Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?
MINI Crossover Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works. The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp. You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
The Luigiian 7:18PM (5/06/2009)
I think there's a market for a very small SUV with very little overhang in the front and rear, for improved approach-departure-breakover angles and off-road capability, and I think the MINI's "wheel at every corner" approach would work very well for one.
I don't like the MINI Crossover, though. The front end just looks too much like a wide-mouthed bass to me, and a MINI SUV would be far too expensive to take off road.
Not to mention the looks. http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-crossover-concept/1029078/
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thomas 7:22PM (5/06/2009)
i dont think theres a market for that at all....
no one cares about approach-departure-breakover angles in their crossovers. and no ones buying traditional SUVs
a mini crossover yes.
back on topic: whats wrong with the clubman? i guess they need a propper 5 door to compete with the VW??
jte 8:10PM (5/06/2009)
How does a crossover fight with a GTI? They are 2 different animals.
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jte 8:14PM (5/06/2009)
Mini, just give us a 5 door wagon, not a crossover!
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JMills 8:20PM (5/06/2009)
MINI needs to build the ultimate hot hatch, not freaking crossovers or whatever they are called this week. Give us an awd R32 fighter already.
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Erik 9:23PM (5/06/2009)
Awwwwww! It's adorable!!
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big J 8:08AM (5/07/2009)
that thing is ugly
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slicecom 10:36PM (5/06/2009)
There's no way I'd take that thing over a MKVI GTI.
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Chris 10:48PM (5/06/2009)
Too damn many crossovers...
...and the GTI is NOT a crossover...
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XLCowBoy 11:16PM (5/06/2009)
When is a mini not a mini?
When it's bigger than most compact Japanese sedans.
That being said, this is something my wife would want to buy. It's a small SUV with personality - it makes her feel "safe" but isn't big enough to be intimidating to drive. (It's all psychological).
As for myself... somebody give me a ring when we finally see the return of the rear-engined Mini.
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Mr.Oak 9:52AM (5/07/2009)
Oh man!! The car perfect for all the BUTCH lesbians that try to dress like men.
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tim templeton 10:45PM (5/14/2009)
I own a new Mini Cooper S, and I think this thing looks like hell. In my opinion, If they stray too far from the original look of the grill and headlights, they've lost it. The same goes with the roof line. I sorta feel this way about the clubman, I don't mind the length and the station wagon look, but the higher roof line is goofy. It looks like it has one of those fiberglass camper tops on it. It's almost like the Porsche, VW & Mustang, there are certain design cues that shouldn't be messed with, If you want to maintain the classic "blood line" of the car.
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