[nggallery id=26]
Over the last two weeks we’ve brought you every detail of the 2011 MINI refresh. We’ve given you every detail of the options, colors and overall vehicle changes. We’ve even given you specific information on the US market. Now MINI USA is officially releasing all the information. Look for pricing to follow shortly and the online configurator to be updated in the next few weeks. For photos of the changes and many more details be sure to check out our 2011 LCI section.
Official Release
Exterior updates
– All models will have new bumper fascias, taillamp assemblies and larger foglights.
– There is a new Adaptive Xenon headlight option ($100), and black headlight housings are newly available for Cooper and Cooper S (no charge option).
– Sunroof glass tint will change from 10 percent in the previous model to 30 percent on 2011 MY vehicles, further reducing sunlight penetration.
– New colors: Spice Orange will be available on the Hardtop and the Clubman models., All MINI vehicles will also be available in British Racing Green II (which is lighter and closer in shade to the iconic British Racing Green of decade’s past), Eclipse Gray metallic (which replace Dark Silver metallic), White Silver, Ice Blue (non-metallic) and lastly, Velvet Silver (which replaces Sparkling Silver).
– Five new wheel designs will adorn the MY 2011 MINI lineup. There will be a new 15†wheel for the Cooper models.
– All the 16†wheels will be replaced with new designs. The Rib Spoke will replace the standard S-Winder on the Cooper S models and the 4-Hole Circular is an alternative for both Cooper and Cooper S cars. The 6-Star Twin Spoke will also be available.
– The 17†Conical Spoke wheel replaces the Crown Spoke.
Interior Updates
– All interior items that were previously covered in Silver paint will be matte black, the steering wheel will have a chrome trim ring in the middle and a light beige headliner will be standard (replacing the gray headliner).
– The radio controls for the standard Boost CD system have been simplified.
– A new slot in the Clubdoor can hold the passenger front seatbelt buckle in place for easier ingress and egress for the rear passengers, and there is also a new roller-style rear cargo shade.
Radio and Infotainment
– HD Radio and Sirius satellite radio will both be standard for all 2011 MINI models (previously these options were priced at $500 each); and customers will receive a one-year subscription for SIRIUS.
– There will be three audio options in 2011. Standard will be a new version of Boost CD with new radio controls, and HD Radio and SIRIUS already installed.
– MINI Connected will be an option on all 2011 models. It will add a new 6.5†hi-resolution screen, Comfort Bluetooth with Smartphone prep, voice recognition, and a joystick controller to access all features.
– The third radio option will be MINI Connected with Navigation that also features real-time
traffic information. The new NAV system uses an internal hard memory card and maps can be updated through a USB port in the glovebox.
Engine and Technology Updates
– The MINI Cooper now makes 121HP, thanks to an optimized lubrication and the reduction of internal friction losses.
– The MINI Cooper S makes 181HP, as MINI has added the VALVETRONIC intake valve control.
– Anti-torque steer programming is built into power steering.
– Enhanced acoustic attenuation has been added throughout the car to reduce road and tire noise.
The MINI Experience Continues
– New exterior design reinforces the sporty nature of the vehicle
– Interior enhancements add to premium feel
– All new engines offer more fun and increased efficiency
The fun-to-drive MINI, still guarantees go-kart handling and a fun driving experience, but now with eye-catching design modifications, all-new engines and innovative equipment upgrades, the revamped 2011 MINI is equipped to be the most popular to date.
The changes underpin both the premium character of the brand and maintain MINI’s position as a segment leader when it comes to fun and efficiency. The range of customization options available for the 2011 MINI vehicles – which continue to be built precisely according to customer specifications – is more appealing and extensive than ever.
The fall introduction of the 2011 MINI will include the extensively upgraded four-cylinder engines, which were developed utilizing BMW Group’s expertise in the field of engine development.
