It’s Festivus. That means it’s time for a lovely dinner, feats of strength, and the airing of grievances. Let’s*get to it. A rose. A universally accepted symbol of beauty.*But what makes it beautiful? Beauty isn’t a liquid or solid. It isn’t an essence or any other concrete thing.*Beauty is a trait ascribed to an object […] More...
Jennifer Lane was talking to me with this article... I wonder if anyone at BMW / MINI was absorbing it?
DTF content is usually somewhat superficial. By contrast, this was a thoughtful, entertaining read and (IMHO) right on the mark. Kudos to Ms. Lane.
I'm not throwing stones regarding the F56 design, it's just that I think the MINI design department missed the mark.... Perhaps.... There are basically three MINI groups of people.... (1) New buyers to the MINI family, that probably are OK with the F design... (2) Repeat MINI buyers, that probably are OK with the F design.... (3) Existing MINI owners, that find fault with the MINI F design.... The result being.... Some will buy the new design.... Some will not buy the new design... It's always better not to alienate a potential new buyer... I wonder if there was an indicator that came out of the focus groups?
What I posted there: Great article. Part of the problem with the size of the MINI is BMW's decision to share the 1 series platform with the F56 in order to keep costs down; that has affected the size (although not the front end design) as much or more than the pedestrian laws. They can do smaller, and do it well (See the Rocketman concept), they just choose not to. So yesterday we beat Joe up for posting DT article, today shouldn't we compliment him? Nah. Wouldn't be in the Festivus tradition.
Remember when MINIS were "not normal"? [ame="http://youtu.be/9lPuun7ODu8"]MINI - NOT NORMAL International Advertising Campaign - YouTube[/ame]
Now that the holidays are over I can get back to reading MA regularly. Nice read, on point and exactly how I feel on the subject. That's why I still own my R53 and plan on having it till it is "Un-fixable". Maybe that's why I am beginning to feel like an outsider at MINI events today?
This is a good article indeed and perhaps one of the most cordial and fair threads regarding the F56 that I have seen on MA by anyone. Like me, I think that first time Mini buyers that bought a F56 absolutely love the car. Those that own a Classic, R53 or R56 tend to be "less enthused" by the F56 for a variety of their own reasons. I for one am not bothered at all by the design of the nose or the fact that the car is bigger and heavier (see the comparisons below, you might be surprised). Compared to earlier Mini Gens I do love the tech, handling and the engine that comes with the F56. I appreciate the friendly conversation. Wikipedia Mini spec comparisons: R53 - 66.5" wide, 143.9 long, 97.1 wheelbase, 2678 lbs R56 - 66.3" wide, 146.2 long, 97.1 wheelbase, 2668 lbs F56 - 68" wide, 150.4 long, 98.2 wheelbase, 2760 lbs
Spot on. I have a '75 Clubman and just bought an '09 JCW Clubman. I was given a new S as a loaner. Yes, it's a great car, but when I stared out the window at it every morning it wasn't saying "lets go". Something in the proportions looks off to me, the snout, the bloated tail lights. It drives nice enough, but rev matching for downshifts, I don't even need to know how to heel/toe anymore. To me MINI is losing it's essence, it's uniqueness. I hope the one I have treats me right because at this rate I don't think I'll want a newer one.
