mikeyb
04-21-2005, 07:08 AM
<TABLE class=ImageBox><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.autoweek.com/images/news/102232
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=Caption>Could this stretch Mini be the beginning of something big? (All photos by Brenda Priddy and Co.)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Maxi Mini: 2007 Mini goes large with longer-wheelbase version
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 4/20/05
Once you get past the new turbocharged engines for BMW’s next-generation Mini due for 2007 (Dec. 27, 2004), the biggest news is the stretched wheelbase as revealed in these recent spy shots.
While the core body style will remain a three-door hatchback (with a two-seat speedster rumored), BMW is working on a longer-wheelbase version that will open the door for a wider range of Minis, including a five-door with more rear legroom and added cargo area. Could a three-door version of this herald the return of the Clubman? We can only hope.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/maximini_rear.jpg The stretched Mini features a more upright rear hatchback, along with a pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the rear seats. The five-door will likely feature a Rolls-Royce electronic locking system that will allow the rear doors to open independently of the front ones—a major convenience improvement over most suicide-door systems.
The interior is new, and features a dashboard design with a centrally mounted speedometer but a much narrower fascia bounded by circular air vents. The dash will be available in wood trim as well as body color.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/maximini_side.jpg A new front end features bug-eyed headlights, and while the overall feel of the face is familiar, details change. The nose is a more upright design to satisfy new European pedestrian-protection laws, while the grille is moved above the bumper line, making for a cleaner license plate mount and allowing space below for an enlarged lower air intake.
This is needed because the Cooper and Cooper S models will feature new 1.6-liter turbo fours requiring an intercooler located fairly low in the front fascia of the new Mini. BMW is considering two turbo versions, making 143 hp in the Cooper and 170 hp in the S, and a base non-turbo Cooper model producing 115 hp.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/mini4.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102232
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=Caption>Could this stretch Mini be the beginning of something big? (All photos by Brenda Priddy and Co.)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Maxi Mini: 2007 Mini goes large with longer-wheelbase version
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 4/20/05
Once you get past the new turbocharged engines for BMW’s next-generation Mini due for 2007 (Dec. 27, 2004), the biggest news is the stretched wheelbase as revealed in these recent spy shots.
While the core body style will remain a three-door hatchback (with a two-seat speedster rumored), BMW is working on a longer-wheelbase version that will open the door for a wider range of Minis, including a five-door with more rear legroom and added cargo area. Could a three-door version of this herald the return of the Clubman? We can only hope.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/maximini_rear.jpg The stretched Mini features a more upright rear hatchback, along with a pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the rear seats. The five-door will likely feature a Rolls-Royce electronic locking system that will allow the rear doors to open independently of the front ones—a major convenience improvement over most suicide-door systems.
The interior is new, and features a dashboard design with a centrally mounted speedometer but a much narrower fascia bounded by circular air vents. The dash will be available in wood trim as well as body color.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/maximini_side.jpg A new front end features bug-eyed headlights, and while the overall feel of the face is familiar, details change. The nose is a more upright design to satisfy new European pedestrian-protection laws, while the grille is moved above the bumper line, making for a cleaner license plate mount and allowing space below for an enlarged lower air intake.
This is needed because the Cooper and Cooper S models will feature new 1.6-liter turbo fours requiring an intercooler located fairly low in the front fascia of the new Mini. BMW is considering two turbo versions, making 143 hp in the Cooper and 170 hp in the S, and a base non-turbo Cooper model producing 115 hp.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0425/mini4.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102232