Sully submitted a new Article: New York MINI Social, Motoring Alliance, GP3 Concept... yea! Read more about this article here...
Nice write up Josh. I know a couple of guys that are waiting to jump on one if they actually produce it.
While I typically try to focus on the positive aspects of any design, even Gen 3s, I can't come up with one for this. Maybe the seats?
I dont think its the best looking Mini out there, that one is in my driveway! If they made it, and I know they won't, it would be a purpose built car. How many manufactures do that these days. I just really thank that alone makes it cool. Look at F1 those cars are ugly as the day is long because of all the aero hung on them. Even though I am not the biggest fan of the Gen3 if I had the money I would buy one and mod the crap out of that 2.0. It would be nice to see Mini change directions, this may be a hint that someone there gets it.
MINI needs to do a 180 in design. They have not made a good looking MINI is years. They need to design and build a small minimal car that driving enthusiasts will want just like the first gen. Then when they sell like ICE in Hell then they can design and build all the ugly hipster cars. They need to take a page out of the Porsche book. Make the 911 which you can still buy stripped down and refined amd also build those big ugly SUV things and other great cars like the Cayman. Yes, my next car will be a silver Cayman S .
Thanks - it was a good time. Agreed - if they actually produce it, I would have to consider buying on for sure. Interior was very nice looking. Also from what I understand the Gen 3 interiors overall are better quality when compared to Gen 1 and Gen 2. Agree 100%... I'm thinking the Renault 5 street car based on the Rally car... (granted it was mid engine...). In person, to me it was very cool, especially if the body work is based on wind tunnel testing. If so, then they should produce it. Were there some things cosmetically I think would make it look more sleek, yes. However if those wide body flares and inlets are functional, I'm good with them.
I 100% agree with this. If you look at the classic Mini, they did a good job of keeping the Cooper at its original roots. They did produce all kinds of different variations including Bread vans etc that were larger. But the Cooper, like the 911 was kept small. I think they could do that while building the bigger ones for folks who want the size.. again similar to Porsche. When Porsche came out with the SUV, I like everyone else thought they were crazy. I figured they would come out with a 4 door first. However, I was wrong. The Cayenne is what actually saved Porsche. They sold way more of those than the 911. I think Porsche has done a good job managing the brand while keeping their hard core enthusiast. That said, the early 2000's they strayed a little.. has some issues but were able to recover. They however will always be challenged since the 911 frankly is not as good handling car as the Cayman. Rear verse mid engine. You see them slowly adjusting with pulling the 911 engine forward. Again, good choice do it over time.
Great write up! I wish I could have been there! The building was really cool from what I could tell. I can't blame you for drooling over the concept. Its way cool! Even if it is butt ugly. Just a couple notes I noticed: "0059" could be in reference to the first year the Mini was released, 1959. And The roof scoop is most likely for cabin ventilation than street cred. Theres a few guys I track with that cut there roofs to get more air flow. It gets hot in a track car!
Thanks - need to finish up the classic Mini. There is already an Article from MINI on it. Mine would be more pics. Wish I had taken more at this point. It was nice. Good catch on the 59.. bet that is what it stands for. I’ll see if I can get confirmation from that. Regarding the hood scoop. Good point. I could see that for racing.