Student's Award-Winning MINI Concept

Gavin Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Is that angry face to counter the claims that the current car is too cute..?
At least it's more interesting than the design concepts that are in the Gaydon museum.

josh g Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Yikes!

Gabe Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Okay - it's feedback time guys :)

Deborah Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Looks like MINI's evil twin… would work well for a anime or movie… but in real life? NO! I like MINI's personality — not attitude!

Deborah Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I like the rims thought and for a roadster/two seater, the roof line is kind of intresting.

Vanwall Sep 21st, 2004 Link

My brain HURTS! Whiskey, Tango Foxtrot, over! Jesus to Jesus and eight hands around! That Is FFFUGGGLLLY. My God, but that is so totally against the MINI concept, I can't believe it's serious. Ow, my sore sclerotics…I just got over a scratched cornea, and this is much, much worse on my eyes. It's like a full-body paper-cut with lemon juice on it. Whoever thought this one up needs to be taken out and b**ch-slapped for at least a week straight. Did I mention I think this concept sucks? Gabe - hide the image, please.

       BCNU,
 A very shaken Rob in Dago

azs Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Yuck! A scaled-down Nissan Murano, a truly ugly large car made to look absurd by shrinking it.

jarrett Sep 21st, 2004 Link

thats volkswagen ugly

Hyper Blue Bob Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Wow…You know, all the first concepts seem to be a bit outrageous at first but are always toned down before they reach production. If this is actually something MINI is looking at, I applaud them. So many manufacturers sit on what they have and before you know it the car becomes stale. I have just received my new MINI a week ago but I will say that this peaks my interest(not saying I want to get rid of what i have now)and I am sure that others will look at it where with the current style they may have just passed it by.
I do like the more aggresive look..not sure I like the headlights being set in so far. The roofline is sweet as well as the wheel arches and skirts. Just my two cents!

Mark Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I think the photo2 is great.

Rick Sep 21st, 2004 Link

My son has a movie called Thomas and The Magic Railroad.
Alec Baldwin is in it. This “Mini” looks like it is right out of that movie. It looks angry. Boy I hope someone knows what I am talking about…

Tsukiji Sep 21st, 2004 Link

The designer is aiming low and hitting a bullseye. The rounded-over CG facet look is ugly.

Didn't Frank Stephenson teach them anything?

Matt Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I just don't understand BMW's fascination with angry cars lately. This case is especially perplexing considering the MINI's image up to now.

EBMCS03 Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I thought 4 rally lamps would void waranty… hahaha

Hey Gabe you said they were on UK Press release site? I cant seem to find the original HUGE version of the pics there.

los_blankeys Sep 21st, 2004 Link

at first it made me think of the smart coupe, but i'm wrong, the smart's a lot happier. then i realised it looks just like every cartoon movie child's nightmare scene about a car.

i hope it's made of ice cream. you can add on the frosting package.

dickdavid Sep 21st, 2004 Link

My first reaction was: YIKES. But I have to admit, it's really growing on me. I like how mean it looks.

Bartek Sep 21st, 2004 Link

This concept is fuckin ugly

Pete Sep 21st, 2004 Link

hey, i think its worthy of being called a cooper, just not a base or an “s” as those are much nicer. maybe they can figure out another name for it, like the morris, or the mini cooper: rally edition. just please don't get rid of the current designs, as they have much more character than this evil-looking raw power machine.

Gabe Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Pete - watch youself there - you just managed to diss a few thousand Cooper owners with your comments ;)

Christopher Tate Sep 21st, 2004 Link

It wants to be a Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Aztec and the Nissan Murano all at once. It should want to be a MINI.

Despite BMW's recent leanings, I still think curves are generally classier than angles (It seems even Acura has softened the “beak” on their cars in recent years)

joey Sep 21st, 2004 Link

i like it- lets call it “super cooper”

Doug Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Wow,

That looks to me like a Hardtop Convertible/Fastback.

The sculpt is interesting enough, but misses the mark on the front end.

Evan Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Just a few things.

It certainly looks tough. Too angular though, round out the headlights and put covers on them- keep them at ovoid. I like the more agressive sides, as long as you don't end up sitting with the top of the door frame at your shoulder. Arm out of the window motoring would be made too difficult. I don't like the TT so don't copy that. The bonnet scoop on the non-clay photo is very nicely done. Remove the angular brake cooling vents. The more agressive grill is nice. The roof line though, get rid of it. Keep it simple.

Actually. Keep the whole design simple. Gentle and friendly. Update the classic.

