We've seen so many spy shots of the Clubman, we were considering skipping MINI's press conference altogether, but one aspect of the Clubman's physique has remained elusive -- until now. Shots of the hatch of MINI's new elongated compact have surfaced over at km77 and as previous reports have confirmed, it's a vertically split tailgate. A duo of handles, wipers and exhaust tips give the Clubman a balanced boot, while the plastic color-matched C-pillars, taillight surrounds and bumper guard tie the roof to the new rear-end.
The Clubman is set to be released next month, with its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These shots, reportedly taken during a commercial photo shoot, take even more wind out of the MINI's sails, but we doubt it will dampen the enthusiasm of would-be buyers.
[Source: km77 via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
sguler @ Jun 26th 2007 8:28AM
Good car for those willing a larger interior for MINIs.But i did not like the exterior.
Allan @ Jun 26th 2007 8:30AM
I'm not really feeling the roof color matching. Maybe it's just these two colors, but it doesn't seem to go very well with the car. I like how it's symmetrical though, with the wipers, doors, handles, and exhaust... just not liking the coloring.
Hank @ Jun 26th 2007 8:31AM
My wife's been wanting a Mini forever. I've thought this one would be great for her. But that plasticrap trim from the roof to the bumper? Gotta go.
Avinash machado @ Jun 26th 2007 8:33AM
I think MAXI is a more suitable name for this car than MINI.
Aetius @ Jun 26th 2007 8:41AM
If you need more room, go buy something else. The whole point of a Mini is in it's name.
skeptic @ Jun 26th 2007 8:52AM
I was hoping that the little taillights in all of the previous spy shots were fake, but seeing this and the roof color coming down does not make me happy. All excitement that I had for this model is gone now.
Does anyone think that they'll offer a traditional rear door also? I am not really keen on this either....
bmoredlj @ Jun 26th 2007 8:56AM
Why do the back doors say "Cooper S"?
...Subterfuge?
C. McFeeny @ Jun 26th 2007 9:45AM
I think it looks awesome. I love he swinging rear doors and the matching roof - rear tail light panels. I'd be really keen on looking into one of these things if I didn't already know that it will be insanely expensive.
Phoebe @ Jun 26th 2007 10:19AM
Aetius, the original mini came in many models, such as a traveller wagon, a van, and even a pickup (just to name three), so this is very much in the spirit of the original. It's actually my favorite old british car...one day I *will* own one!
On another note, I don't really like the contrasting colors on the back end...I hope that's just an option =(
MCS05 @ Jun 26th 2007 10:35AM
I don't know this for sure but I'll bet if you order the roof color the same as the body you won't get the silver back.
stealth @ Jun 26th 2007 10:42AM
does anyone else think this is really really ugly?
British_Rover @ Jun 26th 2007 11:00AM
I agree that the color matching rear end is hideous but MINI is the king of choices so I am sure that will be optional.
dave @ Jun 26th 2007 11:01AM
The rear color matching is really really ugly...I'm hoping this will be left out.
Mark S @ Jun 26th 2007 11:55AM
Some appear to have the second half-door on each side, and some don't. Wassup?
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jun 26th 2007 12:17PM
Well, they really screwed that one up. Good utilitarian shape, but they made it as ugly as it could possibly be within those parameters.
JC3 @ Jun 26th 2007 12:29PM
I'm not crazy about it.In my opinion a MINI SPEEDSTER would have been a better move.What I mean by that is a 2 seat MINI with a retractable hardtop,slightly more raked windsheild and a very short, conventionally hinged trunk .
.josh. @ Jun 26th 2007 2:00PM
Mark S, the half door is on the right-side of the car.
Overall I like the design, but I really hope the rear pillar/bumper color matching the roof is an option. It would be cool to see some with this combination rolling around, but I doubt I would want it myself. I'd also like the option of getting the standard lift-up hatch from the regular Mini's.
calebe @ Jun 26th 2007 2:06PM
Whats up with that silver pant down the back sides and across the bumper. That would have to go.
EM @ Jun 26th 2007 2:13PM
I imagine most of the price premium for this model will help pay for the unnecessary extra design and manufacturing costs it requires. By this I mean redundant handles, hinges, wipers, door seals.... which all appear to be unique LH/RH parts to boot, no pun intended.
As a counterpoint, these types of oddities, (actually rarities) may just be what draws a new Mini customer into the showroom in the first place.
David @ Jun 26th 2007 2:20PM
I'd like to have a Mini diesel as my next car. The problem until now has been that the short wheelbase of the current car makes for a poor ride over upper mid-western roads and BMW hasn't offered a diesel. The longer wheelbase on this car should help the ride considerably. Now, give us the diesel version and I'm set.