96 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Yes it has some clever design going on, but to call these crestions a Mini seems just wrong to me. At least they haven't called it a Sprite or a Mayfair - like the 'Clubman'.

Matt

You missed this MINI Mayfair special edition in 2009 then..............

"Both the MINI 50 Mayfair and the MINI 50 Camden are available with two petrol engines and one diesel. Launched into the market in September 2009, production of the MINI 50 Mayfair and the MINI 50 Camden starting exactly fifty years after the official presentation of the classic Mini and being limited to just one year."
http://www.autoexpre...n_revealed.html

[j-b_2009]

the front is too stretched to make it aerodynamic so theres gonna be way less room in the back or the boot. and those size wheels....

[Sh3itskees]

I don't understand how the tail lights would even make any sense. Seems like someone would make a cruel joke of walking around and just ripping those things off.

[minili]

I am with the majority or people with regards to the impractical and unattractive rear lights, however I actually like the concept as a whole, it's cute and quirky! A Mini Bini!

[mab01uk]

I don't understand how the tail lights would even make any sense. Seems like someone would make a cruel joke of walking around and just ripping those things off.

Concept cars always have features like this which may be impractical but provoke comment and attract attention. However, many other 'real' possibilities being developed are also usually included to test out the press and public reaction. I'm sure eventually some of the new innovations and styling features (like LED 'halo' headlights) will find there way into all the future Mk3 generation of the MINI range due to replace the current Mk2 platform, which was really more of an update/evolution by BMW of Rover's original Mk1 New MINI design (R50/R53) to improve reliablity, refinement, lower build costs and conform with latest safety and emission regulations.

Edited by mab01uk, 26 February 2011 - 03:42 PM.

[boffster]

Looks good

However why are some of you still saying "ohh boo hoo it's not a real Mini, how can BMW put Mini on it, waa waa"?

BMW owns the Mini brand and has done for over 10 years now, so just get over the fact that they make Minis!

Did you act this way when it changed from Austin to BL, or BL to Austin Rover, or Austin Rover to Rover Group?

Personally I love that BMW care so much about the heritage and are doing their best to keep the spirit of the old Mini alive. I own a new Mini and a classic Cooper and love both.

I reckon it is just a 21st Century MINI. It doesn't quite have the same intentions as the originals (German Company, selling for a decent profit, quite expensive) but they sell well and hat off to BMW for doing so.

I would buy one if it was tamed down, a decent set of rear lights fitted on it, plus a dashboard like the First Gen MINI's and Mini-like handling being fun to drive and not boring like other modern cars are. Maybe being a bit cheeky here but, could they finally do something Leyland-like and sell them for less than they make them so more people could afford them . Please!!

[mab01uk]

Maybe being a bit cheeky here but, could they finally do something Leyland-like and sell them for less than they make them so more people could afford them . Please!!

Classic Mini's were actually not cheap cars new in their later years of the 1990's and Mk1 New MINI's from 2001 now sell for around £3000 to £3500 which is less than most late MPI's or good condition classic Mini's of any year.........

[mike.]

Looks like a step in the right direction to me. Wheels need to be big to give ground clearance whilst still having low suspension and to cover bigger brakes of modern cars. Rear lights would never end up on the real thing anyway so I wouldn't take them seriously but overall looks good to me.

The main thing that bugged me about BMW minis was the fact it was called 'mini' when it was bigger than all the other small hatches likes fiestas/clios etc - So at least now it deserves to be called mini!

[mab01uk]

The main thing that bugged me about BMW minis was the fact it was called 'mini' when it was bigger than all the other small hatches likes fiestas/clios etc - So at least now it deserves to be called mini!

But if you actually compare dimensions the Mk1 New MINI is smaller than similar era superminis like the Fiesta/Clio, etc. It is even slightly shorter than the rather upright Toyota Yaris in overall length to the surprise of many. Likewise the later Mk2 New MINI is smaller than later versions of common superminis like the Fiesta/Clio/Corsa and Yaris, etc.

[Juju]

When can we go test-drive one, purleeeease?

[boffster]

Maybe being a bit cheeky here but, could they finally do something Leyland-like and sell them for less than they make them so more people could afford them . Please!!

Classic Mini's were actually not cheap cars new in their later years of the 1990's and Mk1 New MINI's from 2001 now sell for around £3000 to £3500 which is less than most late MPI's or good condition classic Mini's of any year.........

I think I was typing that bit about the 70's . Rover didn't quite have as much pleasure of throwing money about here and there.

When can we go test-drive one, purleeeease?

+1

Edited by boffster, 01 March 2011 - 12:27 PM.

[Lukie-J]

They should fit those rear lights to old minis, easier to push when they break down then!
I'm intrigued as to whether they will try to make it and would be interested in it.
Think this is what they should have started out with.
Those bi-folding doors look like a brilliant idea.

[DanNomNom]

Quite a good set of photos here.

[CMcB]

Awesome car, much more in the spirit of the Mini - forward thinking. And it would be built out of carbon-fibre, that's kinda the point - getting 94 mpg might make some people think twice when you think petrol is averaging £1.30 now and only looking upwards.

The rear lights are a bit silly but the whole point of MINI is to be the leader in terms of revolutionary thought - just like the classic Mini was revolutionary. It's the same spirit that MINI are using as their mission statement.