Hampton Roads Club Mini

Now THAT is what I was talking about!   175hp/177ft/lbs, with a peak of 192 under max boost (WOT)!!!!    :D  :D  :D

Many thanks the Paul at MINI2 for all the pics and info.  I've already told CF to put me down on the list for an 08 JCW...  :)

Doug

holy cow.  i do love that yellow.  and i think the thing looks fantastic.  can't wait for them to show up at CF.

Well, I don't find myself regretting getting my '06.  Of course, part of my decision was the "gotta have it now" state I was in.  Most of us who don't turn over cars every 2-3 years will naturally want to bash the new ones so that we can sleep better at night I guess.

That being said, the changes to the exterior cues are minor.  It looks like they added more pronounced curves in the back where they weren't before, and took out the curves in the bonnett where they were.  Both of those changes are subtle to me, with the latter being the more bothehrsome.  I don't like the decision to separate the lights and the grille from the bottett.  To keep the lines clean with the bonnett  closed, it looks like those structures don't have much beef around them - I foresee a lot of cracked lenses and bent grilles in the service dept.  I've also said before that I hope they don't drop the grille slats.  It may not look as agressive as the mesh grille kits, but to me it's part of "the look".  Still, overall it looks like a MINI.

The interior changes are tougher to swallow.  I mostly drive alone, so I like having cubbies to hide things.  When I drive with the family, I regret the lack of passenger space.  So losing storage for passenger space is a toss up.  I'd have to see the car for real.  

The existing key takes up plenty of pocket space, thank you very much.  The new flying sacuer thing looks insanely large.  Based on the size of the thingy, the pushbutton start doesn't look like it's worth the price.  Also, If you're going to add a pushbutton, let's make it a big, fat, red, candylike button like on that Honda 2 seater.  Let's make it look like the center of a MINI logo and put the wings around it (like on the current key).  Let's not add it and bury it at the same time.  

On the other hand, the other interior mods went for the "more is better" approach.  You like toggles?  Let's put 'em all over the place.  You like the center speedo?  Let's make it huge.  You like the rev counter over the steering wheel?  Let's make it big enough for everybody to enjoy.  The changes seem to take the car interior from quirky to overboard.

The new engine and ride sound like they just kick ass.  Must take one out for a spin when they show up at CF.

Alvaro,

I was under the impression they gave you more of the inside scoop on the '07s when you went to Jersey.  Was I just over-speculating?

While I'm not pleased with the hood scoop not being functional, it really looks like it will be an easy mod in the end to make it functional, as there seems to be ample clearance over the engine to the intake in the rear.

The key thing is gimicky... I'd prefer a fob like the Avalon or Lexus where it can just hang out in my pocket and the car will start with a push of a button... I mean really.. whats the difference if I put a bit of plastic in a hole or a key?

The "overboost" idea is wicked to say the least...  it really is a shame though that the weight is up 22 lbs. vs. the 180 lb. reduction that motoringfile reported a few days back.  A 2400 lb. Mini would really make things interesting.

Colors... I love the Laser Blue!  Yellow is what it always should have been really. The sparkling silver... well, cough, umm... what can I say, I'm not a fan.
 
I like the new rear end quite a bit...and making a new exhaust should be cheaper and easier for this new model since it's such a straight shot down the middle.

It will be pretty fun to see what crazy mods people come up with down the pipe for this thing... especially on the JCW side.  Thank god Randy Webb is selling the mule and Elise for a new '07 Mule!  Now, I just can't wait to see what pricing and the online configurator brings us.

I agree with everything except the T part. S never officially stood for Supercharged. From what I remember reading, there was a big debate, one wanted it to be called Sport and the other wanted Supercharged, so they decided on S.

Thanks Jason, I'm looking forward to reading your report.  8) And you are a lucky fellow to get to do the test drive.