I know it'll be toned down. My appetite is whetted. My 2004 MC will need a friend in about 7 years….

Gabe Sep 21st, 2004 Link

It's a shock at first - no doubt about it. However it's very interesting and, for some reason, I just can't stop looking at it. There's really a lot to take in.

BTW does anyone else see the bulldog face and teeth in the front griile? My wife pointed them out to me.

Greg H Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Concept cars are known to be too extreme.. The basic design shows promise.. Tone down the front end though.

Sid the Squid Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I was first struck by how the headlight cowls remind me of the Batmobile from the sixties with Adam West.

Does anyone else see it? Or am I just being a cartoon character, hmm….

Allan Sep 21st, 2004 Link

hell no, i would ever buy this design…it looks like a complete rip off of the face of a bull dog…

Scott Sep 21st, 2004 Link

What do you get what you cross a pumpkin and a MINI? This concept answers that question just in time for Halloween.

Rick B. Sep 21st, 2004 Link

I thought first thing of Randy the puppet on the Peewee Herman cartoon show. Something he would drive. Even looks like him.

ChrisW Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Yes, BMW, please, please take the MINI New Edge, like the rest of your now-ugly cars. That way I can enjoy my '05 MCSC for many, many years without longing for a new model.

Mike Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Did I sleep through winter and this is and April Fool's posting?

Someone said Nissan Murano. I think perhaps mated with an Audi TT with extra design work by AMC.

Ick.

Chris M Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Gabe writes,

“…if you take a step back and squint you see overall shapes and themes that could well represent the next generation R56….”

And if you close your eyes completely it looks even better.

(Capt. Kirk voice:) BAANNNGLE!!!!

Gabe Sep 21st, 2004 Link

You're not squinting hard enough!

Gabe Sep 21st, 2004 Link

BTW if you look very closely near the rear fender you'll see another panel gap… presumably for a rear hinged door.

Here's a huge photo [130k]

Greg Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Another one hit by the Bangle stick. I'd say it's a train wreck between an MG and an Infiniti FX45 (notice the rims). Makes me very glad I'm in line for a 2005 JCW MCS.

Deborah Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Anybody consider they might be playing a Men of Metal trick on us? Still looks like an evil twin…

db Sep 21st, 2004 Link

Holy Cow! What happened? Someone mated an Audi TT, Toyota Matrix and the MINI?

Well, every new design has to start someplace I suppose. I certainly hope that these examples are not where they end up. Ugh.

Erik Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

They kinda look like they're yelling. Maybe a good idea for a new robot decepticon transformer character.

David Bunting Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

The rear 2/3rds remind me of the Infiniti FX45.

The wheels look like they may be off of an FX45 too (I'm not saying they are, just that they look the part)

FX45 Wheel Picture Link

crapy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

actually it looks like a mini FX35, kind of funny. in fact, it front lighs look like the new subaru concept car.

iDiaz Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Oh god, it's comin' up!

HURL!

Tavis Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I knew when they let in that dumb ass that designed the latest BMW that MINI would go in the tolit. Is he seriously that stupid? I will keep mt 04 and pass on that crap. They have to go ruin a great car.

Rocketboy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Egads, this is a joke, right? One of those 'there's no way in hell we're going to build it, but we want to hear what people thing about it' leaks?

What's wrong, let me count the ways… Headlamps are wrong, the grille is wrong, the overall shape is wrong, the roof is DEAD wrong, the 'face' design is wrong, the wider tire flares are wrong, the thick roof and 'missing' c-pillar is wrong.

What's right?
Umm, 4 driving lights are cool, but alas, not the way they have it there.

Either way, I would be embarrased to drive something with that blatent of a 'transformers' face on it. If the next MINI has the above styling cues, I'll almost be embarrased to drive my '04 MCS.

But this is a joke, just like the 'Men of Metal' and the Batboy article, right? (hoping)

Zach Senders Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

That thing is so ugly. I have a feeling nobody would buy that if it came out. I know i wouldnt.

Bill Lawrence Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

If I wanted a car that ugly, I would buy a 1990's era Pontiac or worse yet, a new BMW.

It would be a shame if that was the next MINI. The 2007 (or whenever it comes out) MINI would be the next 58 Chevy.

At least all the ugly erector set wings, amateur installed body kits, and all the other crap that gets tacked on Japanesse tuner cars would finally look proper on the MINI (or whatever you want to call that thing).

Ozbone Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

So if this is a “concept car” can someone please tell me “What is the concept?” … beyond “How can you take one of most likeable car designs EVER and then go in the opposite direction”. Smells like a Bangle to me.

