For those of you who are interested, the first R58 has rolled off the line. Sounds like it's heading for the UK (so, not far from the factory) as a dealer orientation model.

More info here:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/07/...-off-the-line/

 

I've been a big fan of the coupe since it was a concept. But that LB car in those pics does not appeal to me. At least not at the angles they pictured it.

But I'd definitely like to take a test drive in one, if only the closest dealer was less than 3 hours away :(

 

I'm anxious to hear the color combinations!

 

I'm in love with the idea if a DS(or other available metallic grey)/CR with red Aftermarket wheels (like OZ Super/Ultraturismos).

 

Too boxy in the rear for a coupe and that toupe of a top.I guess it's just not for me.....

 

Not for me either. It's definitely not a car that looks good from every angle.

 

I think I'll need to see it in person to decide.

 

I own an '05 and waiting for the Coupe to come in the dealer here in a couple months and from what I saw on you tube it looks awesome but based on that picture it looks differently not so attractive,must be the way the picture was taken,not nice on the picture,too short,disproportionate. We'll have to wait and see and I hope it's good looking because I wouldn't mind having one,cheers

 

Hate it.

 

Wait to see irl

 

I'll wait on the two-seater convertible, although I was disappointed to hear that it's going to be three inches *longer* than my current MINI convertible. The height is supposed to be 2.5" shorter, but overall it doesn't sound like it's going to be all that much smaller than the first-gen ragtop.

 

It's not going to be smaller but it will only have 2 seats.

 

+1 that thing is making a SMART Car look Good

 

I don't really understand who this car would appeal to. It just doesn't seem well thought out. I mean the car from the beltline down in the same and like minimize said it looks like a bad hair-piece thrown on top

 

That thing is awful!

 

Beauty is in the beholder IMO. Some people hate the Mini's looks in general. I personally can't stand the Countryman but like the Clubman just fine. But from what I've read the difference in the car is the handling. It's been made stiffer (hence the equal weight with the Mini hatch), 50/50 distribution. The dude who tracked it for Motoringfile loved it. I think the new roof is great, it will stand out among all other Minis since 2003. The JCW will be the fastest accelerating Mini. Bring it on baby!

 

There's no way there's 50/50 weight distribution. It's a front engine car with front wheel drive. It's probably more like 65/35 or 68/32.

 

Love the look of the coupe. The local dealership said they wouldn't be getting inventory/sample coupes until October.

 

Could be the last 4 cylinder Mini ever made!