New Mini mite could debut at '11 Geneva show

Discussion in 'Future MINIs' started by Nathan, Jul 15, 2010.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Mini is hard at work on a new entry-level model--dubbed the Mini Minor or “Mini Miniâ€--and it could be revealed in concept form at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

    The first phase of building the prototype is under way at a BMW site in Munich, Germany. AutoWeek first reported plans for this small car last month (“Mini Minor?†AW June 7, 2010). It would be based on a modified version of an existing front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform boasting a shorter wheelbase. The new small Mini has been conceived as part of BMW's broad-based project “i†mobility initiative, which has also spawned the more high-tech, carbon-fiber-intensive Mega City Vehicle--a car with which the new Mini shares very little.

    Little else is known about the car's layout at this stage, but engineers involved in the development of current Mini models concede it would be very difficult to create a front-engine/front-wheel-drive, four-seat city car shorter than today's 3,700-millimeter-long hatch while adhering to all relevant crash-test criteria, both in Europe and in North America.

    This tends to indicate the new Mini will receive a two- seat interior in a move mirroring that of the Smart ForTwo--just one of a number of possible rivals. Another possibility is a three-seat configuration like that of the Toyota iQ.

    Warning that its future production is anything but secure, Mini officials say they will monitor reaction to the urban concept to be shown in Geneva before making any decisions on production.

    “The idea to create a highly compact Mini model is one that has been on the agenda for quite a while,†a source said. “On the outside it would appear a natural fit for the brand, but profitability is a major concern at this end of the market. It's one thing making a good-looking small car, but it's another thing making money on it.â€

    Although the new Mini and the Mega City Vehicle aim at a similar market segments, the concept of the former, planned for Geneva, is expected to showcase a new small-capacity gasoline engine while the latter is being developed primarily as plug-in electric vehicle, albeit with the likelihood of gasoline and diesel versions in the longer term.

    In addition to hinting at Mini's plans for a new small car, the concept car planned for Geneva is set to feature the company's future design lineage, which BMW Group design boss, Adrian Von Hooydonk, describes as being an evolution of the existing retro-infused theme, as seen on today's hatch, Clubman and Countryman.

    Mini's plans for a Smart ForTwo rival date to the company's earlier rear-engine/rear-wheel-drive Spiritual concept cars revealed at the Geneva motor show shortly after BMW's purchase of the Rover Group (to which Mini belonged) in 1994.

    Read more: New Mini mite could debut at '11 Geneva show
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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  3. phydeaux

    phydeaux New Member

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    Paint it green, become a vegan, and move to Australia. Then you can drive the Vege Mite!

    ba-dum *ching*
     
  4. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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  5. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    The only way that will sell is if it is CHEAP!!! I know it said entry level but it better be very entry level..
     
  6. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I thought I had seen that picture before and I have, so I think this is pure BS.

    On page 41, of New Mini, Second Addition, by Graham Robson, you will find this very picture.The car on the left was called "Spritual" and the one on the right was called "Spritual Too". They were both built as a concept car in 1995 by Rover Group as a possible design for the MINI we drive today. They were presented to BMW and rejected. There is an entire section devoted to these in the book.


    Jim
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Egads..... You're right! I seem to remember the design also. It's pictured on page 170 in the coffee table book "The MINI", Celebrating 50 Years of a Modern Motoring Icon, by Brian Laban and Jeremy Clarkson.

    Ha Ha, we've all been duped.:lol::lol::lol:
     
  8. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I'm just thankful that the design drove a wedge between BMW and Rover design teams. Otherwise that could have been "The New MINI" and I'm betting this site would not be here. :nonod:

    Jim
     
  9. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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  10. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    Looks a bit like some of the Rover designs that BMW nixed... Might do well in some of the European and Asian markets Ala the Smart car, maybe with a small diesel.

    Does make one wonder if BMW IS expanding the brand too quickly...
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