Go Farkus, nice pics of the 60's Broadspeed Mini! ...the one on the right looks Porsche like yes...but really the main element is that it is a classic "fastback" or "slantback" and that design element has been around for decades. The fastback is timeless and the baseball cap while certainly unique, may end up being too much of a gimmick.
My guess is the Coupe looks the way it does because there was a need to produce both the Coupe & Roadster off the same platform. Considering those constraints I think they did a good job. It certainly does look MINI to me, as does the Clubman.
The one on the right changes things up for me. I have not been fond of the coupe on the left. Now, the one on the right? Love that and as soon as they make it I'll buy it..... Kent
The Pontiac Aztek was unique too...Does that make it a MINI as well?:biggrin5: The Coupe is going to be more of a limited run, more similar to the GP than anything else in the lineup (although with the various subtypes, not quite like the GP either). I seriously doubt there will be any major refresh, never know though. From what I've read, that lip on the back is functional. The only way to get that same function is to put a larger wing down lower, which isn't practical from a space standpoint, as you wouldn't be able to retract it. And if you can't retract it, then you can't open the rear hatch...
Not sure what the point of this discussion is... The car is what it is and unless you are planning to do a major structural rework of the roof, it ain't changin'. I like them both (nice work, Farkus). All of the current MINI's are uniquely MINI, in that when you look at them, there is not even a little doubt who the manufacturer is. Not sure where the limited run comment is coming from, as I am sure this thing will fly off the shelves, just like all the others do. It has already proven to be a competitive race car, in an endurance race nonetheless, which makes it even more desirable.
I'm waiting for the convertible. I like the look though, I think it works. The one thing about Mini at least there willing to try new things. Look at Porsche, I owned a 84 911 and there really isn't that much difference in todays models, thats where I agree with Clarkson. It's a blast to drive but I mean really whats so different. Mini on the other hand is on a design high right now with ideas and is actually building them.
Really think that the roof is what it is because it's not only an effort to be unique but also an effort to disguise the fact that this car was first built as a roadster (convertible) and then the roof was added instead of the other way around. They don't want it to look like a two seated Vert with a hardtop stuck on......see the Miata for an example. 2 cents.
It's a sendoff for the R56, with the next generation around the corner.... It really wasn't that competitive at the 'Ring though, finished much lower than where they started. But that's not what they were after; it was more an exercise in data aquisition than an attempt to be competitive. That will come later.
For the ones that like the car on the RIGHT, doesn't the MINI's hatch include the roof spoiler as it lifts up. If so there has got to be a way to take that off and then just add a bigger spoiler to the rear deck and WaaLaa you have what you want for the most part.. I like the one on the left.. The other is a 350Z with a wing.. and my wife has one of those.. ( minus the wing )
Why not? The moveable wing is part of the hatch that lifts. The helmet part also lifts with the hatch.
It was my understanding that the rear wing wouldn't clear, from those shots it would, I stand corrected. Only issue would be with rear visibility.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjGXn249Fc0]YouTube - What's Behind Me, It's Not Important‏[/ame]
The above said, it's a lot more MINIesque than those tractors that will soon be supplied to Fed Express by MINI. Hell, they even have the MINI wings on the bonnet!:nonod: