MF Exclusive: MINI USA will has decided to break with tradition for the debut of it’s latest model. Instead of the Detroit Auto Show, MINI will debut the new Clubman at the up and coming LA International Auto Show.
The actual debut is expected to take place on the first day of the press preview November 14th. As you would expect MotoringFile will be on hand with photos and impressions of the car.
As previously reported last year on MF, the world debut of the Clubman will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
<strong>The MINI Gods have smiled on us, finally!</strong>
How kool is this! Now if I can just wrench my wife’s A4 from her hands and get her into one these, that would be MINILICIOUS! And yes I still feel the barn doors are fugly but the rest is sweet.
I’ll look forward to seeing that rear with some other color combos than the blue/silver. I can’t stand the one in the pic, and I am almost afraid of how a while roof would look, if it means the doors outlined in white instead of silver. Black might be a good look, but I just can’t understand the decision to extend the roof color down the rear corners like that.
Bring on the debut, when more options will be pictured than just these stock photos! 🙂
Has this anything to do with those other famous British icons that have recently moved to LA from England? Who you ask? That British Soccer superstar David Beckham and his wife Victoria “Posh Spice” Girl Beckham. Beckham is playing for the LA Galaxy club, thats when he’s not injured or doing celebrity photo opportunities.
I can just see the LA Times headlines now – “Bend it like Beckham”… hmm wasn’t that a movie?
Will MINI Clubman be coming out with a WOODIE version with surfboard racks? I am sure the CA boys will soon rustle one up if not. As the Beach Boys sang “Wooden it be nice”.
I’ve heard is that only Porsche is skipping Detroit, and considering their sales numbers it’s no surprise. I’m sure that MINI will still have their giant exhibit in Detroit as its still THE North American Internation Auto Show. Hyundai eagerly grabbed up the Porsche space on the main floor, so if/when Porsche comes back, it’s the basement for them. LA’s move to November is a smart one, and they and Chicago will get their share of “debuts” (if such a thing really exists anymore), but Detroit isn’t going anywhere as far as the world’s media is concerned. Roll on the Clubman, wherever it is!
There was some speculation about the rear doors opening with the remote. I was thinking about this, and it seems as if the release is electronic as it is on the current hatch, there is no fundamental reason it couldn’t be opened with a remote. This assumes they are gas shock assisted as shown in the videos. Anyone have any further info on this?
Cool!
Maybe this’ll make up for last year.
I can’t wait to see it!
DB going to cover it, or is Gabe flying out?
MINI is recognizing that the left coast is an amazing hotbed for MINI Mania!
Hmmm. Son’s baby due about then. A Lady or the Tiger situation for me. Ack!
<strong>The MINI Gods have smiled on us, finally!</strong>
How kool is this! Now if I can just wrench my wife’s A4 from her hands and get her into one these, that would be MINILICIOUS! And yes I still feel the barn doors are fugly but the rest is sweet.
That’s awesome! I can’t wait to see it in person!
I’ll look forward to seeing that rear with some other color combos than the blue/silver. I can’t stand the one in the pic, and I am almost afraid of how a while roof would look, if it means the doors outlined in white instead of silver. Black might be a good look, but I just can’t understand the decision to extend the roof color down the rear corners like that.
Bring on the debut, when more options will be pictured than just these stock photos! 🙂
you lucky surfers!
how does one get tickets to such a fab gig?
Sweet! An actual reason to go to the LA Show this year.
Now, where did I put that press pass…
I’m assuming they will have a Clubman or two at the SF show in November, correct?
Like dude were so into Mini’s in Cali fer sure.
Cool! I read that many a manufacturer are choosing to skip the Detroit show lately …
Why exclusive? I was told this last week – was it supposed to be secret?
Hell yeah! finally a MINI release I can make it too… didnt even have the R56 at the LA Auto show last year
Has this anything to do with those other famous British icons that have recently moved to LA from England? Who you ask? That British Soccer superstar David Beckham and his wife Victoria “Posh Spice” Girl Beckham. Beckham is playing for the LA Galaxy club, thats when he’s not injured or doing celebrity photo opportunities.
I can just see the LA Times headlines now – “Bend it like Beckham”… hmm wasn’t that a movie?
Will MINI Clubman be coming out with a WOODIE version with surfboard racks? I am sure the CA boys will soon rustle one up if not. As the Beach Boys sang “Wooden it be nice”.
I’ve heard is that only Porsche is skipping Detroit, and considering their sales numbers it’s no surprise. I’m sure that MINI will still have their giant exhibit in Detroit as its still THE North American Internation Auto Show. Hyundai eagerly grabbed up the Porsche space on the main floor, so if/when Porsche comes back, it’s the basement for them. LA’s move to November is a smart one, and they and Chicago will get their share of “debuts” (if such a thing really exists anymore), but Detroit isn’t going anywhere as far as the world’s media is concerned. Roll on the Clubman, wherever it is!
<strong>Jeff Spicoli:</strong> <em>All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.</em>
funny pun, GregW!
There was some speculation about the rear doors opening with the remote. I was thinking about this, and it seems as if the release is electronic as it is on the current hatch, there is no fundamental reason it couldn’t be opened with a remote. This assumes they are gas shock assisted as shown in the videos. Anyone have any further info on this?
David and Victoria in the new MINI Clubman:
<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=xeUpW9FduKY" rel="nofollow ugc">http://youtube.com/watch?v=xeUpW9FduKY</a>
<p>Man I love doors. Greatest band ever</p>