Details of Updated MINI

[todras]

The much-anticipated MINI update, officially the R56 platform, has finally surfaced. The styling has been mildly updated, though many casual observers may have a hard time telling the new from the old. The interior gets a more noticable freshening, and it will be interesting to see the improvements in material quality. The big news of course is the new range of engines, including a turbo instead of a supercharger for the Cooper S.- Ed.

The new MINI is warming up to continue the outstanding success of its predecessor. Consistently enhanced and refined in design, the new MINI comes in a new look and boasts all-new drivetrain technology for even greater agility.
Due to enter the market in late 2006, the MINI Cooper is powered by a 1.6-liter normal-aspiration engine developing maximum output of 120 hp, the MINI Cooper S comes with an even more powerful and dynamic 175 hp turbocharged engine.

Full story
http://www.mwerks.com/artman/publish...cle_1110.shtml

Image Gallery
http://www.mwerks.com/gallery/galler...0Cooper%20(R56)

[TourDeForce]

Most over-rated car ever. Cute little package, but expensive for what you get. For similar money, think Focus RS with a V-8.

[todras]

I would never want to pilot a Focus with a heavy V8 in the front around a track. I would also never want to build something like that. Fabrication is something that would deter me. I'll take a BMW warranty as well.

[Tuned3900SFI]

Base Cooper-S runs shy of 25K, Fully loaded Focus tops just under 20K. Focus has no where near the equipment, handling, power, and reliability as the Mini. A V8 Focus won't handle the twisites worth squat and as Todd said.. that nice warranty and soon to be exstinct full service agreement is nice.

If it was more practical (size) and a little less feminine, it'd be in my driveway, not a GTP.

[RogerB]

If it was more practical (size) and a little less feminine, it'd be in my driveway, not a GTP.

Nothing feminine about the MINI (Well, depending on color). And if you're hung up about it, you're missing out.

I think it has a masculine stance--low and squat--while still being attractive enough to be called "cute" by the fairer gender. Plus, it handles well enough to make a better autocrosser out of just about anybody. I'd take one in a heartbeat if it fit my lifestyle.

[hetfield]

Nothing feminine about the MINI (Well, depending on color). And if you're hung up about it, you're missing out.

I think it has a masculine stance--low and squat--while still being attractive enough to be called "cute" by the fairer gender. Plus, it handles well enough to make a better autocrosser out of just about anybody. I'd take one in a heartbeat if it fit my lifestyle.

My g/f has wanted one for a while now. If/when she gets one, I will definitely not be ashamed to drive it around and tell people its hers.

[Goonz SVT]

for minis now your paying for BMW..it sucks cause i like minis

[Tuned3900SFI]

Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome car and would love to have one, but it's got the appeal of the Turbo Beetle... sure it's pretty fast and nicely equiped and handles great.. but it sticks out like boobie cones from the 70's.

..My 1/2 cent opinion, ofcoarse.

[JVT]

My boss has a '05 JCW Cooper S and it's an awesome car.

Certainly doesn't have balls out power even with the JCW package @ 210hp, but it's quick enough and the handling/grip is incredible.

Expensive? Yeah, his topped out at $35k! but it's a helluva car if that's what you really like...

And yeah, the BMW service/warranty is great. They'll replace anything and everything on that car free of charge if he thinks it doesn't feel right...

-J

[todras]

Well well look who popped in. Any pics?