Is This the Face of the 2011 R56 Facelift or the new MINI Crossover?
Earlier this week MINI USA released the first piece of it’s new “Covert” advertising that speaks directly to current MINI owners. An email was sent out to owners that gave them a URL (through the help of decoder glasses sent to all US MINI owners) that then lead to a super secret site full of interviews, and behind the scenes images from all parts of MINI. It’s definitely a mist for any owner or fan of the MINI.
One of the more notable parts of the experience is an image (above) that depicts what looks to be a refined version of the Clubman front facia. Knowing that the R56 Hatch, R55 Clubman and R57 Convertible are due for a refresh in the middle of next year we couldn’t help but put two and two together when we saw this image.
So is this a sneak peek at the mid life-cycle refresh that will affect the hatch, Clubman and convertible? It’s of course hard to say but it certainly looks like the kind of refinement that we’ve been told to expect for the 2011 model year. As we’ve reported we expect a new front and rear bumper, new lights all around (headlights should remain the same shape) and potentially a subtly different hood.
The other potential answer is that MINI is giving us a sneak peak at the new MINI crossover likely named the Countryman. The look is more aggressive with seemingly high ground clearance and a taller roof. We should know in just a few months with the crossover debuts at Detroit in January and the refresh debuts in Geneva in March.
Look for more MINI “covert” advertising and more surprises popping up later this year and next. And for more on the 2011 MINI refresh make sure to read our exclusive report published earlier this summer.
<p>I like it!</p>
<p>The rounded grille has a nice look. I’m glad to see oval headlights. I am so sick of the swept-back headlight look of other brands.</p>
<p>With a full re-design in 2012 isn’t this a bit late in the 5-year (07-12) cycle?</p>
<p>Although I can appreciate the merits of evolutionary design such as those expressed in current Porsche examples, there are not many other iterations that are as successful in maintaining their distinctive design lineage. The classic “MINI-look” has many significant details that could easily evaporate by a few misguided CAD keystrokes.</p>
<p>As the design becomes less vertical and more aerodynamic, it also becomes less distinctive and will lose much of its characteristic attributes that have made a MINI a MINI since Sir Isigonnis first put his quill to the papyrus.</p>
<p>I would like to see the first generation (R53) hood and fender contours return and the current “pregnant” look diminish. The low-profile, sleeker silhouette, will not necessarily diminish traditional appeal as long as the proportions do not become entirely distorted and inadevertently convoluted.
Hail Britannia! … Hail MINI!… Hail the best Art Center College of Design graduates like Chis Bangle!</p>
<p>“(through the help of decoder glasses sent to all US MINI owners)” Huh, never got any such thing???</p>
<p>Here, here Mr Dill!</p>
<p>I doubt we see any major changes to the outside of the current generation. Maybe a new bumper style, or different grills. But a new bonnet, headlight assemblies, grills, and bumpers. Thats more then a ‘refresh.’ One thing that was left out was that this image in in the concept art for the clubman from when it was being designed originally.</p>
<p>I never received decoder glasses either.</p>
<p>I didn’t receive glasses either.</p>
<p>What glasses? What email?</p>
<p>Looks more like the MINI Crossover Countryman.</p>
<p>Which will show you some elements that will be applied to the R55/R56/R57 and the Coupe and Roadster.</p>
<p>Looks awesome! I can’t wait to see a Coupe look like this! Hell, I like this way more than any of the R56 front variants!</p>
<p>BTW, Gabe you drive me nuts with your typos. It’s “Sneak Peek” not “Sneak Peak”. Mountains don’t come into this.</p>
<p>Me too, I’ve had 2 MINIs and never received any decoder glasses. My wife got the email though, but of course we can’t take advantage of it…</p>
<p>Funny. I got some decoder glasses as part of an “adventure kit” that arrived about 6 weeks after my clubman purchase. The kit contained no instructions or explanation for the glasses, so I chucked them. Didn’t receive the email either.</p>
<p>I got the email, but not the glasses.</p>
<p>The grinning bumper is nice, too.</p>
<p>I did not get the email, but I do like this face lift, I don’t like (but own) the new “safety bumper” front end mini.</p>
<p>I had a 2006 before with the old face and this concept above looks like they are getting back to that or even more smoother / rounder.</p>
<p>I likes.</p>
<p>Also, I have to ask if this new front would be the new front of the coupe / speedster.</p>
<p>timing and resources wise one would say.. probably…?</p>
<p>actually i don’t think that this shows the facelift face. this sketch looks more like a very early R56 face proposal.
