96 replies to this topic

[boffster]

"Rocketman"!?

Will Elton John be buying this

They do seem to be getting closer to a 'Mini' but not there yet. It does look very much like an early concept where supposed 'styling' was used to make it look fancy so hopefully it will get tamed down slightly. If it was more Mini'ish such as similar shaped panels but slightly smoothed out (like a smaller version of the first BINI's) then it wouldn't be too bad.

BUT, it isn't a Mini although after 50 years technology improvements are allowed to be used to modernise it IMO. If it gets made smoother and simpler looking (and cheaper) then i give , but if it is going to be like the 'Countryman' THING then NO!!

[new_zealand _minis]

please bmw take the mini name off it . its a yuck, why ??

[roberts]

I have just emailed MINI to see if they would bring it to Himley Hall this year so we can have a good look at it in the flesh.
just waiting to hear back. Seeing it in the flesh would give us a better look than just pic.

It will be interesting to see if they even make this concept - it's very unlike previous MINI concepts this, in the past they have released a concept showcar for everyone to see - whereas so far with this one it's only a computer model... it would be a stunning piece of work if they made a real one and not many of the mood lighting themed concepts get built.

[dave585]

I have just emailed MINI to see if they would bring it to Himley Hall this year so we can have a good look at it in the flesh.
just waiting to hear back. Seeing it in the flesh would give us a better look than just pic.

It will be interesting to see if they even make this concept - it's very unlike previous MINI concepts this, in the past they have released a concept showcar for everyone to see - whereas so far with this one it's only a computer model... it would be a stunning piece of work if they made a real one and not many of the mood lighting themed concepts get built.

This is already built and ready for public display at the motorshow, it will be at the Milan fashion week and other events. I have had email back and it's reads good.

[mab01uk]

I have just emailed MINI to see if they would bring it to Himley Hall this year so we can have a good look at it in the flesh.
just waiting to hear back. Seeing it in the flesh would give us a better look than just pic.

It will be interesting to see if they even make this concept - it's very unlike previous MINI concepts this, in the past they have released a concept showcar for everyone to see - whereas so far with this one it's only a computer model... it would be a stunning piece of work if they made a real one and not many of the mood lighting themed concepts get built.

Looks more than a computer model to me? It will be on show at the Geneva Motor Show soon. True a lot of the more extreme features of concept cars don't make it to production but most of the previous Mini concepts have ended up being signed off for production due to good feedback.................unfortunately the recent new MINI Moke concept failed to pass safety requirements on side impact with no doors!

Edited by mab01uk, 25 February 2011 - 09:22 PM.

[coopdog]

ERRRR SILLY DOORS!!!!!!

[Ethel]

I think the doors are its best feature. Obviously intended to give better access in tight parking spaces - it is a city car. They've taken something of the original, external hinges & A panels and done something useful with them. The same goes for the rear hatch 'n roof. It's not purely gimmick, moving the hinge to the centre of that Union Jack means you get much wider access.

There's no justification for those rear lights though. They just emphasise all the space they've wasted, they shouldn't be in mid air because that's where the C pillars should be. Looks like they've also tried to mirror the grille on the rear, which doesn't work.

I also finally twigged why Binis don't have Mini charm: the bonnets are too flat

[mk1coopers]

So they have made a MINI smaller, could this be the new MINISPRINT to go with the Broadspeed GT ?

[Bluecray]

The original mini's concept was to house four adults inside the car easily. When I got in the rear of my brothers BMW mini I had zero leg room and was uncomfortable. This new mini is EVEN shorter! ! And with modern space wasting seats along with other implements wasting space I very highly doubt that this new shorter mini will house four adults a la like the original mini.

[new_zealand _minis]

thats why i dont have a new car. you have more space in the mini than half the cars out today . hate modern cars . who needs central locking air con and a heater

[roberts]

Oh get in I missed this!!

As you said MINI have been true to there concepts in the past and pretty much released them, but then in the past the concepts have more or less been tarted up production versions of the model to be released. Whereas this one is a true concept, fingers crossed they do the same with this tough, even if it's 'similar'.

I can't see the point of introducing the carbon chassis if they don't plan on using it on the production model (I was having a think last night and I'm pretty sure that this is the first small car concept that has used a carbon chassis, which is a monumental step forward for mass produced cars), as it's that feature that's allowing them to introduce the doors and boots forward thinking openings - as well as the glass roof.

As I just mentioned above if the production version has a carbon chassis that alone is a monumental step forward in automotive design, something the original will finally be able look at - and in terms of ground braking improvements, true to it's own concept - be proud of.

[mab01uk]

Interesting interview with BMW Design lead Adrian van Hooydonk about the MINI concept here:

http://www.motoringf...k-re-rocketman/

Quote:
What are the features you think are most likely to go to market?
When you’ve just presented a concept car that’s meant to go very far in the future, then that’s probably the toughest question to ask. But, the lighting ideas for sure. I would say things like the hinges, or the way the trunk works. This would be possible to put in production.

Also a lot of the surface features, the design the ideas, the form ideas we’ve put in the car, both in the interior and the exterior. I can see a lot of potential in using those because that is not necessarily technically difficult. That’s just a matter of seeing how it was received—judging by tonight that was good but let’s see if the broader audience in Geneva sees the car.

And this was also deliberate. If people see this car as part of what could be Mini, then we have just broadened our palette. We’ve just given ourselves more room to play. Because Mini has such a strong history, such a strong heritage in one car. Of course everything gravitates towards this one original car. Does it look like that car or does it not? I think this concept car will help us widen the palette a little bit, which I think is necessary to develop the brand into the future.

Edited by mab01uk, 26 February 2011 - 10:07 AM.

[roberts]

hmmm, well that's an interesting interview, bearing in mind the time scales of 'design to production' if there planning on a 2013 release for a production version you would have thought it was already well under way, if not completed (certainly passed the drawing table).

[munkey26]

Looks good

However why are some of you still saying "ohh boo hoo it's not a real Mini, how can BMW put Mini on it, waa waa"?

BMW owns the Mini brand and has done for over 10 years now, so just get over the fact that they make Minis!

Did you act this way when it changed from Austin to BL, or BL to Austin Rover, or Austin Rover to Rover Group?

Personally I love that BMW care so much about the heritage and are doing their best to keep the spirit of the old Mini alive. I own a new Mini and a classic Cooper and love both.

[hystrix cristata]

I'd buy one, those doors look awesome