Friday 29th September 2006

The Emperor's new MINI

New new MINI looks like old new one shocker

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Yesterday afternoon in Paris, BMW rolled out its new MINI in front of the world's press.

Look Mum, I'm new, but the same

As the snappers snapped away, the most striking feature of the car was the fact that it looks the same as the old one (bar a few tweaks).

In BMW-speak, the explanation goes as follows: "The exterior design of the new MINI has remained true to its phenomenally successful forbear, yet every body panel is different. The MINI design team rightly deemed evolution preferable to revolution and MINI’s styling remains instantly recognisable."

Behind the scenes, the story is different though. The new model has a stronger front end with more space to allow pedestrians to bounce off the bonnet without hurting so much.

The shoulder line is 18mm higher and accentuates the powerful stance of the car’s body. The round, clear-glass headlights are now fixed to the body and have been turned slightly to maintain the geometry of the car. The new radiator grille is reminiscent of the air intake scoop on the classic Mini and there will be 12 body colours available to choose from, seven of which are brand new.

The new model boasts a completely new four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine featuring a wealth of innovative technical features, and new suspension.

The 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine in the MINI Cooper features fully variable valve control, based on BMW Group’s unique VALVETRONIC system.

The MINI Cooper S comes with Direct Injection petrol power. Intake air is pre-compressed by a turbocharger, complete with intercooler. The performance is further enhanced by advanced valve management – four valves per cylinder being operated by two overhead camshafts.

A diesel version will follow in early 2007.

The new MINI will be built at Plant Oxford, which is currently gearing up to increase its capacity to 240,000 by 2008 as part of a £200m UK investment by BMW Group. The new BMW-designed engines will be assembled at Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies will come from Plant Swindon.

 

 

[deadlym]

article said:

The performance is further enhanced by advanced valve management – four valves per cylinder being operated by two overhead camshafts.

Yeah, no-one's done that before.

[deadlym]

I thought the wipers were supposed to park below the bonnet (according to Autocar).

I think the front looks neater, with the changed lights and grille. Shame they didn't go for a single grille like the original though. I'm a bit disappointed that they've put that fake intercooler slot on too.