Next Generation MINI Spy Photos Show More Modern Interior

I will have to wait for better pictures to comment on weather or not I like the new look.
I will comment on something mentioned in the article though. They are hoping/predicting that there will be some sort of phone integration/I-drive that will make the current MINI connected look like Windows 95. I like my smartphone but it's a tool with a somewhat limited life I just don't see myself owning it for 10 years. A car however hopefully will last longer than 10 years, especially an enthusiast model. My issue with "smart" dashboards, is what will they look/feel like in 10+ years? At what point will updates be no longer available? Even if everything works well in 10+ years it will likely feel very outdated. Just like the Windows 95 example. I am sure there are a few Win95 machines still out there, and they may still work well, maybe grandma just uses it to check her e-mail, but I sure would not want to have to deal with a win95 computer on a daily basis.

 

A very good point indeed.. When we purchased in 1999 a new BMW, we also ponied up an extra $1,600.00 for the integrated phone, a phone that with the advent of digital signals became outdated very quickly and now resides in a box in the garage and a factory cup holder put in it's place...

When Chip Foose does one of his creations, he always keeps the then cutting edge electronics hidden because he says that, that is the first thing to become dated on an automobile...:frown5:

Give me the stuff that makes the car perform and tells me what it is doing, I'll take care of the rest with my smart phone and it's latest iteration..

 

So far, I can't say I am impressed with the BMW-ization of the new models...

If I wanted a freaking BMW, I would have gotten one.

KEEP MINI MINI!

 

BMW's seeming answer to every question is: BIGGER. We went and looked at the new 3 series and it is positively huge, with this new long overhang over the front wheels. Looking at the spy shots of the new Mini, you can see that influence... Then read the above description and note the words, larger, wider, roomier, etc.... Not a Mini Cooper and certainly not words that should apply to a 3 series that is now the size of an old seven...ut:

PS: ...and in the mean time, Subaru and Toyota are about to release a small, light, wonderfully agile car.....

 

This is the 5 series, certainly much bigger than when it started.

 

Like to see a pic like that beginning with the 2002 all the way through to this new beast..but I can't find one.:frown5:

 

Yeah, BMW/MINI should take a page from Porsche and try to understand the desire to stay MINI....

 

If it is actually representative, I'm liking the center stack over its stock R56 predecessor but wonder if the optional Nav/Connected interface will suffer from less real estate. Can't say the same for the steering wheel, which now looks like your run-of-the-mill Ford Focus.

Those funky side mirrors are still hangin' around...

 

I hear ya Mark and can not agree more. However, I was talking with a lady at the other barn today, who is in the market for a new car and was asking about mine. The words "I really like it", "it is cute and classy", "it looks like a lot of fun" came up, followed by "it is just too small for me", "if it were bigger, I'd buy one", "I don't think anything that small can be safe", "I wish they made a bigger one".

I went into sales pitch mode, but no sale. "Maybe if it were bigger" were her last words.

Perhaps BMW is going for the "bigger" market, rather then we few loyal followers. Look how they dealt with the WRC for example.

Jim

 

No doubt that they are Jim....


.....and in the mean time, loyalist are getting wondering eyes.

 

Exactly.

 

MINI already make a big cruiser for those who need big. Yep the countrygal or countryguy depending on gender. Oh & let's not forget the 3 door pac-man concept.

 

Now, I'm justa thinking out loud here, but IF they were to completely change the MINI and we lose the go-kart handling we all love, as well as the look, not to mention the price hike, it would be a perfect opportunity for Fiat get their act together and come out with a successor. They won't, but the window will be open.

Jim

 

It will get bigger and bigger(like the 3 series) then after a few generations they will introduce a smaller MINI (1 series)

 

I'm not even sure where to start commenting on this thread....

I traded my R56 in for an R53.... I never quite liked it as much as my R50... It didn't have that tight and stiff handling my first MINI had.

You will always have the "it's too small" crowd...... My mom drives an Expedition because she feels safe with a lot of metal around her. She refuses to drive in my "death trap". It's better that way :devil:

Anyway, I just don't see me buying another MINI in the future..... Unless I can find another nice R53.

 

Maybe Mini will follow the big 3 in Detroit. They made great cars for years then all of a sudden they made 20 years worth of completely ugly and HUGE cars. Then out of the blue one day they bring back the one's the people really like as a retro models. (cough r53)
Maybe Mini will do just like the big 3 did with the Mustang, Challenger, and last but not least the new Camaro.

Just think in 10 to 15 years we could see a new Retro R53 with all wheel drive, reliable power stearing pump, a metal thermostat housing, and a lower front mounted Supercharger intercooler.

 

The trend towards bigger seems counter-intuitive to me, but Americans will always like big cars, I suppose. It surprises me that the European market would embrace larger cars though. Isn't the modern trend smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient?

 

As much as we are a nation of car lovers I think at the core most people are more concerned with comfort and image. Big is comfy. I remember seeing on another forum someone defending the popularity of full size pick ups with the argument that Americans have hoses and need to do yard work/home renovations. Trucks do have their uses but to say most people need them to transport Clip-Clop across 5 states and pick up a house's worth of drywall several times a year is ridiculous, it's the image they want.
Take handling as an example, there are two definitions. Being MINI owners handling is about how a car goes around a corner, how well it brakes/accelerates, basically the overall driving dynamic. Talking with several people over the years their understanding of handling is ride quality.
Anyway I think I have gone off topic enough.

 

Time to buy spare R52/R53's. Several.