German Car Zone

BMW is examining proposals for a new Mini GTI, based on the upcoming Mini Crossover model due next year.
The new front-drive machine would slot in just below established favourites such as the VW Golf GTI, offering a more compact – but equally well engineered – package.
It’s too early to say definitively how the car will be priced, but it could be around 10 per cent cheaper than a similarly specified and similarly powerful Golf GTI, according to early projections.
If it’s given the green light, the Mini GTI would be built alongside the Mini Crossover at the Steyr factory in Austria and won’t appear much before 2012.
The GTI is likely to deliver at least 180bhp and will be lower and more dynamically focused than the jacked-up Mini Crossover. A John Cooper Works variant, delivering at least 220bhp, is also likely.
Although the new five-door platform will accommodate four-wheel drive, a super-powerful Mini Quattro is not currently on BMW’s wish list, although it could be introduced relatively easily.
The GTI would get its own distinctive styling, with new bumpers front and rear, different sill covers and a unique rear spoiler and wheel designs.
A more sporting interior is also a certainty, with proper sports seats, a bespoke steering wheel and new trim options.
BMW sources have told Autocar that the company is looking at eventually spinning off three new models from its new 4m-long, five-door Mini platform.
First up will be the production version of the Crossover concept, which is due in 2010.
Autocar understands that BMW’s Munich-based Mini design studio is currently putting the finishing touches to the production model.
Aside from the GTI, also in the frame is a cooking version of the Crossover, which will be offered as a relatively conventional, though upmarket, compact family hatchback.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...ncepts/239893/
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how ? @autocar do the math, it can't work
MINI JCW R56: €30.249euro
VW GTI 2009: €29.111euro
the current JCW is already more expensive then a VW Golf GTI.
a larger and cheaper jcw mini would make the current r56 redundant

a mini PAS aka spacebox, would be a nice idea - but transforming it into a golf like car is

I have not heard of anything regarding a GTi competitor what I can tell you is that there will be a JCW version of the MINI-X , Having had the opportunity to drive one, the addition of all wheel drive makes for an entertaining compact cross-over , That image above has simularities to the finished Crossover - You will know it is a MINI because of it's looks and it's entertaining handling.

It is not as some doomsayers say the dillution of the MINI. For progressive concepts like this It is important to inherit the aspects of what has made the MINI brand universally accepted .

This model the MINI X is an invitation to people how have requirements that the MINI could not fullfill such as family requirements or need for extra utility to come over to the brand but not miss out on what the MINI brand excells in.

The additional MINI Concept the in development SpaceBox takes this idea further but is adhered more to Space is an exciting concept that will again focus on the customer who might consider the MINI Clubman is not practical enough or the MINI-X is not what they are looking for.

The next new MINI will be the MINI Speedster , developed off the cabrio but with a clip off roof it will be the bridge to the next generation MINI.

In which from all aspects of current design phase looks as if the next MINI resorts back to the appearence of the 2001-2006 MINI with smaller more raked headlight and a twin grille , The trapezoid rearlights stay as well as the round front lights. The interior will be toned down to be more like the 2001 car also.

The first of the MINI Speedster prototypes should be seen late summer , early autumn.

a twin grille on a mini? like a kidney grille? =D
anyway though i hope there's a more conventional interior, sometimes it feels like paying a premium price for such a small car with a toy-ish interior.. mini traditions - yes, but things can move on?

I thaugt Scott meant twin grill as in an upper and a lower part.

this made my day