Spy photographers at Edmunds have once again caught the MINI Crossover (final name coming soon) at the famous Nurburgring doing some final suspension refinement. There nothing really new in the video or the article but it’s another great way to see the size relationship between other cars and the R52 R57 which just happens to be right behind the crossover in one shot.
+ 2010 Mini Cooper Crossover Exclusive Spy Video and Photos / Edmunds
<p>Is that not an R57? 😛 Check the headlights</p>
<p>something strange is going on with the rear hatch – no Clubman pillar in the rear window, but looks like the same Clubman double doors…</p>
<p>The double door effect is just tape. Kinda funny to watch a MINI wallow around the Nordshlief in the video. You can definitely tell this thing is carrying some extra weight for sure. With the extra bulk can’t imagine a Cooper is really going to work out to well, for a modicum of acceleration guessing the Cooper S is going to be a natural fit, then again a base 34k for a Cooper S R60 is funny to me. Can’t wait to see the mildly optioned R60 Cooper S hitting 37k+ lol. I also can say throwing JCW at this, then again since Mini has failed to produce a true performance car I have much less worry unhappiness over this than by the recent developments of BMW’s /M division.</p>
<p>Looks like they’re at least keeping an option of a panoramic moonroof.</p>
<p>Intro the 1-series diesel-electric hybrid, right about here.</p>
<p>I was waiting for this monstrosity to roll-over. Keep MINI mini!</p>
<p>I just don’t know about this “Crossman”. More like a MINI “Crossdressing” as a CUV. This vehicle just goes against the whole MINI mantra. I know its only hear now to broaden the MINI range, but talk about diluting the brand a bit. One can only hope the AWD system trickles down to the R56S hardtop. Now that’s gonna’ be awesome!!</p>
<p>bigger mini – thats bad, bad, not what a mini is..</p>
<p>awd mini – thats good, good,…huh?</p>
<p>dbl standards, faulty logic,… ahh.</p>
<p>A bigger MINI is bad, especially when it ignores what made the brand successful in the first place, and turning its back on everything Sir Alec stood for.</p>
<p>AWD is little more than a warm blanket can pull around themselves, and about as successful at protecting people. I also this that any step towards RWD would just further muddy the water between BMW and Mini.</p>
<p>On thing is for sure, I would love a liter of whatever Mini Executives and Designers drink that convinced them that the R60 is a good idea. Betting its high enough proof to strip wax from the trim on a Mini. Pretty sure there will be much laughing at a 3k lbs MINI 4×4. Now all they have to do is make the car standard with a cell phone and a Starbucks coffee to complete the move towards a MINI SUV.</p>
<p>It’s starting to look more like a MINI Cayenne.</p>
<blockquote>Spy photographers at Edmunds have once again caught the MINI Crossover (final name coming soon) at the famous Nurburgring <b>Nordshlief</b></blockquote>
<p>That would be “Nordschleife” ;)</p>
<p>I’m done badmouthing this car, I suppose I’ll just shut up and wait for the final production version. I might start again after that, though… FWIW, seeing the concept at Mini United IRL made me realize it’s actually smaller than I thought. Which is a good thing.</p>