I wish I'd had the money to order a dozen clones of my car on the day I took delivery back in 2005. I got exactly the car I wanted and I used it for a daily driver for 3 years. I saw the writing on the wall and stopped driving mine except sparingly for fun. My regret is that I couldn't afford a lifetime supply of them back when the getting was good.
The more I see the F56, the more I like it. I definitely prefer the Cooper's grill design over the S. Its cleaner looking with the chrome drawing my eye away from the black bumper. I also think the white bonnet stripes make the LED headlight rings stand out less. So I'm not getting the "startled expression" when looking at it. I'd really like to see the S in another color scheme because I have a feeling it would make a difference. Of course I want to see one in person, especially with so many writing the F56 off as "too big." Overall I think both models are recognizably MINI though and I wouldn't hesitate to own one. That said I plan on being joined at the hip with my R56 for several more years. :biggrin5:
Those new motors in an R50/R53 would be killer. The N20 is a great motor...enjoying the one in our F30.