Mini Rocketman Concept
Mini is about to go micro, and it’s not afraid to knock on other doors for help doing it. At least that’s what Automobile Magazine’s Georg Kacher is asserting in a broad report on Mini’s near-to-mid-term product plans. The report, which cites unnamed company and supplier sources, states that Mini has enlisted the help of Toyota to co-develop a tiny, sub-Cooper model in the likeness of the Rocketman. The wee Mini would be priced between $14,500 and $16,000 and given the heritage-rich name of “Minor.” No timeline was provided for the Minor’s arrival, but the report does state that early styling exercises show fresh proportions and a double-bubble roof; a small, trapezoid-shaped grille; and Union Jack-themed taillamps (a la the Superleggera Vision Concept).
Mini hasn’t shared any of the pertinent details regarding the output, performance, or range of the Superleggera Vision’s electric propulsion, and frankly, we’d be more inclined to jump into this retro-classic roadster if it were powered by a gasoline four-cylinder—ideally teamed with a slick-shifting manual and rear-wheel drive.
Speaking of the Superleggera, that project is apparently a go for 2018, with Kacher asserting that Mini would like it to be powered by the concept car’s plug-in powertrain, though its compatibility with the production model’s underlying structure is still in question.
Other shout-outs in the report go to the Countryman, which will grow into a more proper SUV, with a plug-in hybrid model possible, and the next Clubman, which gets front-hinged rear doors, although we knew that already. Along with the Cooper family, this would bring Mini’s lineup to a total of five core models. Mini couldn’t be reached for comment, but put in context with some fairly illuminating reporting on Mini’s future plans we posted a year ago, these plans make sense and are fairly exciting. After all, the way we see it, the more flavors of Mini we get the better, especially the ones that actually are mini.
Recommended article: Chomsky: We Are All – Fill in the Blank.
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