MotoringFile Most liked posts in thread: Frank Stephenson: MINI Has Lost it

Wait until Dave puts a picture of an R53 next to an F56 up...Then we'll see how well the new look holds up.

I'm thinking it's not going to be pretty...The base may get by with really bad reflux, but I'm pretty sure the S side by side will result in intractable regurgitation. Just make sure you have some gatorade around to quickly rehydrate, just in case.

 

I tried prilosec OTC, but you really need to go IV to give it a fighting chance...:cornut:

 

I was less attentive to what Frank said than to the interviewer's questions, which seemed to read like:

"The newer designs for MINI really suck, don't they?"

"The MINI designers are cheap ass douchebags, right?"

Etc.

Weird.

 

it's funny that the R53 lovers seem to have forgotten that it is also a BMW

 

Dave O. did your R53 come from the factory with better brakes,, more torque, lighter weight and better handling? or is that a mere improvement with after market parts? If the latter then maybe straight from the factory it wasn't so great!

 

You all are just stuck in your ways and I completely understand that, but the new MINI will sell. You can come along for the ride or not. Simple as that. Good old R53's will be welcome at MOTD, along with the classics.

 

This is true, but I'm still hearing the Porsche purists screaming. WATER COOLED!!! :mad2:

:wink:

 

The "classic" look is still there. The proportions may have changed, but the look has held up very well. The driveline/engine changes don't change the car IMO. I have no issues with the changes made to the new MINI's engines and such, just with the exterior/interior funny-ness.

 

LOL. Good comebacks gang. Let me explain. Is the R53 closer in looks to the classic Mini? Yes. Does it have the low end torque of the R56? No (and the AC vents work). Does the R56 have some issues (carbon build up)? Yes. Is the F56 bigger and have too many gadgets? Yes. BUT, there have been improvements to the engine and the over all body design looks like a MINI and not like every other car on the road. Did I like the classic, back in the day? Yes. Would it be my daily driver today? No. (heck, if I was going to go that route I would be driving an Austin Healey 3000).

All I'm saying is, MINI is fixing mistakes, keeping the car within safety standards (I hate the safety approved riding helmet I have to wear now) and still keeping it looking like a MINI. I'm good with all that, but when it starts looking like a Ford Taurus, I'm out of here. :lol::lol:

 

Well said Zippy. Although I like a relaxed fit. More room for big Jim & the twins.

 

If I missed this.... Go ahead and pull it Nathan...

If not.... Here is the XCAR presentation...

[ame=http://youtu.be/o05aWYA4vj8]New MINI Cooper S: The closest look you'll get - YouTube[/ame]

 

I hadn't seen the XCAR video. If this new version is anywhere close as fun to drive as the 1st or 2nd generation and gets close to the fuel economy numbers they mention that would be pretty amazing in my book.

 

I dunno. He lost me at "Longer, Wider and Taller."

The base does have impressive MPG numbers, and that will appeal. The performance of the JCW/GP S, depending on what they do with the 2.0 liter, might as well. The stock S, meh.....