Revised exterior styling points to improved sporting potential
The exterior styling now has a precision-modified design, which showcases its enhanced sporting potential. A new geometry for the front bumper and larger deformation zones reduce the risk of injury in a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. These new details merge seamlessly with the overall appearance of the new model. The designers went to great lengths with the three-dimensional sculpting of the newly designed body elements to ensure that the customary MINI proportions, including its short overhangs, were kept intact.
The modifications in the lower section of the front apron are considerably more prominent. Here, the borders of the light units and foglamps now have more pronounced three-dimensional contours. The lower air intake on all the model variants is also given greater visual emphasis. On the MINI Cooper S, a black cross-piece accentuates the width of the car, while air intakes (with optional chrome frames) guide cool air to the brake discs and add to the sporting appearance.
The hallmark MINI circular headlights have newly-designed light sources with modified styling. Black headlight reflectors, which were first featured in the Camden anniversary model, are available as an option on the Cooper and Cooper S.
Looking at the car from the side, the new design of MINI Cooper’s familiar side scuttles provide an extra, finely-judged touch of elegance. The glass-like lens cover of the indicators now has a striking structure formed from concentric circles.
LEDs optimize both the signaling effect and contemporary appearance of the rear lights on all MINIs. Standard dynamic brake lights flash to warn vehicles following behind if the MINI is braking particularly hard and prompts them to follow suit. This advanced light technology also provides the MINI with a very distinctive look at night.
Other new features include the relocation of the reverse light and rear foglamps, now located in the lower section of the rear bumper, housed in a centrally positioned red strip of lights.
Attractive new additions to the range of exterior paint finishes and standard and optional wheel variants offer customers additional scope for personalizing their new car. The new metallic paint finishes (British Racing Green, Spice Orange, and for the MINI Cooper S – Eclipse Grey), can be specified from launch. Ice Blue will be available at a later date.
All-new to MINI: Adaptive Headlights
All models can be ordered with a selection of innovative equipment features to enhance comfort, safety and the familiar MINI personality. Adaptive Headlights are available for the first time on a MINI in conjunction with the optional xenon lights.
This technology allows the headlights to follow the line of upcoming corners to ensure maximum illumination of the road surface. The steering angle, yaw rate and speed of the car are all taken into account in determining the beam angle of the headlights. In addition, customers can now specify an automatic dimming function not only for the rear-view mirror but for the exterior mirrors as well.
Cabin fever
Inside the cars, the newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimized functionality and ergonomics.
Combined with the horizontal geometry of the interior and, in particular, the instrument panel, the displays in their purist, round design characterize the overall design theme of the cockpit. The central element is the MINI-signature center speedometer. The displays and controls for the entertainment system as well as the display for the optional MINI Connected and Navigation systems are integrated in the speedometer, while the tachometer remains a separate unit positioned, as befits a sporting car, behind the steering wheel in the driver’s line of sight.
A round transmitter finished in typical MINI style replaces the conventional door and ignition key, with the driver controlling engine operation with a start/stop button. All instruments and controls are very smooth and easy to operate, positioned at the right point for optimum ergonomics.
Background illumination in five colors
The interior lighting reflects typical MINI style and class, with the addition of ambient lighting which can be varied in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue. Serving as discreet “waterfall illumination†from above and as indirect illumination of the roof lining, the door storage bins and the door handle recesses, this illumination scheme creates a unique atmosphere inside the 2011 MINI.
The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by harmonious colors and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and color lines have also been extensively updated.
‘Design worlds’ help achieve detailed customization
The range of seat upholstery, interior colors, trim elements and color lines for all models of the new MINI family has also been extensively revised. Among the newly introduced options are the Cross Check cloth/leather combination, the interior color Polar Beige, trim elements in Striped Alloy, Black Checkered and Pepper White, and the Satellite Grey and Toffee Color Lines.
The selection of available colors and materials is set out on a model-specific basis. What’s more, the Rally, Classic and Scene “design worlds†have been introduced for the first time as a basis for creating a configuration of the MINI which fits the owner’s personal style. Each of these design worlds comprises a carefully coordinated combination of body paint finish, roof color, wheel design, interior color, upholstery, trim elements, color line and other visual details.
