PARIS — Mini's crossover concept will debut at the 2008 Paris Auto Show next month, presaging Mini's yet-unnamed new production model. BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer has already confirmed that a Mini SUV will follow today's Cooper and Clubman as well as next year's second-generation convertible into showrooms in 2010.
The Crossover Concept's asymmetrical four-door body is totally unique, with a considerably higher beltline and taller doors. On the right are two short front-hinged doors, while the left has a longer front-hinged door and a second, short door that opens parallel to the body at the rear. A one-piece tailgate hinges from the right and has a retractable window, allowing long items to extend out beyond the rear of the car.
Mini has not confirmed the mechanical basis for the new car, although its dimensions suggest it sits on a modified version of the Mini Clubman's front-wheel-drive underpinnings. Modifications to the MacPherson-strut front and multilink rear suspension also cause its body to sit higher, although this is somewhat masked by the concept's tall 18-inch wheels.
Production versions are likely to receive a more modest wheel and tire combination, according to Mini insiders, although a comprehensive list of options should allow future customers to dress their car up in a fashion similar to that of the Paris showcar.
The crossover is considerably longer, wider and higher than the Clubman, with a 102.6-inch wheelbase that is up 2.4 inches on the Clubman. The extra length was necessitated by the need to house a new rear differential that will provide it with permanent four-wheel drive, according to engineers involved in the development of the new car.
Among the power plants the production version of the crossover is expected to offer is Mini's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine developed in a joint venture between parent company BMW and France's PSA Peugeot Citroën.
Inside, the crossover receives a unique four-seat interior that combines various styling elements seen in existing Mini models with new high-tech display technology, including a Center Globe with laser projection.
Mini plans to assemble the SUV at a rate of up to 50,000 per year at production specialist Magna in Graz, Austria. It is expected to go on sale in North America in 2010.
What this means to you: The name "Mini" is becoming less and less descriptive of the product.
Why not? The current one doesn't make any sense either.
Hello, I'm satisfied. Vote for me America; because I believe that making sense does not make dollars. (this message paid for by the Sara Lee bagel company.)
I think when it gets done it'll be more Golf Country than gay-pride cornucopia of color.
My 356 has more miles on it than pretty much any ten Ferraris combined, granted I have only put on about .3 of those 250k+, and they have all been from pushing it in and out of the garage.
I really wanted to like this, but the front end styling is pretty awful, not to mention it's still 2 years away. I'll wait for the Land Rover LRX instead.
Quote, originally posted by Jrod511 »
One of these days I'm going to break my computer screen punching you Corbic.
I just don't think that every marque needs some sort of SUV/people hauler. This strikes me as one of those instances. If BMW is looking for a way to expand the Mini line-up, a proper 5 door hatch (instead of the odd Clubman set-up), an extended wheelbase station wagon, or even a notch-back sedan would all be great choices. I know that Mini has made SUV-type vehicles in the past (the Mini Moke), but that was a far more elemental affair. This concept seems to do nothing better than a Honda CR-V, while probably being smaller, and more expensive.
Quote, originally posted by justanotherusername »
There are plenty of existing technologies that produce emissions free electricity. There isn't one single technology in the world that produces emissions free gasoline.
For advertising information Click Here
's