Dave& Stacy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Kinda looks like a cross between a TT and a Chrysler Crossfire. Ugly!

Stacy also thought that Photo 2 looks kinda like Strong-Bad from the Homestar Runner site.

http://www.homestarrunner.com/

michael Boice Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

The front end looks too anamorphic; the row of lights in the grill serve as teeth in an overall composition that looks like, well, an angry bulldog…too much like a bull dog. Another concept please???

RobO Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

What would happen if a MINI and a Z3 had a baby? That's what I think the concept is.

To much BMW and not enough MINI!!!

scott Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

i'm not sure where to begin.

it's a shock for certain. i immediately refreshed my page to make sure i hadn't loaded my friends subaru club website by accident. having seen that i saw in the right place, i grabbed a brown paper bag and started breathing into it. once i came back off the ledge, i looked again, and read everyones comments. every opinion, whether well thought out or knee-jerk, is most certainly valid.
this is a huge pill to swallow, and not at all what i would have expected to see. that being said, this
is clearly a design exercise, i understand that.

mini destroyed all sales projections in their 1st year, and essentially created a new demographic:
middle-aged performance luxo-econo car buyer. they now lay the only claim to this group, and if this design is to be believed, even in part, may appear to be thinking of marooning these very same people. if they take some of these design cues and 'angry-up' the mini in an effort to move a successful line toward younger, predominantly male car buyers, then it would seem to be a hugely miscalculated move in my opinion.

the market for those younger (and smaller) pocketbooks, is very crowded and highly competitive as it is. why run to join in with the rest when you stand so singularly on your own?

obviously the design is in it's infancy, but it will more than likely move very quickly. the car they settle on will tell us all very clearly what their intentions are with this brand. are they trying to build a loyal customer base? or are they trying to appeal to a younger market and push us middle-agers into bmws?

i sincerely hope for the former, as i love my mini, and would like to think that the brand will continue to grow in a way that compliments my lifestyle. the design should be regarded as a modern classic, as there is simply no other car that looks remotely like our mini. it does individuality, and it does it very, very well. while i realize that change is inevitable..look how far the original mini went on essentially 1 design!

as for the latter, well…for as long as i've wanted a mini…i've wanted an alfa romeo, not a bmw; and they're coming back stateside around the same time the next generation mini debuts. i think my next car purchase will tell me exactly which path bmw/mini chose.

Jim Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Is MINI celebrating Halloween?

vin Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I like it.

McINI Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

It reminds me of when Herbi grew teeth and chased that old man around trying to eat him in a dream stage.
Thanks alot BMW, now I'll have to keep a nightlight in my garage just in case my cooper becomes a “pooper”. That's what this thing should be called.

8[]

Sid the Squid Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I wonder if that second hatch/latch referenced by Gabe is a door? Looks like the one on the Saturns. I think this style is called a suicide door.

Dress up the front and make some other changes and a little limo is born.

Kurt Collins Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Yikes! I'd kind of like it if it had a japanese nameplate on it! It looks like my old Subaru WRX STi got in the pne with my MINI Cooper S and this is teh resultant offspring - where's the giant wing though? Put all-wheel drive in it and 300 hp and market it as a rally car - but DON'T make it the shape of things to come.

Xgarage Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I LOVE IT!

Gabe Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I figured most would write down the first thing that came to them upon looking at the concepts. And I figured most of it would be negative… mine was (at least to that red/white concept).

Is it good to have a strong reaction… sure - it's better than none. However it's important to not allow some of the more extreme details to wall you off from the rest of the concept.

And for all you under the assumption that Chris Bangle had anything to do with this… Chris Bangle doesn't do any design or direct any projects at MINI. In fact he doesn't even design cars for BMW. Frankly we don't know what this even is…

John Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Earlier commentators captured first reactions: “Yikes!” (my first reaction) and “Angry face”.

Putting MINI on the side like a Z4 seems like odd theme imitation.

MINI is about fun, the practical, and way subtle sophistication. That's why queens to janitors still own them.

The bad boy stuff has always been aftermarket mods. I don't like the angry face and mean styling twists as a base platform.

Kurt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Maybe this isn't a replacement for the current MINI, but an addition to the line. I think this would sell well to the “MINI is too cute” people. I like the design, as long as it's not supposed to replace the current car.