They represent a recommendation by the MINI design team and lend each car an extremely coherent character. In customary MINI style, additional – and almost limitless – customization can be achieved by varying the individual components of each design world and adding further items from the extensive range of equipment and accessories.
All the models in the new MINI family come as standard with a wealth of interior features which underline their high level of quality even more strikingly than before, as well as ensuring optimized functionality.
The distinctive design of the cockpit, all the controls and the door and side trim exudes cutting-edge exclusivity, a virtue now accentuated further by an extremely harmonious color scheme and high-quality materials.
All of the buttons and switches (and their surrounds) on the center console below the center speedo are now black, as are the controls and framing of the audio system display. The air conditioning controls are bordered by a chrome ring, and another chrome highlight can be found in the steering wheel. The keypads of the optional multifunction steering wheel are also in black.
More fun with even less guilt: The MINI engine
Cutting-edge drive system technology is the headline act in the improved range of engines for the new MINI family. Both MINI Cooper and the turbo-charged Cooper S models are equipped with an improved 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The engines include a host of technical features whose development is rooted in the engine expertise of the BMW Group, allowing both the Cooper and Cooper S to perform even better than the previous models did.
The MINI Cooper Hardtop accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The MINI Cooper S joins the forces of direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with the incredible power-enhancing and fuel-efficient technology known as Valvetronic, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. The MINI Cooper S Hardtop accelerates to from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. (MINI Cooper Clubman and Convertible 0-60 mph = 8.9 seconds; MINI Cooper S Clubman and Convertible 0-60 mph = 6.8 seconds).
The MINI Cooper produces 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, while the MINI Cooper S boasts 181 hp and 177 lb-ft respectively (192 lb-ft with overboost).
The 2011 MINI vehicles are expected to maintain their impressive fuel economy ratings, but official figures will be issued closer to delivery this fall.
Both the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S engines are equipped with fully variable valve management, which is based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines. This technology optimizes the engine’s responses and, at the same time, significantly reduces fuel consumption and emission levels.
MINI remains environmentally conscious
New technology in the MINI lineup makes its contribution to further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
All MINI models come with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronization of the gears is further optimized by a carbon coating for the clutch linings.
Complete range of safety equipment.
The modified structure of the body shell as well as a wide range of safety features help to ensure the 2011 MINI meets or exceeds all accident-protection requirements. In a recent NHTSA test, MINI excelled in all aspects with four- and five-star ratings.
Reflecting the premium standard of the brand, MINI models come with a wide range of safety equipment, including six standard airbags to enhance occupant safety. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all models and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is optional. DTC also includes an EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock) function that controls wheelspin on the drive wheels during acceleration by using front brake force to manage the speed and torque differential between the wheels.
Active safety is enhanced in critical driving situations by the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), as well as Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) control standard on the MINI Cooper S with on/off control.
Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes and builds up maximum brake pressure very quickly. Hill Assist start-off assistance, in conjunction with DSC, maintains brake pressure for up to three seconds after the brake pedal has been released and before the clutch has been engaged, to prevent the car from rolling back when setting off on an uphill gradient.
Performance tires standard on all MINIs
The MINI Cooper comes standard with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65 R 15 performance tires. The MINI Cooper S, in turn, is equipped with 16-inch light-alloy rims and 195/65 R 16 runflat tires. Even larger 17-inch rims running on 205/45 R 17 tires are available as an option.
The MINI Cooper S models boast run flat tires as yet another standard feature, modified in this case to reflect the suspension set-up of the MINI. Thanks to their failsafe running characteristics, these tires allow the driver to go on motoring even when a tire is completely flat, covering a distance of up to 90 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph.
And every 2011 MINI is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) that permanently monitors air pressure and informs the driver in the event of an emergency.
