Bartek Sikorski

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What the heck is this thing? We're so confused -- there's nothing more for us to say. We're going to let spy photographer of the car stars Glenn Paulina of KGP take it from here:

"You see some pretty strange things monitoring an automaker's testing circuits, but things don't get much stranger than BMW's earliest development mules. The latest development mock-up we just snapped as it was being trailered to BMW's Munich Tech Center is sporting a Mini front clip and Mini tail-lights, and quite clearly has Mini proportions. But exactly what model does this mule foreshadow as Mini continues to work at expanding its brand? It's obviously difficult to say, given the Erector Set construction of this particular test mule.

A few niche models have been rumored in stories about BMW's expansion plans for the Mini brand, which would seem to be the leading candidates for identity of the mule. One of the suggested spin-offs is the Mini Moke--an off-roader more utilitarian than the upcoming Crossman crossover, which could even have a small pickup bed variation. Two more conventional models have also been mentioned: A new convertible with a retractable tin-top, or another open-air option dubbed the speedster, which would be a bit more stripped-down take on the sporting roadster. Even if we can't exactly I.D. this future Mini model just yet, it's always encouraging to see that the brand continues to forge ahead with new model programs. It's also nice to see that this Mini model--whatever it may be--remains nice and compact, showing no signs of expansion above the Clubman and Crossman models. At least not for now.

NarutoRamen

I'm guessing it's a test mule for mini SAV or some other BMW product that is just mocked to appear as a mini. May be the test mule for X1?

Tycoon

I think so too...

EnI

Yes, this is a FABEAN prototype of the new MINI crossover. Early tests of suspension loads.

This "thing" has been out there for some time already ...
As you can see BMW are already entering the Phase 2 of development: testing the x-over underpinnings in a Clubman mule. Next phase will be prototypes wearing original yet heavily camoed Crossman body. Followed by FEP phases.

Btw, check how they hid rear differential to cover the car features AWD drive.


PS: BMW are also testing funny looking 3er tourings in Sweden - prototypes with significant ground clearance, and X-model looking front bumper. Allroad kit?

Tycoon

Will it come with those Recaro seats as well?

coolraoul

I like it!

The VW Kubelwagen is back!

BTW...This is my post number 1,000...And to say that^^...

Merc1

Under all that weird metalwork is the new Crossman, a name recently let slip by a Mini official. This is Mini’s new SUV, or rather SAV as the Brit-based company prefers to think of its latest car as a sports activity vehicle. In other words it won’t be a mud plugger.

The car in our pictures is a chassis mule allowing BMW engineers to develop the SAV without the worry of disguising prototypes. Initial development work was carried out under Clubman bodies, but this mule means items like the lights can be placed in their final production position.

What we can’t also see through the bumblebee bodywork are the rear driveshafts – there’s a very clear black sheet to keep out our prying eyes.

This will be the first four-wheel drive Mini though, because the market demands it. Power in the Crossman will come from 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The Mini’s 1.4-litre unit didn’t make it into then Clubman, so don’t expect it to be present in the heavier Crossman either.

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M

EnI

OMG what a BS!

FABEAN prototypes (special vehicles for testing suspension loads) are used initially - before the chassis incl suspension is featured in a mule or a real original prototype. FABEAN checks the computer made load calculations in a real life ... the data collected during FABEAN testings are then uploaded into suspension load simulator where BMW are testing suspension work & reliability (eg. they can perform life-time suspension work in a week! Eg. simulating hard drive on The Ring ... 24 hours, 7 days. Non-stop.

After FABEAN tests are done, the chassis is mounted in a mule (eg. Mini Clubman in this case), or original prototype.


And of course: FABEAN vehicles have nothing to do with the designs of the upcoming new models. Abslutely nothing! Yet sometimes parts of an existing model are used (eg. headlights, rarlights, fascia etc) - remember the X5/X6 FABEAN with pre-FL E65 7er headlights ...

SCOTT27

It is the FABEAN prototype , no other feature seen here will be on the production car. Although just like the MINI Clubman (The Other MINI) The MINI Crossman? Will start off a series of Concept Cars beginning this year.
But the proportions of this prototype are exact to the final production model so it will be small and most of importantly instantly identified as a MINI. Even though the details will not be familiar to the current MINI products.

Of course before all this the new MINI Cabrio (GO!) is coming next month...

Right I am off to Detroit now...

S'Pimp

Not really correctly
design as exterieur - not
design as form, shape - yes
they have to simulate and generate up & downforce such as real car