Rumormill: Electric Mini Rocketman coming in 2014?

Mini Rocketman Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show was loaded with concept vehicles, including the Mini Rocketman, a pint-sized two-door that might make its way into dealerships. According to Autocar, Mini intends to launch a production Rocketman based on BMW's front-drive platform and its eco-conscious "i" technologies. We shall see if that pans out to be true.

~~When~~ if the Rocketman enters the production schedule, then it would slot in below Mini's current three-door Cooper hatchback and add one more vehicle to the automaker's expanding portfolio of plug-ins. According to Auto Express, Mini would equip the Rocketman with a structure similar to that found on the BMW i3. Meaning that the Rocketman would sport a carbon fiber passenger cell, mated to an aluminum chassis. Furthermore, Auto Express claims that the i3's electric powertrain would "slot neatly into the Mini, too, although power would be sent to the front wheels, rather than the rears."

Electric won't be the Rocketman's sole powertrain option, as turbocharged gas and diesel three-cylinder engines are expected to be offered too. Auto Express says that the Mini Rocketman will arrive in 2014, so there's plenty of time for this rumor to develop.