Entertainment and Navigation system
The new audio and navigation systems and optional integration platforms for external music players and mobile phones all offer top-class entertainment and communications capability. All the radio systems include an MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection to hook up external music players with the on-board audio system. Even the standard-fitted MINI CD radio comes with six loudspeakers. The radio now boasts newly designed controls, and the radio’s volume control and station selector are now positioned at the same level.
The MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation systems come with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display in the Center Speedo and a Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface. The maps for the navigation systems are stored on an on-board flash memory device and can be updated via a USB interface. The map display can be viewed in a day and night mode.
In conjunction with the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with USB audio interface, which also includes a snap-in adapter in the center console with charging function and a roof aerial, both the MINI Connected and MINI Connected with Navigation system allow the use of add-on functions supported by a connected mobile device.
These include audio streaming via Bluetooth, album cover artwork display on the on-board monitor, Web Radio, and innovative office functions. For example, caller lists stored on a mobile phone and business cards from contacts can be viewed on the on-board monitor. In addition, the optional voice output function allows calendar entries recorded in a smartphone to be read out.
Accessories – Unique Features for the Individualist
Supplementing the car’s standard equipment as well as the options offered by the factory, the new MINI may be further personalized through a wide range of Genuine MINI Accessories. All of these items provide a perfect match for the 2011 MINI and meet the quality and safety standards of the BMW Group.
Roof Graphics and Exterior components made of carbon-fiber
By tradition, special roof graphics and mirror caps play an important role in customizing the MINI. The 2011 MINI offers the Union Jack, Checkered Flag and the letters “MINI†amongst its roof graphics.
Mirror caps and door handle trim with the Union Jack and Checkered Flag motifs highlight the British heritage and sporting DNA of the MINI. And to add to this, the 2011 MINI is also available with exterior components from the John Cooper Works Tuning Range made by hand from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. These include panels for the front air scoop, the exterior mirrors, and the grab handle on the tailgate.
<p>When can we expect the official EPA ratings on the refreshed MINIs?</p>
<p>Black headlight housings as a no-charge option is a nice surprise. Who would have guessed that MINI would pass up an opportunity to charge for an option!</p>
<p>Any word on pricing? My orederin’ trigger finger is getting antsy.</p>
<p>I wonder how package pricing will change if both the optional Mini Connected and Convenience Package are ordered together (given the overlap of Bluetooth prep).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Black headlight housings as a no-charge option is a nice surprise. Who would have guessed that MINI would pass up an opportunity to charge for an option!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We had already reported that along with quite a few individual bits of options pricing over the last few weeks. Just check the 2011 LCI section.</p>
<p>Are the black headlights going to be on the Aug builds (launch) or at a later date, like Ice Blue and velvet Silver?</p>
<p>As much as I love to bash my current ’07 interior, I’m also having reservations about the new one. I love the classy look, but is it TOO understated? Have we lost too much of the R53’s cheekiness? I guess I’ll have to see it configured different ways before I make up my mind.</p>
<p>BTW, love the brake ducts, can’t stand the front and rear bumper treatments. Ick.</p>
<p>Hi Gabe,</p>
<p>I have just completed an order at MIni in the UK for a new 2011 Cooper S. In the UK they want around $500 for those adaptive headlight! What a shame, i was looking forward to those. Also i note on here you said that the USA models will have the option of black headlight for free. When we spec’ed up the car here that wasn’t even an option. Do you know if that is correct and they are not offering it in the UK?</p>
<p>Many Thanks</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Are the black headlights going to be on the Aug builds (launch) or at a later date, like Ice Blue and velvet Silver?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>They should be available for august builds.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Do you know if that is correct and they are not offering it in the UK?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I don’t know for sure but I’d be shocked if they weren’t available in the UK in some way.</p>
<p>Btw we mentioned in the past but why they allow black headlights on the normalpdels and not on the JCWs is beyond me.</p>
<blockquote>BTW, love the brake ducts, can’t stand the front and rear bumper treatments. Ick.</blockquote>
<p>Just don’t get the optional chrome line exterior. The ducts pretty much become stealth like.</p>
<p>I have a question on the interior.
