’t think you are dreaming at all.
4) You can obtain repair and reliability records of the previous R50/53 generation MINI (2002-2006), but since the R56 is all new from the ground up, including the engine, reliability is unknown at this time. The car was just launched last week and being a 1st year model, there will be problems. There are problems being reported with the new car over at <a href="http://www.mini2.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com</a> (Go to the 2nd generation fault and fixes forum) from UK owners that took delivery of their new R56s 3 months earlier than us. Paul Mullett, owner of MINI2.com is having his new R56 “lemoned law” or “rejected” as they say in Britain due to several quality problems with his new R56 and MINI is either unable or clueless as to how to fix them. Paul has owned several MINIs from the previous generation and this is his first R56 and he is not happy with it at all.
Like you, I am looking forward to order a new Clubman at the end of this year (Regular model, 6-speed automatic) but I am keeping a close eye on the faults and fixes forum for the new generation. Hopefully in a year from now, we should be able to have a better picture as to how the new car is measuring up in the quality and reliability department.
Pete:
To answer your questions….
1) We can assume the engine power outputs on the Clubman and Clubman S will be about the same as the current R56 coupe, but there hasn’t been anything official from MINI in this regard.
2) The Clubman is rumored to be at least 12-13 inches longer than the standard coupe. You can guess there will be increased legroom for rear passengers and some more (but not overly mind blowing) rear cargo space. I have driven on the east coast in my MCS with runflats and no spare tire with no problems. I think BMW by promoting run flat technology in its vehicles is discouraging the additional storage space and weight of spare tires. But then again, we will not know until the car’s specs are released later this year.
3)I don’t think you are dreaming at all.
4) You can obtain repair and reliability records of the previous R50/53 generation MINI (2002-2006), but since the R56 is all new from the ground up, including the engine, reliability is unknown at this time. The car was just launched last week and being a 1st year model, there will be problems. There are problems being reported with the new car over at <a href="http://www.mini2.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com</a> (Go to the 2nd generation fault and fixes forum) from UK owners that took delivery of their new R56s 3 months earlier than us. Paul Mullett, owner of MINI2.com is having his new R56 “lemoned law” or “rejected” as they say in Britain due to several quality problems with his new R56 and MINI is either unable or clueless as to how to fix them. Paul has owned several MINIs from the previous generation and this is his first R56 and he is not happy with it at all.
Like you, I am looking forward to order a new Clubman at the end of this year (Regular model, 6-speed automatic) but I am keeping a close eye on the faults and fixes forum for the new generation. Hopefully in a year from now, we should be able to have a better picture as to how the new car is measuring up in the quality and reliability department.
> 2) The Clubman is rumored to be at least 12-13 inches longer than the standard coupe.
Actually it’ll be more like 18″
Frank and Gabe,
Thanks for the info. Thinking of the runflat tires, the cost is about 2x, and the life is far less than half. So, in reality, the cost is 4x, if you calculate the cost vs. its life. I personally just don’t buy into the benefits the runflat provides for that kind of expenses. I think it is a good deal for the BMW and the dealer and a bad deal for the car owners. I may just have to settle with the MC or Cluman, just so that I can avoid paying that kind of money regularly. I suppose I can also install regular tires on the MCS and carry a spare in the trunk. Not perfect but maybe doable?
Can you also shed some light on the dealership question that I posted? Was there discussions somewhere else? I searched, but could not find any info.