R56 R53 versus R56... a visual study
#51
07-31-2006, 10:52 PM
However I'm gratified that the changes are not as great as between the Austin Cooper and the MINI.
I do like the fact that in this day and age, we get to pick apart an automobile's design this way. After all, the Ford Mustang started life as a rear-engine two-seater with side scoops. It even started that way as a concept car. The only thing that survived the design process was the side scoops, but since it was a front-engine car, they were non-functional.
(For those that have no clue as to what I'm talking about, here's what Ford started with: http://tinyurl.com/z4wj4)
Honestly, I've seen much worse design changes in my time on this planet, and I've seen better, and I'm bound to see more of both stripes. I think they've missed some things, I think they nailed some things.
The reason I'm not rushing out to buy a 2006 is that 1) I think the 2007 redesign is not far enough away from the existing design to put me off; 2) the improvements in the engine will be worth it; 3) I'm not in a hurry.
-W-
#52
08-01-2006, 04:55 AM
#54
08-01-2006, 05:44 AM
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In addition to the LEAF collection....Where are my cool parking lights ???
Originally Posted by COOPERation
A visual comparison using official press photos past and present...R53 on the left and R56 on the right.
Note...some of the photos have been flipped and rotated for comparison reasons, nothing has been edited within the content of each photo.
Note...some of the photos have been flipped and rotated for comparison reasons, nothing has been edited within the content of each photo.
#55
08-01-2006, 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by RED FURY
Did they forget to add a front grill? .... I guess they saved some money
I've probably missed at least one pair of lights on the bumper, turn indicators or fogs, but that remains to be seen in the final version.
#56
08-01-2006, 07:30 AM
Originally Posted by DJA
IMO, there is much character loss here. Having the bonnet stop short of the base of the windshield (with the floating chromed edge) looks soooo GM. I already miss the small cowl panel with the intake grills and the wiper mounts - very old school. Bean counters have obviously entered the design rooms. (including the fake scoop, the "bonnet" is becoming the biggest letdown in the new design... on the outside at least)
#57
08-01-2006, 07:37 AM
Originally Posted by COOPERation
I've probably missed at least one pair of lights on the bumper, turn indicators or fogs, but that remains to be seen in the final version.
The COOPER with the completely functional hood, slatted grille, and the bonnet stripes has potential.
#58
08-01-2006, 08:14 AM
Originally Posted by agranger
Unfortunately, I believe that this design change was mandated by the European pedestrian safety laws. If you hit a pedestrian and shatter the bones in the lower half of their body, they might then be flipped up onto the bonnet where the posts of the wiper blades may give them a nasty bruise.
#59
08-01-2006, 10:01 AM
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#60
08-01-2006, 10:35 AM
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I like the hood scoop, I don't care if it's functional or not. I don't like seeing the turn signals integrated into the headlight assembly as it makes it harder to see the signal at night (it doesn't show up as well against the headlight glare). I'm fine with the exterior and expect it will flow better in final production form.
#61
08-01-2006, 11:52 AM
Originally Posted by COOPERation
Check out the large side indicator lights / vents here:
http://www.mini2.com/images/zandvoor...l/Tech_Art.jpg
http://www.mini2.com/images/predrive...c/PICT0046.jpg
Compared to the '02-'06 MINI, these things are HUGE!
#62
08-01-2006, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RED FURY
Did they forget to add a front grill? .... I guess they saved some money
On the left you have a MINI drawn by a car designer.
On the right you have a MINI drawn by a car designer with his ********* being squeezed by a penny pinching accountant who has his rear end housing the BMW executives weener.
#63
08-01-2006, 04:03 PM
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#64
08-01-2006, 04:24 PM
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#67
08-01-2006, 09:28 PM
Originally Posted by Larry Clemens
IMO the new MINI looks like an aftermarket knockoff of the MINI.
#69
08-02-2006, 07:12 AM
#70
08-02-2006, 02:10 PM
#71
08-02-2006, 03:26 PM
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#72
08-02-2006, 03:50 PM
I reserve the right to pass final judgement once I see one in person but my absolute favorite thing about my Mini is the sexy curves on the bonnet. They are 90% gone 
. It looks like a regular Chevy/Ford/generic hood now.
Also I really really really hate that leaf catcher at the wipers. I mean that is hideous. Could we get somebody working on a leaf catcher decal
It's gonna need something.
. It looks like a regular Chevy/Ford/generic hood now.Also I really really really hate that leaf catcher at the wipers. I mean that is hideous. Could we get somebody working on a leaf catcher decal
It's gonna need something.
#73
08-02-2006, 04:14 PM
#74
08-02-2006, 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
dood, this WHOLE CAR is about saving BMW money. Take a good look....
On the left you have a MINI drawn by a car designer.
On the right you have a MINI drawn by a car designer with his ********* being squeezed by a penny pinching accountant who has his rear end housing the BMW executives weener.
On the left you have a MINI drawn by a car designer.
On the right you have a MINI drawn by a car designer with his ********* being squeezed by a penny pinching accountant who has his rear end housing the BMW executives weener.
Can you say "rear end" on this forum?
#75
08-02-2006, 05:24 PM