In the promo photo above, the interior is all black and has the Chrome line interior package added to give it accents.
IF, the Chrome Line interior is not added, the interior and dash will be all black/dark, save for the tach and speedo faceplate?</p>
<p>… still waiting for the R59….</p>
<p>The depiction (why not a photo?) of the base Cooper Cabrio was the only example provided of the new Cooper front fascia and looked great. Somehow keeping the Mk II style while creating a little more flow. Well done.</p>
<p>@Aurel, I think if you don’t get the chrome interior, then the parts in chrome (other than around AC and on steering wheel as mentioned above) will be in that standard silver colour.</p>
<p>This looks like a forced refresh to me. It’s been three years so lets stick some chrome trim on the outside and tweak a few minor details. The 3rd gen car can’t come quickly enough for me.</p>
<p>Nearly all the refresh changes are needed and appreciated but a beige headliner?! Even in cars with black seats or arctic white seats?! If so, the anthracite headliner option just went from “nice if you can get it” to “dear god please get it!”</p>
<p>The change to 30% tint on sunroof glass (from current 10%) is great to see and proves that MINI does listen to owner comments / complaints. Kudos to MINI for that (and to MF for giving owners a high visibility forum to “speak” to MINI from!).</p>
<p>Zzzzzz.</p>
<p>Nice to see the refresh changes in detail. As for Mini HAVING to do this, I disagree. Believe it or not, Mini’s are still selling. Maybe not like two years ago, but…..The confusing part of this is that they say that the new headlights are $100 extra. Is this on top of the HID $500 option price, or are the HID’s now $100? Can’t wait for the configuration on MINIUSA.</p>
<blockquote>Just don’t get the optional chrome line exterior. The ducts pretty much become stealth like.</blockquote>
<p>For me it’s not just the appearance of the chrome brake ducts (that can be optioned off), but the way the standard front bumper features a lower grille that’s much larger than the upper, and the way the lower grille on the S bumper juts out and doesn’t flow with the rest of the bumper or the appearance of the car.</p>
<p>Is the JCW Aero kit staying the same, or being restyled as well? Don’t recall seeing anything about changes to it in all the information posted recently, which may be for the better.</p>
<p>Love the new electronics options coming with the refresh. Interior changes I could take or leave (except the beige headliner – yuck!). Exterior-wise, the only thing I see that I like is the optional black headlights.</p>
<p>One of the earliest pictures of the JCW in Pepper White showed with the JCW Aero and it appears to be the same as last years with the brake cooling ducts. Remember, that was the change made last year to the Aero kit? No chrome though. With my JCW, I’m afraid that I will have to move the JCW badge to the upper grille, or move it to the engine compartment. Looks too hinky in the lower grille.</p>
<blockquote>The confusing part of this is that they say that the new headlights are $100 extra. Is this on top of the HID $500 option price, or are the HID’s now $100?</blockquote>
<p>The “adaptive” option that turns headlights with the steering wheel is $100 extra, on top of the HID price.</p>
<p>Zzzzzzz.</p>
<p>I know that all these changes, whether you like them or not are all subjective. Personally, I really like the new front bumper. Without the chrome brake ducts, of course. And, I am beginning to like the rear, when i can see the lower fog and back up lights without the chrome. Add the JCW side skirts, and it might be quite a nice package. As for the JCW Aero there are parts of it I just can’t get a handle on. The overly large openings around the rear fogs, for example, as well as around the front fog lights. Never have liked those.</p>
<p>But a question for Gabe, beings as the taillights have changed (like them too) what is Mini doing about the rear fogs in the JCW Aero package?</p>
<p>I note that the US release indicates the turbocharged version of 1,6 L engine produces 181 HP, yet the UK website indicates their engine produces 184 HP. Why the discrepancy? I can’t believe the US has more restrictive environmental controls than the UK.</p>
<p>Europe has a different formula for measuring horsepower, hence the slight difference in advertised power. Same thing with the JCW, European advertised power 211 and USA at 208.</p>
