Comments on: Spied: Clear shots of the 2008 MINI Clubman (R55) http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Mon, 9 Nov 2009 02:19:11 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: VDuv Kux Klan http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268685 VDuv Kux Klan Mon, 18 Sep 2006 02:51:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268685 i wouldnt ever buy this grandma wagon i wouldnt ever buy this grandma wagon

]]> By: British_Rover http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268675 British_Rover Mon, 18 Sep 2006 01:26:39 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268675 Back when the Traveler concept was first launched it was said that the split door would not go into production because of cost cutting measures. I really don't think they will do the split tailgate doors. Back when the Traveler concept was first launched it was said that the split door would not go into production because of cost cutting measures.

I really don’t think they will do the split tailgate doors.

]]> By: global_lightning http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268670 global_lightning Sun, 17 Sep 2006 22:52:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268670 Taking a closer look at the pictures, some interesting items: 1. These are three separate mules. There are three different licence plates (MNP4393, MPT4363, and MUY4383) and each vehicle has different wheels. MNP4393 is labeled 'Chris' on the driver's quarter panel, MPT4363 also has a label but it's hard to make out ('Dominique' maybe?) 2. MNP4393 has an extended moon-roof covering 2/3's of the roof area. It appears similar to the Panoramic Roof option, which should give you an idea of how much the frame has been stretched. 3. The rear door panel on MPT4363 has an interesting offset vertical seam that runs right behind the licence plate. This doesn't appear to be an opening, just a plastic cladding split. The single wiper appears to sweep the entire window, which would have problems if the door were split. As RustedEmpire noted, the blocked section of the window is cladding. Prediction: The rear hatch will be a traditional setup: single piece, roof hinged, and opens upwards. 4. On the rear doors: There seems to be no difference between the area behind the front doors on either side of the vehicle. Looking at the gas cap placement, there's no reason why they can't put a door just ahead of it. Furthermore, I seriously doubt BMW would design a vehicle that wouldn't sell in key markets like the UK & Japan. Prediction: The Clubman will had half-width suicide doors (like the current Mazda RX-8) on both sides. Conclusion: The rumors about asymetric doors and split rear hatch aren't supported by the pictures. Taking a closer look at the pictures, some interesting items:

1. These are three separate mules. There are three different licence plates (MNP4393, MPT4363, and MUY4383) and each vehicle has different wheels. MNP4393 is labeled ‘Chris’ on the driver’s quarter panel, MPT4363 also has a label but it’s hard to make out (’Dominique’ maybe?)

2. MNP4393 has an extended moon-roof covering 2/3’s of the roof area. It appears similar to the Panoramic Roof option, which should give you an idea of how much the frame has been stretched.

3. The rear door panel on MPT4363 has an interesting offset vertical seam that runs right behind the licence plate. This doesn’t appear to be an opening, just a plastic cladding split. The single wiper appears to sweep the entire window, which would have problems if the door were split. As RustedEmpire noted, the blocked section of the window is cladding. Prediction: The rear hatch will be a traditional setup: single piece, roof hinged, and opens upwards.

4. On the rear doors: There seems to be no difference between the area behind the front doors on either side of the vehicle. Looking at the gas cap placement, there’s no reason why they can’t put a door just ahead of it. Furthermore, I seriously doubt BMW would design a vehicle that wouldn’t sell in key markets like the UK & Japan. Prediction: The Clubman will had half-width suicide doors (like the current Mazda RX-8) on both sides.

Conclusion: The rumors about asymetric doors and split rear hatch aren’t supported by the pictures.

]]> By: RustedEmpire http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268665 RustedEmpire Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:49:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268665 there isnt any split windows, it's part of the plastic covers they put on it there isnt any split windows, it’s part of the plastic covers they put on it

]]> By: autonutt http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268651 autonutt Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:16:12 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268651 BMW really needs to reconsider the door issue... while they are expressing concern that the RHD markets might not like the one rear-hinged door on the wrong side, I think they are underestimating the US market as well, which has grown accustomed to having access doors on BOTH sides of the small cars and pickups that have offered them before. Judging by the spy pics that appear to have both doors, the fuel system seems to be out of the way enough to keep both, so why not? If this is supposed to be the more "practical" Mini, wouldn't more doors be better? IMO, the two swinging doors in the rear are the most questionable element of this design, not the side half-doors. BMW really needs to reconsider the door issue… while they are expressing concern that the RHD markets might not like the one rear-hinged door on the wrong side, I think they are underestimating the US market as well, which has grown accustomed to having access doors on BOTH sides of the small cars and pickups that have offered them before. Judging by the spy pics that appear to have both doors, the fuel system seems to be out of the way enough to keep both, so why not? If this is supposed to be the more “practical” Mini, wouldn’t more doors be better? IMO, the two swinging doors in the rear are the most questionable element of this design, not the side half-doors.

]]> By: Fotos espía del Mini Clubman 2008 — Diariomotor http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268588 Fotos espía del Mini Clubman 2008 — Diariomotor Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:21:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268588 [...] Vía: LeftLaneNews Archivado en: Compactos, Mini, Adelantos [...] [...] Vía: LeftLaneNews Archivado en: Compactos, Mini, Adelantos [...]

