The new Mini

[PC Instructor]

Cute? Ugly?

I like em! Thinking of getting one as a daily driver once the "PT Cruiser syndrome" dies down (zero availability, price gouging)

[KCadet]

Looks good now, but anything can turn ugly if you see it enough.

[n567]

I'd take it, quality german car, nice, small... mmmmmmm. God, it beats the hell out of the PT doesn't it?

[SB]

You cheeky buggers......
Just cos it's got a German plate on it and the company is now owned by BMW, the car you are discussing is of course a Mini Cooper. Notice the spelling. Not 'Das auto klein'. Go to blockbuster and rent the film 'The Italian Job' if you've never seen one before.
Bloody German car my ***e.

[klar]

I just think it looks totally ridiculous. I know I will never own one of these LOL

Klar

[Urban Jedi]

British through and through, that car.

I've only just recovered from reading that post referring to the Mini as 'German'. German?????? AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

[Dinosaur]

I've only seen a few on the streets, but I do like them. I liked the old version, too, especially the Mini-Cooper "S". To my eyes, the vehicles bear little more than a family resemblance. Side by side, the differences in size and bulk would be clearly evident.

To claim more than a British heritage for the modern Mini is a stretch, I think. Lacking BMW's engineering, design, and marketing expertise, and of course, their acquisitions, money, and production facilities, the Mini would still be just a fond memory in the UK. Brand identity sure isn't what it used to be, even here in the USA. A sense of nationalistic pride in the original design and inspiration is well founded, though.

The famous Cobra of the 60's was actually just another British car, the AC Ace, with a few significant modifications. The cheekiness of Mr. Shelby, no doubt, caused him to label it a Ford.

I considered the purchase of a BMW Mini but was disappointed by the current engine option (a Chrysler product, BTW). I believe an upgrade is planned. Something from BMW's M-Technic works would be nice. The S model in a solid dark color, clad with a set of Panasport wheels, would be, for me, a fine machine.

[n567]

Originally posted by Soho bandit:
You cheeky buggers......
Just cos it's got a German plate on it and the company is now owned by BMW, the car you are discussing is of course a Mini Cooper. Notice the spelling. Not 'Das auto klein'. Go to blockbuster and rent the film 'The Italian Job' if you've never seen one before.
Bloody German car my ***e.

Just like a Jaguar is British? Or a Rolls Royce?

'Cept, Jags are built on Ford Taurus Chassis now, and Rolls Royce use BMW engines...

I dunno... Not all that British anymore, if ya ask me. It may have British heritage, but that's about it.

[Sig220Man]

Originally posted by n567:
'Cept, Jags are built on Ford Taurus Chassis now.

While two Jaguar models were developed jointly with less pricey Fords, none are based on the Taurus.

The S-type shares its chassis and drivetrain with the Lincoln LS series.

The X-type shares a chassis with the European Ford Mondeo, but uses an all wheel drive system instead of the Mondeo's front wheel drive. I rented a Mondeo on a trip to the UK and I found it to be a very nice car in its own right.

[Piper]

Originally posted by Sig220Man:


While two Jaguar models were developed jointly with less pricey Fords, none are based on the Taurus.

LOL...it make not be based on a Taurus, but the new models sure look like a suped up Taurus to me, with Jaguar printed in the back.

[n567]

Originally posted by Piper:


LOL...it make not be based on a Taurus, but the new models sure look like a suped up Taurus to me, with Jaguar printed in the back.

My father and I commented on that when we saw one, with the kooky oval grill on the front, right? fugly!

I just read that the X-type (the budget one) is based on the Taurus Chassis, in the U.S at least.