Most liked posts in thread: Next Generation MINI Spy Photos Show More Modern Interior

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

I met a guy at the store the other day, who told me he had an R53 w/ everuthing. He also said that he only drives it in the summer, when the weather is nice and it has never been rained on. In about five years that car will be worth a fortune, if BMW keeps this up. :lol:

Jim

 

Yep the new 3 series whilst being longer, wider and taller is lighter than the iteration before, and it is a fantastic looking automobile if one is looking for a family size sedan...which is not what the 3 or the Mini Cooper is, no matter what the weight.

Alas, us back woods Americans just have a hard time getting up to speed sometimes and get stuck on our small cars....

 

Mark, remember back when the wave of foreign cars hit the U.S? That is exactly what they we called them "Foreign Cars". They caught on for awhile and sold well. It was a status symbol, of sorts, to own one. Then they just faded away. I think the new DOT safety regulations helped kill them.

Jim

 

Meh, I'd have told him I'd see him at the track. When you unload your whole track-day (jack, stands, tools, track wheels/tires, chair, cooler, etc...) AND whoop him on course he'll re-think "downsizing". :cornut:

I've said it before but I almost bought an '09 JCW Clubman before I ordered my '10 MCS. Enjoy that clubby.

In as far as the new F56 chassis I will note that the increased size isn't that much. There isn't a ton more interior room (two guys are kinda cramped in there). Beyond that look at the exterior pics. You can see a Mazda 2 in one shot. It makes a decent size reference. The F56 is STILL tiny.

 

I get ya with the bigger thing.. but things are going smaller too.. It's just two separate markets going in to opposite directions at the same time ! How nuts is that LOL ! Honda just came out with the CRZ a two seat throw back to the CRX (pretty tiny) and everyone of the Honda street crowd says if it came out in a non Hybrid model with a bit more whp they would def be interested. But then the Corolla is getting so big each model year it's soon going to be hard to tell it from a Camry. Ford & Chevy are both out with pretty tiny commuters. Now if you read my intro thread I'm not coming at the MINI from a totally traditional mind set. (Although I admire and respect heritage of any motor brand & MINI is no exception) The lightning response, ultra low power lag turbo, precises handling, and the tuning potential and yes it's size makes it a fantastic option and my ultimate choice for a city street machine. If the market was not so set as how the auto community looks at MINI the Clubman S or with JCW trim would def be considered in the "Hot Hatch" category with the likes of the Speed3 or the GTI ! I know with a little thinking out of the box I do ! Now I know enough of MINI heritage that many traditionalist see the MINI as a Motor for the wide open winding road... I mean it comes from a Rally background... And trust me that totally intrigues me ! So yes there is a market to be had for larger MINI's but I think instead of making the MINI larger across all production models perhaps a slightly dif added multi advertising campaign might be more effective. A good example of this multi approach is the current marketing campaign of the Ninja motorcycle believe it or not... LOL One commercial they have is the typical expected Ninja add spot of it going through the mean city streets at night winding through empty urban streets and mercury lit tunnels, with techno music blaring in the background. A totally different add has the same bike a Ninja winding through New England like country roads leaves falling on the ground driving under wooden covered bridges no less with some Enya like voice/music playing dramatically. If MINI (BMW) perhaps esp in the US promoted the cars as city conquers they would be more exposed to a growing market that is in fact looking for cars right now comparable in size that don't have nearly the performance, options and well street cred the MINI does.