Casey Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Scott - question about you feeling that BMW would be abandoning their current customer base by going with a more aggressive look - sure the market might be bigger right now then the overcrowded young market..but that is the market bmw wants..they want to get people into their lines of cars at a young age with the homes that x% of them will buy a BMW when they are older…even if it means a few less MINIs would sell I'm sure they would gladly do it in return for gaining more future BMW customers…where the real profit is for BMW. Alot of MINI owners are already BMW owners…this is NOT the crowd in my opinion that BMW wanted…then do not want to have their cars compete with each other. In my opinion I think the MINI does need to lose a bit of the cuteness and get more aggressive looking…but NOT what the images above show. Those are horrid…though I do like the aggressive looking hood scoop and what appears to be brake ducts.

Zach Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I love how theres no wheel gap on either of the two.

ANTSMINI Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I like it a lot. I would def buy it. Makes the car look even more modern.

Gavin Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

On further reflection…
I think it could well be a 'Men of Metal' type PR stunt. If so, it's working..! A non-MINI owning friend of mine picked these pictures up on Gizmodo and emailed me about it..!
I don't think they'd be allowed to put that roof line into production with that protrusion at the back. I'm sure that would contravene pedestrian safety regs somewhere… I think the 4 rally lights would work there… I think the headlights would fill their cavities a bit more if it went to production. The possibility of a suicide rear door is interesting but it seems very small as it is on that clay. I suppose it's no smaller than the Mazda is it that has one… I'm pretty sure those are Infinity rims painted white - probably a quick way to get the 'big wheel' look of a concept car.
Having said all that - do we even know if this is a current concept..? There have been so many designs for the new Mini in the last few years this could be a rejected concept for the car we drive now even thought it's only just shown up…
My money is still on a PR stunt though!

scott Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Casey - great points! you hit the other side of the coin perfectly. i would be interested to see what percentage of mini owners owned a bmw at the time they bought their mini. Gabe, do you have idea about that?

Dave Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Are those Jeep Liberty-style rivets I see around the wheels? Ewwwww!

Deborah Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

You know… this looks a lot like an evolution of the original MINI concept car… (second row, first three pics) Don't you think?

http://www.bmwworld.com/media/wallpaper/mini.htm

lexbomb Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I kind of like the hood line and the scoop. And, as stated before, fill in the headlights a bit, so they're not so sunk in.
I'm not so sure about the Nissan bolt holes for the wheel arches though. I do like the contrasting panel in front of the door on the red one. Brake ducts are good, I would only hope they're functional and not fluff. The roof is too swept back like a TT, if they straghtened it out a bit and flattened the roof. And what does the butt look like?

RB Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Well here's my view…

1. it's kind of an interesting concept. I think there are parts that could work. I personally think the front end needs more work, a bit heavy looking, but all in all very interesting.

2. the '58 Chevy is a great car!

3. the TT is a great car!

4. the “Bangle” issue is soooo old it stinks like 3 day old fish, some of you need to move on.

5. the roof line has a vague Ford Focus feel.

6. Would I buy this, probably not but with some work I could see it being the next gen MINI.

7. some of your comments were VERY funny thanks I needed a laff this am.

…RB

Deborah Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I was thinking about the original MINI concept car pictures that I've seen. Seems to me that the orange/evil MINI could have a design iteration either right before or right after the original concept car. A step towards some features we have (like the scoop) and a step aways from other features (like the inset headlamps). Anybody see the similarities? http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/06/27/theminiconceptsofthe_1990s

Tom Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Did the wax, oh I mean clay melt, looks like the wicked witch of the west. I'm melting, I'm melting!!!!

RB Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

So what does our English transplant Ian think?

Heritage or Ford Focus?

…RB

Aaron Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

From the front axel back, I love it.

Does anyone else think that the front looks like Speedbuggy when he got pissed-off? Chick-a-pa! Chick-a-pa! (http://ficklinm.com/SPEEDBUGGY.HTML)

lawrence::otoole Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Seems to me most likely that MINI is trying out far-fetched design ideas and gathering reaction - look past the glaring problems at the overal picture:

PROS:
The huge wheel arches are fantastic. The roof is lower, looks chopped even, and is quite sporty. I really like the front brake ducts and reworked hood scoop (looks designed-in, not frenched-in later). The grille is finally much bigger - I think this is more appropriate, as the huge grilles on Minis were such a dominant and recognizable styling cue, one that isn't well-represented on current cars. The integrated rally light bar, while most liekly would be an accessory, is very well-executed.

CONS:
The headlamp cowls aren't working, and are unfortunate. Why do the lamps float? Why so angualar? Also, the rear roofline doesn't seem resolved, either - why does arc downward so severely, then abruptly end? Why does it protrude? Also, it seems like the rear glass is making it's way up onto the roof… not sure what that's about…

The 3D rendering looks a bit tamer, and more realistic (ever see the clay models of the current MINIs? Same slightly cartoonish proportions).

