I haven't followed the current line of Mini's too closely, but it seems their reliability has been less than stellar, even compared to most of the BMW line. I'm intrigued about the possiblity of AWD in the future (especially since I live in Michigan), so I'm hoping reliability will continue to improve. I'll be keeping my eyes open...

 

I settled for red, wanted Electric Blue. Mini seems to have a bad habit of putting the most boring colors on the S. Look at the options for 06.

Quality already has. There were a good number of new-platform teething pains, but from what I've read, it's mostly sorted.

I'm pulling for AWD, and brighter colors for 07.

 

Spy pictures of the extended wheelbase MINI, from a Dutch site. Link goes to Motoringfile:



http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/09/...e_mini_spotted

 

I wouldn't like to have the speedometer in the middle like that. Then my mom will definitely know when I'm speeding :run:

 

I really don't want the 4 door version. I just want slightly larger legroom for the backseat.

If the new Mini front is indeed like the rendering, then I rather get a 06 over the 07.

 

From Jalopnik, the Mini Frankfurt Concept (long wheelbase):

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/concept...urt-125043.php






Full press release and more images at Motoringfile:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/09/..._concept_wagon

 

http://motoringfile.com/section/r56/page/1/
the next MINI Cooper S will have a turbo instead of the current super charger. power will be bumped up to 170bhp. The engine will be a new BMW designed aluminum block. I dont know how much weight that saves. But the new MCS will have the LONGER wheel base, Suicide Door(s?), Turbo, AND it will be lighter than the current MINI and MCS