]]> By: British_Rover http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268533 British_Rover Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:12:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268533 Actually since they reduced the weight, by about 68 lbs I think I read, of the next gen MINI compared to the previous gen MINI I doubt the Traveler/Clubman will weigh much more then the 2002-2006 MINI Cooper. Also keep in mind that the size differance here is very minimium. When it comes down to it a similarly optioned 2007-2008 MINI Cooper S will probably weigh within 100 lbs of a 2008-2009 MINI Traveler S. BMW has plans to make the MINI brand their FWD brand to exspand their marketshare some. You already have four models right now basicly and the Traverl/Clubman will add two more. Old minis and Ausins also had pickup versions and panel van versions but I don't see BMW bringing those back. They might be able to squezze one more model out of MINI but I am not sure which one it will be. Actually since they reduced the weight, by about 68 lbs I think I read, of the next gen MINI compared to the previous gen MINI I doubt the Traveler/Clubman will weigh much more then the 2002-2006 MINI Cooper. Also keep in mind that the size differance here is very minimium. When it comes down to it a similarly optioned 2007-2008 MINI Cooper S will probably weigh within 100 lbs of a 2008-2009 MINI Traveler S.

BMW has plans to make the MINI brand their FWD brand to exspand their marketshare some. You already have four models right now basicly and the Traverl/Clubman will add two more. Old minis and Ausins also had pickup versions and panel van versions but I don’t see BMW bringing those back. They might be able to squezze one more model out of MINI but I am not sure which one it will be.

]]> By: Saud http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268517 Saud Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:18:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268517 How much is it gonna cost? How much is it gonna cost?

]]> By: Kenny W http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268496 Kenny W Sat, 16 Sep 2006 06:05:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268496 I don't get it? If you're buying a Mini you're not buying the space & practicality...you're buying the "go kart" feel, that connection to the road that is hard to find in other vehicles. The clubman effectively gets rid of that by adding weight, length & a lower power to weight ratio. If you want a damn wagon buy a Mazda or Subaru. I don’t get it? If you’re buying a Mini you’re not buying the space & practicality…you’re buying the “go kart” feel, that connection to the road that is hard to find in other vehicles. The clubman effectively gets rid of that by adding weight, length & a lower power to weight ratio. If you want a damn wagon buy a Mazda or Subaru.

]]> By: 1c3d0g http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268462 1c3d0g Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:23:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268462 Fugly. This one clashes with the previous Mini models' design, IMO. Fugly. This one clashes with the previous Mini models’ design, IMO.

]]> By: Fatstrat http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268446 Fatstrat Fri, 15 Sep 2006 23:17:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268446 The answer to the question nobody asked. The answer to the question nobody asked.

]]> By: .: Tosta Mista :. http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268426 .: Tosta Mista :. Fri, 15 Sep 2006 20:57:29 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268426 I think the Clubman doesn't look that good, nor will it sell very well. Who will buy this car? Teenagers who need more room for their surfboard? Or fashionable 40-year old women who need more luggage space in a Mini for their shopping? Or perhaps the man from the bakery who wants a Mini to add public awareness to his local business?? As to the right-hand drive markets, I'm surprised that the Mini, which has its origins in Britain, will not be fitted with the door on the other side... So much for heritage. I think the Clubman doesn’t look that good, nor will it sell very well. Who will buy this car? Teenagers who need more room for their surfboard? Or fashionable 40-year old women who need more luggage space in a Mini for their shopping? Or perhaps the man from the bakery who wants a Mini to add public awareness to his local business??

As to the right-hand drive markets, I’m surprised that the Mini, which has its origins in Britain, will not be fitted with the door on the other side… So much for heritage.

]]> By: Jim in LA http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268410 Jim in LA Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:56:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268410 very cool car! i love the original travellers and such. very collectible now. very cool car! i love the original travellers and such. very collectible now.

]]> By: The Stig http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268405 The Stig Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:05:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268405 Maybe follow this up with a limo version with max stretching. Maybe follow this up with a limo version with max stretching.

]]> By: atomicbri http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268400 atomicbri Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:47:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268400 Cool, but bad for the British and Japanese....why BMW is going to risk this in one of MINI's main markets is really strange to me. BMW now admitingly cutting corners....not good. Cool, but bad for the British and Japanese….why BMW is going to risk this in one of MINI’s main markets is really strange to me. BMW now admitingly cutting corners….not good.

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268396 Renton Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:13:35 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268396 Very cool. Very cool.

]]> By: British_Rover http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268394 British_Rover Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:52:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268394 That big black junk is not going to be on the production model obviously. That big black junk is not going to be on the production model obviously.

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » More Spyshots of the MINI Clubman http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268393 MotoringFile » Archive » More Spyshots of the MINI Clubman Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:47:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268393 [...] [ MINI Clubman ] Leftlanenews.com [...] [...] [ MINI Clubman ] Leftlanenews.com [...]

]]> By: wenge http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55.html/comment-page-1#comment-268392 wenge Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:47:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/15/spied-clear-shots-of-the-2008-mini-clubman-r55/#comment-268392 Split windows might look cool but who really wants a huge obstruction in the middle of the rear window!?! Split windows might look cool but who really wants a huge obstruction in the middle of the rear window!?!

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