Got to wonder whether or not the owners of the classics hated the new MINI this much way back in 2001/2002...
They did, some still do. There are 1st Gen people that do the same to 2nd Gen. There are Morgan owners that are still aghast that they made a 4 wheeled machine too. It ruined the brand they claimed. It's the way of the world unfortunately.
Yeah, just seems more vehement. I'm a long time Jeep owner. Each succeeding generation it teased by the old heads that their Jeep isn't a real Jeep and in turn teases back about Stone Age technology of the previous generation. I'm struggling to recall anyone being this mean spirited.
Yup I have been told by classic owners I have a MINI cooper name plate only and not a true Mini. I was told its kind of like Ford using the Aston Martin grill on the Fusion because they owned Aston for a while. Does that make a Ford Fusion and Aston Martin, NO. I was told I have a BMW with a MINI badge that's all I have. My only reply was yup but I don't have LUCAS problems but I still like the classics.
Keepting the with the OP thread, just because... MINI of Loveland handed me the keys to two automatic F56s today and said go make the tires squeal. I did and so did Rich C, current MINI5280 President. So I don't have to retype here is my commentary on a posting on the G+ MINI Community. One of our local dealers (MINI of Loveland) rolled out a Cooper and a Cooper S for some spirited testing today by myself and our current MINI5280 Club president. On my FB page this was my comment about my experience driving both new F56 Turbos 3cyl and 4cyl. "The 3cyl Turbo Cooper was a surprise, you can get a lot of MINI with VG power and great low end for under 30K, this test MINI Cooper was loaded up. Needed a bit more tire and a little less wallow (fatter rear bar or stiffer springs/shocks), this was one had standard MINI setup. The F56 S was a stunner, went like snot and sounded very good, even with the enhanced sound output, it burbled rather nicely. Put 4 Driving lights across the front bumper and go enjoy. My initial review is a double thumbs UP, they are all MINI and have some really nice sport seats and interior features across the line up. Look for an article in the next MINI5280 newsletter for details." One of my commentors felt the new MINI catch phrase for the F56 S, should be "Goes like snot", it does rather well. I managed triple digits with the Cooper on a controlled road. I actually could own one. Don I will post a picture or two once I upload them, maybe by this weekend or not.
should be more like "looks like snot"...and with nostrils that big on that car you can blow some really big snot rockets and yes classic mini owners in some regards hate the Rxx BMW built minis though technically any mini from the mid 90's on is BMW since they bought the rover group then hell there are classic mini owners who hate other classic owners...some who think the only true Mini's are the Mk1/2 with sliding windows...some who think anything more than 10" wheels is a blasphemy and if you ditch the Lucas electrical (what i did) its a sin...
Well now. Old81 gives us another favorable F56 report. BREAKING NEWS: Meeke Leaves Citroen. Kris stated to the press, that the new Citroen is very fast, handles fantastically, but he hates the front bumper.
Well.... At least we cannot be called Luddites.... Most of us love tech....and when used in the right places, it can make things so much better many different levels.... Overtime, the car may grow on us...the huge tail-lights and odd nose might begin to look less odd...and MAYBE (let's hope) the reliability and extra mpg makes the car a winner.... Hate to say it...but looking at the gen2 "lifestyle" cars, the bar was set embarrassingly low... Gen1 mini's allowed the MINI to make a comeback..... Gen2, while fun for many, IMO, will quickly become a rare beast due to matainabilty issues.....we can only hope that gen3 does well.... Sad thing is many MINI diehards seem to moved on to cars like hotrodded ford compacts (focus st/rs)...or bought brz's... Only time will tell if MINI has lost its way....or just taken a bumppy road while trying to find its way....after all....MINI ( the bmw owned version) is about to become a teenager!!
As sales keep dropping maybe BMiniW will figure it out. BMW as also lost a huge amount of true M3 fans with the new M4. At least the M4 looks like a BMW because it is a BMW.
Yes, with all the traits of a teenager: gawky awkwardness and acne..... I liked this creature better when it was younger: playful, exuberant, attractive in a quirky way, always doing things to make you smile, and eager to please..... I know, I know, sour grapes, resistant to change....but the C6 had 9 years to grow up and it never ever appealed to me. I really don't see time healing my wound here either :cryin:
Saw a Cooper and an S in person last evening. No driving though as it was raining like the filming of Noah was about to start. IMHO: While not stunningly beautiful, they aren’t a face that only a mother could love either. As I read somewhere, there is nothing wrong with the front that a few fog/driving lights won’t hide/cure. I really liked the interior. The bottom outside corners of the hatch concern me as I suspect that the corners are just sharp enough and sculpted just enough to really snag someone who isn’t paying attention. Understand it is to each their own, but am glad I’ve seen it in person. In three or so years when I’m ready to trade my current MINI, I can safely see the F56 as a contender to keep me in the MINI fold.
I get the negative commentary when I take my '03 Silk Green Justa to British Car Shows. My reply to them is that even today's MINI would still be all British, if Rover had been able to keep its head above the water and not go under. I tell them that they should thank their lucky stars that BMW stepped in and re-presented the MINI in its NOW form. And then, I remind them that our BMW MINI is at least STILL assembled in England. My dry reply pretty much shuts them up...and then I go on to win my class at the show! :devil:
I guess you say that about the Classic owners, too...huh? I have 3 Gen 1"New" MINIs and will stay with them, TYVM...just like the Classic owners. If "remaining in the past" appears so bad to you then why do so many people still buy, restore and maintain the Classics? Why do so many first time owners choose the Gen 1 MINIs [aka the NEW Classics] over the newer ones? Like you said, "whatever...". Just make it a Mini/MINI, though!