German Car Zone

MINI Considers Its Next Model





We have the MINI, MINI convertible, MINI wagon (Clubman) and soon to be MINI SUV. Since we know BMW is keen to grow the brand we have to ask ourselves, what’s next? Based on what sources are telling us, it could be a bit of a shock.

First lets take a look at the rumors from the past few years. For almost two years we’ve heard various rumors of some sort of Triumph branded roadster only to have them quashed by those in the know. Then there’s the MINI micro-car rumor that sprung recently along with talk of a new MW Issetta. However with European emissions legislation the driving force behind both of those concepts, it’s hard to really tell where they will go.

However we got some very interesting insight recently when speaking to a high level source at MINI about this very question. He mentioned that the roadster idea didn’t have a lot of backers in the company for various reasons. He then went on to leave us with this little nugget of info in the form a question: "What if MINI instead produced a low-slung and sleek small coupe not unlike the ACV 30 concept car from 1997?"



The ACV 30 (Anniversary Concept Vehicle 30) was originally based off of a concept (designed by the current BMW head of design Adrian Van Hooydonk) proposed as the new MINI in the mid-90s. Once it was out of the running (with Frank Stephenson’s design wining out and going on to become the R50) it was refitted and rolled out as a bit of a stop gap measure to show the public that a new MINI was indeed coming and the brand was still well alive. What it showed was that distinctive futuristic retro interior (similar to what eventually showed up in the R50) mated with a sleek, rally inspired exterior that traded some interior space for looks. Could that same formula work on a production car? Our source seemed to say the idea was at least on the table.

But one particularly noteworthy aspect of the ACV 30 is that it was mid-engined and rear-wheel drive since it was based off of the MGF roadster. While we doubt that that part of the concept would ever transfer to production (due to brand values, space efficiencies and cost), it would make for a very interesting concept.

Another thing to keep in mind - if MINI goes this route we don’t expect the eventual production car to look much like the ACV 30.

Source: MotoringFile



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As previously confirmed by me & Scott:

http://www.germancarzone.com/148238-post2.html

I sure hope it doesn't look like that hideous thing!

What type of coupe will this car be. A 2+2 or a tight and compact 2 seater like the TT?

^

It will be a 2-seater. Since the original MINI is a 2+2 "coupe" already.

ACV30 is mentioned in this context only to graphically show how coupeish the new MINI coupe is going to look like, but please DO IGNORE the ACV30 styling. It's just an old concept. And the styling of production version coupe will look nothing like that.

Expect cute yet aggressive look ... Kind a funky Aston Martin ...

The negative comments so far lead to... Two models too far for the MINI Brand (Or 3 if you include some individuals response to the MINI Clubman.)

What (Some) people fail to understand is that these vehicles will include the DNA of MINI -Compact , excellent driving characteristics and image.
Very true of the MINI Clubman which has got off to a flying start.
MINI is not just a brand it is more a lifestyle as seen now with "The Other MINI" because that is what the Clubman is... Still a MINI but another concept of MINI.

We chose to approach MINI from the early beginning as a Lifestyle we @ BMW did not want to go on Rover's approach. So much so that eight years since the brand was launched we can consider MINI to be one of the greatest automotive success stories. Being part of that creativity has earned me amongst others a MINI for life.

MINI incorporates everything that is influential youthfull. A MINI SAV will work because I have seen what they plan to do with it , It will be interesting and I know there will be fear and people will write us off , a small dynamically lowslung Coupe think a MINI-Aston Martin and then you get the concept - a small performance coupe - an allout small sports car.

For now MINI Is the entry brand for the BMW Group although things are on the horizon to move MINI to the 2nd brand of BMW Group.

When Smart brought out the Roadster in 2003 we were concerned
Of how this Small sports car would steal customers from MINI.
Of course we need not have been so worried because they mis-marketed it.
But the concept was interesting. Just as Smart itself is interesting.

Now imagine if the Sub brand of MINI featured City Concepts in the shape of small urban transport in 2 body styles and possibly a very small roadster ?

If Rolls-Royce is seen as in Marketing terms "Ultimate wealth" . BMW as "Modern Architechture". And MINI As "Pop Culture" then (Cough,Cough) will be Sci-Fi-Future.

I really hope the Coupe will be named "Spitfire".

MINI Spitfire


Btw, my sources say BMW are considering to name the new MINI SAV: "Monty".

MINI Monty. (great allusion to Monty Python )

But I prefer the name "Gulliver" .

MINI Gulliver


*******

I really hope Isetta will soon be confirmed to be the 4th brand in BMW Group portfolio.

Isetta. It sounds ... futuristic.

Spitfire sounds like a car from Chrysler or some other American brand. The car should have a cute name like Waldo or something.

I would prefer a new Mini Moke a new Mini Riley Elf coupe-sedan type of car.
Oh and skip the pick-up model.

Please tell me those picture are not the actual thing...

Of course it's not. That's a MINI concept from 1997 - done by Adrian van Hooydonk, showcasing BMW / Rover / MINI are serious about reviving the MINI brand. Although the Frenk Stephenson's design was chosen for the production.

Like I said: ACV30 Concpet is pictured in this context to show how sleek & low-slung the MINI coupe will look. But the upcoming coupe's styling & design details has nothing to do with ACV30. Just a general shape: low, wide, and sleek.