<p>Is it just me or do the seats in the “S” look a lot less supportive than the seats in the R53? Smaller bolsters, flatter, less lateral support.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Is it just me or do the seats in the “S†look a lot less supportive than the seats in the R53? Smaller bolsters, flatter, less lateral support.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>They haven’t changed from the original R56 and are in fact a little more aggressively bolstered.</p>
<blockquote>But a question for Gabe, beings as the taillights have changed (like them too) what is Mini doing about the rear fogs in the JCW Aero package?</blockquote>
<p>There is no change.</p>
<blockquote>The depiction (why not a photo?) of the base Cooper Cabrio was the only example provided of the new Cooper front fascia and looked great. </blockquote>
<p>MINIs official photos collection was a little sparse this time. Look for more soon.</p>
<p>So, the new color Ice Blue will be available on “all models”, not just the Clubman and convertible as originally reported. Is this verified?</p>
<p>so the JCW bodykit remains exactly the same? where will the back-up lamps for the led tails be?</p>
<p>I know this has nothing to do with the driving experience, but surprised to see no mention of the iPod/iPhone out feature that’s been such a big part of the PR materials related to the European launch for the 2011 update.</p>
<p>It’s alluded to in the section on Navigation and Entertainment, but no specific call-out on iPhone integration as was the case in the global launch release.</p>
<p>Is there a chance that the enhanced iPhone integration won’t make it into the initial batch of US 2011 models?</p>
<p>Not a deal breaker for me, but tight integration with the iPhone would be a nice bonus feature.</p>
<p>BTW, thanks for maintaining this fantastic resource–it’s been enormously useful for this prospective Cooper S buyer.</p>
<p>“Spice Orange will be available on the Hardtop and the Clubman models.”</p>
<p>Is this ‘in addition to the Cabrio’ or did something change? We’re hoping to order a Cabrio in Spice Orange, since we still have no idea what the ‘true’ BRGII color is.</p>
<p>With the new clutch…does that mean that the crappy LUC clutches are gone for good…or is it just new and improved crap?</p>
<p>What color is that on page 6 of the photos, labeled P90062440 to P90062444? I like!</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Is this ‘in addition to the Cabrio’ or did something change? We’re hoping to order a Cabrio in Spice Orange, since we still have no idea what the ‘true’ BRGII color is.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Sure we do. We showed it to you a few weeks ago. Check the 2011 LCI section.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s alluded to in the section on Navigation and Entertainment, but no specific call-out on iPhone integration as was the case in the global launch release.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not 100% sure yet. I’m guessing it’ll be available at launch but frankly MINI has too much to talk about at this point.</p>
<p>We were about to pull the trigger on a 2011 S with Navigation and we were informed from our dealer that the Mini Connected would not be available for awhile. The old Nav would be installed. This is a deal breaker for me. We have an 07 cooper with the Nav and the UI is terrible. This really disappointments me that Mini would advertise it as a standard option in the press release.</p>
<p>I’m surprised that your dealer has that information as the dealers that I am working with, have next to no information on anything, other than colors. Also, I don’t know how they can put the old NAV in the new 2011’s as everything is different about the entertainment system. I think that you ought to do as I am, waiting until August comes to actually see on MINIUSA’s configuration what is there. That will tell you what is available, and what isn’t, or if something is delayed. I’m betting that your dealer is just guessing, trying to get you to buy a 2010. Just my opinion, of course.</p>
<p>Who knows, I could of gotten bad info. You do make a good point about the 2010 nav in the 2011. Looks like waiting is the best option. I can’t wait until they roll out the new configurations!</p>
<p>Cody, as big a deal as this is, I just can’t imagine it NOT being available in the beginning. Of course they could have detected bugs in the system that could hold up production, which would be a good thing. But then, what would they sell you then, the basic system? Let’s just wait and see. I’m with you, in looking forward to the new configuratiions. I’m thinking that they’ll be available on line about August 1st. I’m wondering if someone orders a 2011 JCW on August 1st, or thereabouts, when I would receive it. I’m thinking late October.</p>
