LEAKED: all New Mini Spider 2 From Euro patent register

[Omnis]

God-damn right.

 

[EA11R]

BMW have a 3 cylinder which'll help packaging

Maybe I'm just annoyed as a MINI mechanic; I see a lot of sliced forearms there...

But there is no way in hell BMW/MINI will offer a 3-cylinder only body style with 2 seats.

Wait, ****: i8.

 

[R5]

Maybe I'm just annoyed as a MINI mechanic; I see a lot of sliced forearms there...

But there is no way in hell BMW/MINI will offer a 3-cylinder only body style with 2 seats.

Wait, ****: i8.

Why not? It's up to 220 bhp in max tune in the i8 so it could be 200 bhp (similar to a JCW) and depending on weight, which the original concept highlighted would be low (although add in 250kg for more realistic results) and would go like hell.

 

[homeforsummer]

Regarding the above conversation, it's probably worth noting that where a 3-cyl will fit, so will a 4-cyl. It's mounted transversely and the platform is already designed to take a four-pot engine, in the Cooper S and Cooper SD.

The hood itself is much narrower than the clamshell-style one on a hatchback MINI, but that's fairly irrelevant given everything under the hood of a MINI is packed into a tight space between the lights anyway:

In other words, almost anything that's accessible on the hatchback would still be accessible on the roadster.

It certainly looks production-feasible to me - I just hope they go through with it.

 

[MatskiMonk]

Apparently this is pretty close...

 

[Keef]

Sad that it will be FWD. Otherwise they could have a serious Miata competitor, at least in terms of driving dynamics.

 

[05XR8]

A Cooper S and JCW can hold their own vs an MX5 and 86. If the weight is aroung 1100kg, it'll still handle like a kart because of its size.

 

[Keef]

A Cooper S and JCW can hold their own vs an MX5 and 86. If the weight is aroung 1100kg, it'll still handle like a kart because of its size.

I meant to say subjective driving dynamics. The Coopers might put up good numbers but the experience is nothing like a Miata or BRZFRS. The experience never will be like them unless Mini changes the drivetrain layout.

 

[mustafur]

I meant to say subjective driving dynamics. The Coopers might put up good numbers but the experience is nothing like a Miata or BRZFRS. The experience never will be like them unless Mini changes the drivetrain layout.

To be fair though, the Mini's have some of the best Driving Dynamics for FWDs on the market, it should still be right up there even compared to RWD cars.

 

[Leggy1]

I meant to say subjective driving dynamics. The Coopers might put up good numbers but the experience is nothing like a Miata or BRZFRS. The experience never will be like them unless Mini changes the drivetrain layout.

If you don't want to go sideways all the time then the MINI will be a fine competitor. FWD doesn't necessarily mean worse handling than a RWD sports car (see Fiesta ST, Cooper S, RS Megane).

 

[Nessy]

I know BMW don't own the 'MG' marque/name, but that's looking very much like a modern day version of one. I love it!

 

[MatskiMonk]

I know BMW don't own the 'MG' marque/name, but that's looking very much like a modern day version of one. I love it!

They could go with Triumph or Riley, as I think they currently own those Brand names... though I think it does make sense to keep it as a Mini.

 

[Nessy]

With those tail-lights, it has to be a Spitfire. But yeah, part of the Mini family makes sense. All they need now is a 'Moke' and a 'Marcos' Mini.

 

[R5]

a Spitfire

You have no idea how much I laugh at this idea.

"Hey Hanz what should we name Ze car?"
"I think ze spitfire"
"Ummm..."

 

[Nessy]

Good point. Hmm, that really wouldn't be appropriate would it.

 

[MatskiMonk]

 

[R5]

Good point. Hmm, that really wouldn't be appropriate would it.

Nope. Oh how about the Lancas-

Never mind.

 

[JohnBM01]

I dig it. To hear this will only be front-wheel drive, it still doesn't take away from this thing being just lovely to look at. Its design surely suggests this car should be competing with the Miata and such. It is still a beautiful car from these pictures (I'm going on Post #95). It would look pretty sweet either in British Racing Green, a rich red metallic, or even a charming Sapphire Blue. Maybe something close to Tahiti Blue would also be nice. Black would be a cool color as well.

 

[homeforsummer]

If you don't want to go sideways all the time then the MINI will be a fine competitor. FWD doesn't necessarily mean worse handling than a RWD sports car (see Fiesta ST, Cooper S, RS Megane).

While I understand your point, I also see what @Keef is getting at.

There's more to rear-drive than going sideways everywhere. It's a balance thing too - there's nothing quite like a weight distribution near 50-50 for making a car feel agile. Or the feeling of uncorrupted steering, or being able to tweak your line just slightly with the throttle, rather than having a full-on power slide.

However... I'm not really that bothered about MINIs, including this one being FWD, as they're still among the best around and the layout is still more than capable of delivering thrills.

My main concern here wouldn't be the lack of rear-drive, more that they get the ride/handling balance right. The existing MINI Roadster is just too stiff and one-dimensional. A bit of compliance in this one so it can flow down the road as elegantly as it looks, while retaining the MINI character, would be ideal.

 

[NFSCARBON1]

I suppose BMW could call it the MINI Sprite, harking back to the Frogeye but there shouldn't be any naming issues with the Chinese (as there was a Mini 'Sprite' in the 90's)

It's an interesting looking car and should sell well, although I presume a baby BMW Z car will be launched as well