Autoblog

In the timeline of most new car introductions, automotive journalists usually see a new model undisguised well before the public. It's a nice perk. But an even earlier look is often given to a company's public relations staff. Which is what Mini was doing with its Clubman model in Zandvoort, Netherlands. And guess who showed up uninvited? A camera-wielding automotive journalist, that's who.

Chris Schotanus got a sneak peek into Mini's Zandvoort PR party and got the best shots yet of the Clubman in the wild. Many of the photos at World Car Fans are obviously shot from either a hilltop or building overlooking the racetrack where a fleet of Clubmans are out and about, but Schotanus was able to get some good closeup shots of the cars as well. Strangely, the cars are completely undisguised except for the rear, which is covered in the typical black camo. Despite the coverup, the double-doored hatch is obvious, so we wonder what Mini is still keeping secret.

Some of the extended Minis could be Clubman S models indicated by the cars' nose scoop above the grille, but the only rear shots available from the event show only single exhausts. That could mean either the S won't have two outlets, or the photographer only caught non-S models from the rear.

All questions should be answered at it's official launch in July. Its public debut is planned for the Frankfurt show in September.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Motoring File has attained U.S. pricing for the 2007 Mini. The new model's base price increases $600 to $18,050 with standard 6-speed manual and rear spoiler. Standard equipment will also include a trip computer, traction control and a sport mode button. The Cooper S increases $300 to $20,900, the Convertible will be priced at $21,950 with the S option adding $4,200 to the drop-top's price.

Motoring File has all the details on new content packages, paint colors, interior choices and performance upgrades.

Sure, it's the UK version of a preview brochure for the new MINI, but come on, it's the NEW MINI! In all seriousness, when we spotted that the MotoringFile had picked up a copy of the new brochure, we practically scrambled over each other to get it in front of your eyes. The file they got their hands on is a scanned copy of the pre-release literature, and it almost makes you feel dirty for looking at it. We don't care!
There is a slight discrepancy we should warn you about. In the brochure, the MINI's engine output is rated at 118hp versus the 120hp rating we've seen in our press materials. The MINI S is also rated differently at 172hp versus 175hp. This most likely isn't some weird typo, but may represent a fine-tuning of the numbers prior to release, or the difference between a UK spec MINI and a US spec one. Otherwise, this is a great guide to the changes that make the new R56 MINI distinct from the current generation.

[Source: MotoringFile]