In the March-April issue of MC2, the only American magazine for Mini owners, which was mailed to subscribers last week, the MC2 staff reviews what it knows, suspects, and hopes for the future of Mini. Particularly provocative is an artistís rendering of what a MINI roadster taking the Triumph name, which BMW MINI owns, might look like.
The article includes the clearest photographs yet published of the long wheelbase 2008 MINI Clubman, which will be introduced at the Frankfurt auto show this fall, and available at North American dealers in February 2008. We also know that a new convertible on the R56 chassis, available with the new turbocharged engine, will be introduced at the end of 2008 for delivery in early 2009.
Beyond that point, as we move beyond BMWís currently approved product plans for MINI, the future is less certain, though in exclusive interviews with Kay Segler, Global Brand Manager, and Jim McDowell, in charge of MINI USA, published in the March-April issue, the promise is made of one brand-new model of MINI every year from 2008 through 2012.
Based on current information, the MC2 staff guesses that 2010 will see the debut of an all-wheel drive MINI based on the Clubman chassis and capable of light-duty off-road recreational use and perhaps even available in pick-up truck form, and 2011 the introduction of a high-performance John Cooper Works MINI that will out-do anything MINI has introduced before and fit into the MINI line-up the way the M3 provides all-out performance to BMW enthusiasts.
By 2012, the MC2 staff says the rumors of a two-seat roadster carrying the proud MINI and Triumph names, and perhaps with a retractable hard-top, may come to fruition. If this car is introduced, and many MINI dealers would like the variety to round out the model line-up, it is most likely to have a front engine, rear-drive layout and compete directly with the MX5 Miata, the two-seat roadsters from Saturn and Pontiac, and the Honda S2000.
For more information about MC2, the MINI magazine, and to order your copy of the March-April issue of the magazine, issue no. 7, go to www.mc2magazine.com.
[ MC2 Magazine ]
Oh God, PLEASE LET THEM BUILD THE TRIUMPH ROADSTER!!!
Please? That would be awesome to see a modern TR-6 on the road and in my garage!!
Umm… it looks like the new mustang. I hope they don’t drift too far from the current style. But I’ll wait and see.
Not so much a fan.