RUMOR: Lightweight MINI Superleggera roadster concept green-lighted for production

Discussion in 'Future MINIs' started by Nathan, May 29, 2015.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    The MINI Superleggera wowed onlookers with its open-air ambience when it was first shown on the shores of Lake Como at the incomparable Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance in 2014.

    Now, European sources are saying the MINI Superleggera (Italian for ‘superlight’, a term famously used to describe Italian coach-builder Touring’s tube-frame body construction technique on iconic cars such as the Aston Martin DB4) has been given the production go-ahead, with a 2018 debut likely.

    BMW/MINI board member in charge Peter Schwarzenbauer wants to refocus the MINI brand, reducing the number of variants for the third-generation vehicle and emphasising quality. It is believed none of the outlandish previous variants – including the Paceman, Coupe and even the Roadster – will be replaced.

    According to sources the MINI Superleggera has had to be modified to achieve type approval, however, the production vehicle should retain the concept’s essential character and could look like this rendering.

    The two-seat soft-top concept’s complex driveline, which incorporates an electric motor up front and a combustion engine to drive the rear wheels, would likely be changed to adopt the modular front/all-wheel drive third-gen production MINI platform.

    As a result, expect a range of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol engines for the Superleggera upon debut.

    Source - http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/mini/mini-turns-italian-51500
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    HAHAHA..... On again... Off again.... Back on again.... Sure.....:crazy:

    This must be MINI design talk for.... Gotta meet the dreaded "EU Pedestrian Safety Standards":ihih:
     
  3. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    "According to sources the MINI Superleggera has had to be modified to achieve type approval, however, the production vehicle should retain the concept’s essential character and could look like this rendering."

    This is a key quote, so really no telling what it "could" end up looking like... My fingers are crossed though, plus hoping they atleast don't make it look like they copied the Miata..
     
  4. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    Yes please.
     
  5. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    And yet the Miata passed EU Pedestrian Impact Safety Standards with their front end treatment...

    Maybe Mazda had more "Helmets on the head" then "Scarves around the necks", with their designers....
     
  6. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    And managed to get smaller while doing so.
     
  7. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
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    I could wish, but I suspect we will see the pink marshmellow again. :(

    Interesting how Mazda/Miata got it done, isn't it!
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    As you wish...after all, we are here to help.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    In all honesty.......rather have an MX-5
     
  10. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    More speculation...

    The Superleggera will be positioned above the topless version of the MINI Hardtop as a more back-to-basics, driver-focused model aimed right at the fourth-gen Mazda Miata and the upcoming Fiat 124 Spider. Designed as MINI’s halo car, the Superleggera is expected to make the transition from concept to production with only minor visual modifications. The futuristic headlights, the overly thin side mirrors and the frameless windshield will be tossed out, but the long fin on the trunk lid and the Union Jack-shaped tail lamps will surprisingly be retained.

    Read more: 2018 MINI Superleggera | News, Specs, Rumors | Digital Trends
     
  11. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Its gonna meet the EU pedestrian standards by swallowing them...look at the mouth on it!! Reminds me of a cross between a catfish and a Jaguar.....:rolleyes:
    Hopefully it actually gets built....makes me wonder since the BMW counterpart it was to share a platform with got axed...
    Makes me wonder if a designer just "leaked" info in hopes of changing somebody's mind due to the press reports...maybe I am just a cynic....MINI, PROVE ME WRONG...PLEASE!!:cornut:
     
  12. Angib

    Angib New Member

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    What none of these articles mention is that the Superleggera is a size above the standard Mini and is based on the upcoming Clubman chassis, so it's more an Audi TT competitor. Which is disappointing as bigger is not better in this case.
     

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