Rumormill: Could a MINI coupe be in the cards?
How much MINI is too much MINI? Can there be such a thing as a MINI monster? Latest word from a "high level source" is the suggestion that the next possible MINI iteration could be a coupe. That's right, a coupe. Specifically, as phrased by the source, "What if MINI instead produced a low-slung and sleek small coupe, not unlike the ACV 30 concept car from 1997?" (The car pictured above.)
BMW wants more MINIs, and clearly, the way they're being swiped off lots, buyers want more MINIs -- but a new 2-door MINI that's a sleeker (read: even smaller) version of the current 2-door MINI? The Clubman hasn't gone on sale yet, the SUV hasn't even been finalized, and the next brand new version is already "on the table." We don't doubt it would sell, but it seems to be, if not overkill, then cannibalizing overlap. And forgive us for saying so, but as much as we enjoy the MINI, they are becoming the automotive equivalent of tribbles.
At the very least, someone please tell MINI not to take any cues from the car above, which should be allowed to close its rally-inspired bug eyes and rest its lumps forever in peace in a dark Bavarian warehouse.
[Source: Motoring File]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
seoultrain 5:04PM (12/03/2007)
lol, mini monster - now there's a euphemism that hurts.
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Xcountryflyer 5:08PM (12/03/2007)
The death of a brand continues. That thing above is UGLY.
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SPG 2:14AM (12/04/2007)
That concept is ten years old.
If Mini makes a coupe it would probably only debut in a year or two as a prototype and will have almost no similarities to the above car.
John 5:14PM (12/03/2007)
Hmmm...perhaps make it what the 1-series should have been?
Smaller, lighter, cheaper...
(And wishfully, RWD too!)
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Todd 5:40PM (12/03/2007)
If it were to be RWD I bet it would have a entirely different look from the Mini and also carry the Triumph badge.
Zane 5:15PM (12/03/2007)
No thanks. The current R56 S is probably the best hatch available on the market right now. Under most circumstances, coupes appeal to people requiring slippery designs clubbed with a high output V6/I6 or even a V8 (and please, the Accord/Altima/Camry coupes and Scions are just soulless boxes). Stuffing a 1.6L I4 in a crappy designed coupe like the one above will just kill the MINI image.
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Jon 5:17PM (12/03/2007)
Looks interesting. I mean it's not the most exciting car I've ever seen but it's a nice concept. Think it would look a lot better though if they changed the front end.
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fizzandpop 5:22PM (12/03/2007)
Surely a roadster is more a priority than a coupe. Rip the roof off and lets have a modern day frogeye. Except it's FWD, which is rubbish.
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rgseidl 12:15PM (12/04/2007)
Mini already produces a convertible. The Mini has always been FWD, so a RWD version would require a new floor pan etc. which defeats the purpose of the exercise.
A coupe variant makes little sense to me, though, even if it would almost certainly look better than the above illustration.
No, a Mini is supposed to be a space wonder with the wheels in the corners. A shooting brake version of the Clubman might be worthwhile, i.e. ditch the the rear seats that don't fold down anyhow. Besides, the rear door is on the wrong side for countries where you drive on the left, so the regular Clubman will sell poorly there. There are plenty of singles and childless/senior couples with dogs or outdoor pursuits. Just line the enlarged trunk with an easy-to-clean material and add some tie-down points so you can prevent inanimate objects from shifting.
Pet option: comfort-and-safety package for dog(s) in the rear. Owners will spend extra for Fido.
Green option 1: secondary batteries for the Efficient Dynamics package with plug-in/plug-out option (110/220V single-phase AC, amps depend on cooling requirements). Mount in the now-redundant rear footwells, which are otherwise hard-to-reach cubbyholes.
Green option 2: lightweight foldable (electric) bicycle plus mounts (and recharge socket) in the trunk. Max. 2 such bicycles. Useful for getting around city centers with limited/expensive parking or congestion charges (Europe, Asia) and/or mild outdoor exercise (seniors).
Another interesting variant - for the US market, at least - might be a low-frills Miniamino with two seats and a stetched wheelbase. Cp. El Camino but smaller.
Fumiki 5:29PM (12/03/2007)
Not thanks, I'll just wait for the Special Edition Mini Mustang...
Ugly or not, the mini's a solid car - a little coupe could be cool!
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h8rain 5:30PM (12/03/2007)
Props on the use of tribbles :)
I think a coupe is not needed when you already have a small three door hatch.
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stefano 5:34PM (12/03/2007)
I don't mind innovations in design, but hat thing has nothing to do with what a mini is supposed to look like.
http://www.webyaa.com/category/cars
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Yago Bal 5:35PM (12/03/2007)
I just LOOOVVEEE that concept!
I find it quite smarter than the new mini, designwize...
...and it has a central rear engine (it's MGF based).
Build it, pretty please, so that I can buy! :) ...cheap?
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Carlos 5:50PM (12/03/2007)
A convertible mini styled sort of like a 60s Triumph would look cool. It would compete more with the Maita / Solstice etc rather than cannibalize the existing Mini line-up.
I say build it - we need more cars on the road that have some character - so sick of all the cookie cutter Toyota look-a-likes.
I may be in the minority here but I like the look of the car in the pictured above - is it an official mini prototype?
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EMC 6:02PM (12/03/2007)
ugh! :S
and I thought the clubman looked ugly!
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GT 6:20PM (12/03/2007)
well especially with the italian job a few years back, I think you could leave it looking like Mini Cooper (if you want a slight change in body panels) - give it RWD thats all it needs...its sporty enough (I loved the original New Minis)
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geo.stewart 6:23PM (12/03/2007)
yeah, that's all we need, a Mini with less space and probably the same weight. handling may be a little better but not worth it.
stick with what you have. Mini should not try to be a full offering brand.
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ron 7:10PM (12/03/2007)
That thing is homelier than a mud-rail fence in a rainstorm!
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stang fan 8:57PM (12/03/2007)
Anyone remember the convertible Dodge Dakota? The pickup with a canvas top? A convertible topped pickup truck makes about as much sense as a small hatchback turned into a coupe.
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Glenn 8:07PM (12/03/2007)
If its south of 2500 pounds and is like a minier mini cooper-s priced a bit bellow the current cooper-s then im in. God that would be awesome.
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