forming the above design into reality would mean alot of retooling, which is definitely too expensive for a facelift.</p>
<p>Remember the Countryman has a more squared off face than the Cooper and more upright headlights. PLUS the hood scoop is incorporated in the front grill, not the hood (check the spy shots).</p>
<p>I would say it’s the crossover. If you look at the distance between the fender flares and the top of the fenders it looks too big to be an R56, and the whole front generally looks taller. I do like it though, the headlights & grill have nice shapes.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-268326" rel="nofollow">Harry Dill</a>:</p>
<p>Mr. Dill, you are an absolute gentleman and a scholar! You very eloquent post summarizes my frustration( and that of many others) with the design language MINI has adopted since the 2nd gen cars debuted in late 2006.</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget to include the name of the “father” of the 21st century MINI, Mr. Frank Stephenson, graduate of the Art College of Design in Pasadena, California.</p>
<p>Not to be a party popper, but I think the ‘super secret’ web site called the photos old clubman pre-release designs.</p>
<p>You should never assume that the disguised prototypes you see are the actual body just taped off , because what BMW have started to do now is apply inject molded pieces of plastic on areas of the car to further disguise proportions and design elements. As in the MINI Crossover there are several elements that are applied to disguise the true appearance.</p>
<p>People should not make an opinion yet of what they see on the roads until it is closer to launch. And they will see the finished car has maintained the essence and the detail of the Concept Car.</p>
<p>Hmm, considering the minor changes they made for 2010, ie killing seatback memory, I think I might wait until the 2011 refresh. Sorry MINI, I just think the R55 tail lamps look too much like a thrown together rush job. Unlike the R55, the R56/57 tail lamps are a real evolution of the previous gen.</p>
<p>Thanks C4. I check in at MotoringFile all the time, it’s like family!</p>
<p>Thanks C4. I check in at MotoringFile all the time. It’s like family!</p>
<p>C4,</p>
<p>Thank you for your approbation. It is not my intention to come across as an intellectual elitist and/or to write in a style that is incomprehensible to the majority of MINI enthusiasts. In fact, I had assumed that MINI enthusiasts were generally quite capable of comprehending and considering the divergent opinions that constitute a public forum such as Motoring File.</p>
<p>If our divergent voices cannot be expressed and respected by all participants, then may I suggest that those of us who have the courage to honestly opine rather than surrender to the sycophantic chorus of popularity take our comments to a more democratic and non-partisan forum. A few snide, goofball remarks will, however, help most of us possessing a modicum of civility to exercise appropriate discretion when we next read the incredulous banter of such challenged minds.</p>
<p>If anyone wishes to “respectfully†disagree, it should be welcomed. Moreover, may I suggest that the moderator more effectively assure that all comments adhere to acceptable journalistic standards and not idly eschew his/her essential responsibility.</p>
<p>Regards,
Harry</p>
<p>Frank, as C4 thoughtfully noted:</p>
<p>I failed to mention your name as another (along with Chris Bangle) preeminent Art Center College of Design alumnus. Please forgive my oversight.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-268353" rel="nofollow">Frank Stephenson</a>:</p>
<p>Frank,</p>
<p>It is my pleasure to always give credit when it is due. After nearly 5 years of ownership, I do not get tired of looking at my 2005 R53. In fact, the car looks as fresh as the it did they day I drove it home from the dealer showroom.</p>
<p>Thank you for crafting such a beautiful and timeless design. The R53 is a car that has “soul”… It was shaped by caring human hands…. Not a CAD computer program, corporate accountants or forced legislation…It is a car that puts a smile in my face every time you look at it.</p>
<p>Thanks for checking in.</p>
<p>My MINI’s (02 R50, 02R53) and my 87 Classic Mini not only put a smile on my face when I look at them, they make it wider when I drive ’em! Thanks, Frank, for your design genius.</p>
<p>The Decoder Glasses were part of the Field Adventure Kit that arrived by mail several weeks after the purchase of my R56. They were in a small envelope hidden behind an interior flap of the box. They look like old-school cardboard 3D glasses, but with different lenses.</p>
<p>As for the drawing above, when I first saw it I automatically assumed it was the new R60 Crossover. Not only are the headlights the newer sloping variety, but the roofline has pronounced ridges (unlike the standard flat-roofed R56), the wheels are the deep-dish style first seen on the Crossover Concept, and the clincher for me is the kink in the side windows. It’s hard to see in the picture, but the rear quarter glass certainly looks to be lower than that of the door windows. This has only been seen in the Coupe and the Crossover.</p>
<p>Besides, to me, wrapping the front plastic trim over the lower inlet on a performance car just doesn’t make sense. This treatment is usually reserved for SUV’s and Crossovers to instill some off-road credibility, think Audi Allroad or Volvo V70XC.</p>
<p>I’m presuming that this is a teaser of the Crossover, released early to existing MINI owners to drum up some pre-debut excitement. And yes, if this is how the R60 will look when released, then count me as excited!!!</p>
<p>This picture isn’t of the new MINI. This was a concept design for the clubman. You can view the image if you visit <a href="http://www.miniconfidiential.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.miniconfidiential.com</a></p>
<p>Blue book, yellow book, white book</p>
<p>Click on the pictures to open the MINI sketch gallery.</p>
<p>Way to get people talking…</p>
<p>pretty sure this is the face of the crossover. the rather burly proportions and raised roof edges tell it all. looks pretty good, not as ugly as the concept. my r53 is still the best looking. the r50/r53 was such a perfect design</p>
<p>If this is the Crossover, even in sketch form, then I like it.</p>
<p>Now, how about seating for 3 in the rear? But I feel that might be too late.</p>
<p>Some people still are not tired enough of proclaiming that R53 is a best design than R56.</p>
<p>To add my 2 cents, I personnally prefer to my ex Dark Silver R53 170hp, my Chili Red R56.S lowered with a H&R coilovers (that is more efficient than JCW suspension). I still like R53s though, I don’t feel angry about one version or another, please do it too ;)</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-269027" rel="nofollow">r.burns</a>:</p>
<p>It just is.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-268326" rel="nofollow">Harry Dill</a>: agreed, the R50/R53 front end style was absolutely perfect in every way, it looks beautiful, it kept the right amount of influence from the classic mini, but added in that kick, that attitude that makes the new MINI so distinct.</p>
<p>i personally will always keep my R50, come hell, high water or bankruptcy. maybe mini should try to bring back the R50 look, because i think it’s so much nicer than the newer looks.</p>
<p>that new design looks like it would be at home on a crossover, though. if the mini crossover is to exist soon, it should use that new front end. it, in some ways, pays some tribute to the Mk2 classic mini, and in several ways is an improvement over the R56 front end.</p>