MINI Traveller / Clubman spy pics - Page 2

EnI · **Re: MINI Traveller / Clubman spy pics -** 09-08-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott26

BMW are currently trying to negotiate the rights to both Traveller and Countryman. But our marketing are also investigating other names incase negotiations fail - such as Tourer,Tourist, Four, MINI-Grosse, Four-Up, Life Wagon, FunWagon, SpaceTourer, Spacemobile etc even the dreaded MINI-MAX and MAXI-MINI - which would not go down well in the UK market. All ranging from the pretentious to the ridiculous but that's how creative thinking works until something emerges that gives the final clue.
Obviously we are not quite there yet.

EnI · **Re: MINI Traveller / Clubman spy pics -** 09-08-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

This is hiding a second door shutline, because the MINI estate will get a pair of Mazda RX-8-style reverse-opening rear doors.

Like I said in my first post (post #1) - my sources told me again MINI wagon would come with only one suicide door - on passanger side, not a pair (on both sides) like Mazda RX-8.

IE, the car will not be as expensive as it seems. And it will be quite profitable. Barn doors are not used more frequently due design (requires almost flat rear) & limited rear visability. Suicide door are not expansive either when having know-how - BMW have it. But certification is very complex, and takes time.

Imhotep Evil · **Re: MINI Traveller / Clubman spy pics -** 09-08-2006, 06:36 PM

Any sales projections ?!

EnI · **Re: MINI Traveller / Clubman spy pics -** 09-08-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imhotep Evil

Any sales projections ?!

Expanded Oxford factory will be able to output 240,000 units annually. 40,000 more than today.

Also new markets will be added to market prfolio with new R56 (Mk2) MINI.

So we can be sure Mini 3dr, Mini cabrio & Mini wagon sales will be 240,000 units per year. And I'm sure BMW will squeeze additional capacity of 10,000 units per yer from the factory. So, make it 250,000.

What will be the share of wagon in this number? Who knows ... IMO approx. 40-60k units per year.

E.g. in 2005 200,000 MINI's were sold : 155,000 of 3dr hatch, 45,000 of cabrio.

Also:

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott26

when I first saw that photoshop CGI of the MINI I thought it was leaked - But a very good impression that is how it will turn out even with the high roof and rear suicide door to gain easy access to the cabin, jokingly they say : "its the MINI you can take to Ikea and actually buy something!"

It will cater to lifestyle markets - options will expand from MINI hatch to include customised ski-racks, luggage boxes , snowboard racks even surfboard racks , You will even be able to specify a full length panoramic roof and even driving lamps in the front bars of the roof. Another ingenious offering will be "mood" lighting - LED bars stretching the length of the roof to offer a range of light settings that can be changed and dimmed as required. even the interior will be adaptable with storage spaces and unique seating configuartions a rear bench or individual folding seats.
Don't think of it as an MPV - It's still going to be slightly heavier than the hatch with greater emphasis on a very rigid frame structure to counter the absence of B-pillar. Ground clearance will be the same as the hatch it's not going to have a raised suspension as "imposter" MPV's do.

It's still a MINI and the handling is priority. Space is the option.