Page 1 of 1
Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:24 am
by Gob
Mini has unveiled its new Coupe model. Almost.
The BMW-owned British has released some teaser images of its new Mini Cooper Coupe undergoing testing - complete with camouflage to hide the finer details.
Still, the pictures are enough to give the main game away. They show Mini has done away with the iconic box-topped design of the regular Mini Cooper, replacing it with a sloping roof that leaves the Coupe with an oddly proportioned, ute-like body profile.
Advertisement: Story continues below The sticker-clad Mini swaps its squared-off roof for what the brand describes as the "helmet" turret (which resembles a stack-hat from some angles). The rounded lid features a slight overhang at the back of the roof, with the sloped rear glass leading to a flattened boot with integrated pop-up rear spoiler which deploys at speeds over 80km/h.
While the basic shape of the new model is clear, Mini has left the finer details to the viewer's imagination, with swirly camouflage covering a few key design elements of the two-seater, two-door model.
Mini says the new Coupe offers a high-opening tailgate with a large cargo area that can open up, offering an extended area reaching to behind the seats.
Mini says that the new Coupe will be offered in a number of petrol models including the Cooper (90kW/160Nm), the turbocharged Cooper S (135kW/240Nm) and John Cooper Works (155kW/260Nm) models, as well as the recently introduced 105kW/305Nm SD turbo diesel model. The SD will be available in six-speed manual only, while the petrol models will be offered with the option of a six-speed automatic.
Mini Australia says the models that will be offered locally aren't yet confirmed, but says the new model will arrive in Australia by the end of 2011.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:01 am
by The Hen
Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck yuck!
I am a Mini fan (of the original Cooper S variety). I would even have considered buying the new model Cooper S (if I felt like throwing away money on nostalgia).
But THAT?
What an ugly pack of shit.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:18 am
by Crackpot
the profile does seem to be lacking. though Im willing to withhold final judgment until I see one without the camo (it hides more than you'd think) But at this point it looks like they were so concerned with maintaining the Mini look that hey made a coupe look too much like a wagon.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:22 pm
by Rick
If they are at all like the wagon they are drastically overpriced...
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:31 pm
by Crackpot
Either you have or haven't priced one out (or driven one) they range from 15k-40K+ depending on how wild you want to go with the options/customization. Last time I checked it was ~30K for a rather nicely equipped Cooper S
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:36 pm
by Rick
30k isn't over priced?
I'd rather have my truck at a 3rd of the price...
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:20 pm
by Crackpot
That's with quite a bit of upgrades Making it better equipped than most vehicles twice its size.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:11 pm
by Rick
Crackpot wrote:That's with quite a bit of upgrades Making it better equipped than most vehicles twice its size.
As with all things, personal pref.
I wouldn't walk across the street to look at one...
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:47 pm
by Crackpot
They're alot of fun to drive
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:27 pm
by Rick
So are go carts and they're cheaper...
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 3:05 pm
by dgs49
Snarky remarks aside, the MINI is one of the most desirable vehicles on the road. The resale value is second to none, which is a strong indication that there is nothing quite like it.
The coupe will do well, I'm sure, provided they don't price it too high, and certainly the coupe-based ragtop (in addition to the regular ragtop) is sure to follow. Interesting contrast to the Miata - FWD vs RWD, German vs Japanese.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:23 pm
by Gob
Well the older new ones were dgs, time will tell if the new new ones will follow suit.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:28 am
by Jarlaxle
Ugly, cramped, bizarre ergonomics, goofy styling, breathtakingly expensive, fair (at best) mileage, and high repair costs. Nope, I'll pass.
For the price of a loaded Mini, you can get into plenty of more-substantial cars. Hell, a loaded Cooper S isn't far off the price of a new Mustang GT!
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:35 am
by dales
apples -n- oranges
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 3:49 am
by Jarlaxle
Absolutely: one is a rocketship that has performance on par with a BMW M3, the other is an overpriced, overglorified wrong-wheel drive crapbox with goofy styling and a famous name.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:20 am
by SisterMaryFellatio
<-------likes the swirly pattern. Dont have an opinion on the car apart from the fact its overpriced.
I think all cars should come with an option of patterns...block colours are so boring
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 3:31 pm
by dales
Jarlaxle wrote:Absolutely: one is a rocketship that has performance on par with a BMW M3, the other is an overpriced, overglorified wrong-wheel drive crapbox with goofy styling and a famous name.
I'm puzzled by this:
For the price of a loaded Mini, you can get into plenty of more-substantial cars. Hell, a loaded Cooper S isn't far off the price of a new Mustang GT!
I dunno, the two automobiles are distinctly different and would appeal to two different types of motorists.
Buy what you like.
Re: Mini underwhelming
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 3:36 pm
by dales
I think all cars should come with an option of patterns...block colours are so boring