<p>Well you can build and order a 2011 MINI in the UK with MINI Connect, so Im sure it will be there on launch. The Launch is Sept 18th, so Prob end of Sept for East coast for Aug builds.</p>
<p>Are the auto folding mirrors for reverse and parallel parking coming still to the 2011s? (Ones that fold down to show ground)</p>
<p>Gabe, I just noticed this that I highlighted below. This past year, MiniUSA made standard the multifunction steering wheel, as it had been an option in 2009. From the way that I read this, it appears that it to be an option again. Is this true?</p>
<p>“The keypads of the optional multifunction steering wheel”</p>
<p>Probably answered somewhere above but…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Will the US see the amber taillight set up?</p></li>
<li><p>has something changed with the roof to body measurements? Seems it doesn’t bother me as much as before when it seemed the roof to body was a bit to squatty. Maybe I’m just finally getting used to it.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>DUDE: I think that we’re getting the combination tail lights that Europe is getting, at least that’s my take. That’s the reason why I question that the JCW Aero package is the same in the rear, as there is no place for the back up lights, as before they were part of the tail lights. They could put back up lights in the area that is used for rear fog lights, but why. It’d be easier, I think, just to make a modificatiion to the Aero rear fog light area.</p>
<p>As for the roof? I think that we are getting use to it, I felt the same way. Actually, in Red, I’m getting to like it alot.</p>
<p>I still haven’t received an answer as to if the Multi function steering wheel is standard this year, or are they back to charging for it? According to this article here, it appears that the wording gives me the impression that it is an option again. That doesn’t make sense.</p>
<p>I just looked at the German site and during the configuration I noticed that you can’t order the black headlight units together with the adaptive headlights!? Does someone know why?</p>
<p>On Mini.de configuator, you can select the black headlights, but not together with adaptive headlights….which I hope is not true, as that would be a bummer. I want Black adaptive headlights….</p>
<p>I was under the impression that the blackened out headlight option would be available with the adaptive lights, too. Still, the biggest miss is not being available on the JCW, which really sucks. Of course, that could change.</p>
<p>yeah the black headlight option is not on the dealer code ordering sheet, that sheet leaked online…but im looking for the S convertible one.</p>
<p>*JCW hardtop dealer code order sheet</p>
<p>Jas, What do you mean JC hordtop dealer code order sheet? Do you kow something that we don’t know? I wonder if the black headlites COULD be ordered with the JCW if you knew the dealer codes.</p>
<p>Back in the 60s, that was how Dodge station wagons, and sedans got the 426 hemi motors, you just checked the box for 426 hemi. It was a known fact in 67, that the hemi was only available in the GTX, but some tudor sedans got them, the same for station wagons, they made 2, and 4 fordoor sedans.</p>
<p>Maybe we could do the same for the JCW. Let’s hope? No, doubt it.</p>
<p>The black headlight code is not on the order sheet for JCW:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/attachments/mini-stuff/533d1278590770-2011-jcw-hardtop-dealer-ordering-code-guide-mini_ordering-guide_my2011-ab-aug_sep-2010-_pdf.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/attachments/mini-stuff/533d1278590770-2011-jcw-hardtop-dealer-ordering-code-guide-mini_ordering-guide_my2011-ab-aug_sep-2010-_pdf.pdf</a></p>
<p>So i doubt its possible. Ill be waiting a bit more, since MINI Connected is delayed, hoping only a couple weeks, like Sept/Oct Builds, but who knows.</p>
<p>I will be looking forward to the parts pricing being available. – i have a 2005 MCS with the chrome package and I would like to just try adding the chrome ring on the new steering wheel.</p>
<p>The chrome is part of the airbag module and you cannot retrofit the r56 airbag module to an r53.</p>
<p>Does anybody know if the lumbar thing has changed with the 2011 Minis? Earlier it was cloth or leatherette=No lumbar support, cloth/leather or leather=lumbar support? Thanks.</p>