Interview: MINI USA's Head of Product on How They Make New Models

[@mars22872]

What an amazing guy. Fantastic interview. Eye opener to understand how complex it is. Thank you

[@MotoringFile]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mahasidha9]

Please make the JCW available in the 4 door Cooper S! We are leasing a 2024 Cooper S 4 Dr Hardtop and love it but we would never downsize to the 2 door even for the increased hp and torque; nor would we order the JCW package that includes the suspension upgrades etc absent increased hp and torque. The 4 door hardtop Cooper S is a great deal roomier. You are going for exclusivity and losing sales; nor are we interested in the JCW Countryman. Our lease ends in one year and eight months (leased the 2024 in July 2023); hope you take this request to heart!

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

They need to bring back the Clubman honestly.

[@mahasidha9]

@@FurkanCemTurfanda Absolutely

[@seamonkey420]

please bring back physical controls!!! yes oled is beautiful but somethings just need a toggle (hvac, seat heating) and make them toggles like F5x/F60 series was. ive ordered two customs Minis in last 7 years and not sure if im gonna get a third with the removing of interior controls. fix it in an LCI and i may be back in for a custom hardtop jcw. absolutely love my 2020 Countryman JCW, prob the best era of countryman. perfect power, interior build, interior size, mini feel.

[@johnru1]

I would buy my 7th Mini, but sadly they made so many mistakes with the U25 S and JCW. Variable suspension means that you can vary it at your discretion. When you go to sport mode, you should be able to adjust engine and transmission as well as suspension. They took away the ability to ride in comfort mode and yet has exhaust engine and transmission in sport. Not having paddles on an S is insane when I think S stands for sport and any car, even CVT‘s have paddles. Next to Tesla they have put the most controls in the center screen. Not even a shelf below so that you can balance your hands while driving and touch the screen is a mistake. If they fix some of the deal breakers, I’m hoping that the favorites menu and voice control can help make the car more livable. On my 72nd car purchase never had one over four years but will keep my 2020 JCW countryman until they fix so many mistakes.

[@MotoringFile]

We hear you on all those points. However the new system does have a very impressive favorited menus that allows you to create shortcuts for any function. You can see it in action here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n17Mnml4isRnb6csi=4RMWbtlxLDjlnibz

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

I wish they would put a proper handbrake in the F66.

[@AngelicaRobertsPhotography]

Ice blue is my dream 🩵

[@mikeolson7557]

He picked a good time to retire.

[@brassrox]

One has to wonder if he was pushed out given how Mini sales have been trending. The new model hasn't been very well received and is starting to pile up on lots...BMW is deploying big incentives to move them.

[@MotoringFile]

Pat has been planning this move for awhile and was excited about this next chapter in his life over tue last few years we connected. People upset about the lack of manuals, the design of the cars or even the stop sale that happened earlier this year shouldn’t try to connect this move with those issues. And FWIW Pat didn’t have the ability to change any of those even if he wanted to.