Without seeing any other view angles, it's hard to say, but if you can get past the sagging roof and the headlamps/eyesockets, it's actually a well-done evolutionary step.

IMHO.

Steve Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Again…
You have to think of concepts (especially when still in clay) as the rough and exagerated version of the themes that are being considered.

Many of the themes this car exibit obviously point toward more agressive styling. I think the headlights are way to bad-boy racer and the grill is a snarl instead of a smile. Yet I do sort of like the roofline; and the addition of a rear suicide door would be fantistic in my estimation. I don't like the built-in rally lights (they look like teeth); and I hate the wheels.

Overall, I don't know…
I hate it…
or do I…

kelly Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

ugly VW beetle

Julie a.k.a. CooperSQT Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

OMG!! no no no! Those slanty eyes are just WRONG.

Deborah Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Aaron — Speed Buggy was a very happy little car! This one is not!

Matt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Wow, I could only read 1/4 of the responses thus far… wow, lots of negativity. People, understand MINI’s gotta be a little progressive lest they suffer the same fate of VW and the Beetle.

I like the hood scoop and the grill design, especially the way it incorporates the additional driving lamps. I like the aggressive details, however I’m wary of the MINI going boy-racer with an STI or Evo VIII style. This should be avoided like the plague.

I like the shape of where they're going with the fenders, but I’m no fan of the round lights suspended in the void.

The rounded roof should go; I’m a huge fan of the current roof and the current pillar-less design with the wraparound glass. The way the roof extends off the C pillar will take some getting used to, not a fan, but it could grow on me.

I love the wheels on the clay model, if only they could be lightish, less than 19lbs would be a good target. Though I feel the wheel arches on the clay model are too cartoonish.

The brake vents I like, a lot, they could be very functional at the track.

The more I look at the CGI one the more I like it. Tone down some of the details, specifically the headlights and roof design about the C pillar.

Ian Cull Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

RB, after an hour or so, I quite like it - not sure I would own one but MINI is about being different and making a visual statement and this one does that!
I wonder how much of the design is a nod to the “Street Ka”?

Whitman Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

“But what to do next? How do you update a retro design of a car that never basically changed?” - R&T (9/04)

The designer's hand is forced to be so brave. Evolution will not do.

Time for MINI’s metamorphosis.
MINI: Unfold your wings!

jon Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

stupid.

NJ DED GRL Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

This simply looks to much like an american car. To be exact like the old 50's Oldsmobiles
Here have fun matching them up and you'll see what I mean
http://www.carnut.com/cgi-bin/_image.pl?/show/00/kkoa/kkoa025.jpg

Chris Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Looks like an angry bulldog!!! And whats with releasing this in tandem with the convertible. Can we enjoy the current design for a few weeks before having to think of trading my new convertible in? Geez!!! Get with the program MINI!! Who is doing your PR?

Chris Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Back to the drawing Board MINI, PLEASE!!!!

Matt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

it's really growing on me, to the point where i'm really starting to like it.

look at the juxtopositioning of the clay with the ProMINI ad. not to bad an evolution IMO.

davidgo Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

love it. reeks testosterone. love how the roof comes over the c pilar. love brake and sc ducts. hope they make it long enough for WRC. it will look supertough in full race trim. 90% of ladies will buy a “guy” car. only 10% of guys would buy a “chicks” car. this is the right direction! WRC! WRC! WRC!

Ron Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

so a VW beetle and a MINI shacked up and this is their kid, right? And, here I thought MINI”s were a separate species and all!

RB Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Ian…

Do you think the original Mini was about being different design wise, as it doesn't seem that dif from it's contemporaries of it's day, or about being dif in it's approach to how a car should function? I think the later.

I do believe that, with todays bored kids, the car will have to change design wise more than I would like but I would hope it would be more of a bug to beetle type change as with the Mini to MINI changes.

I personally think the changes are not needed but I'm from a dif era.

I must say though, I know a lot of X'ers than are totally into “old school” and love the retro look.

What say you Falstaff?

…RB

Robert Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

The basic design shows promise,get rid of the recessed lights. Like the no door handle look in #1.

davidgo Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

ps keep the roof flat it is not a tt or bug

GW Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

The headlights sour the design. Other than that, it's not half bad.

Frank Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

1) I don't like that ferocious looking front end. This model reminds me of what BMC did to the classic Mini back in the 1970's with the squared off “Clubman” look for the froent end. Scrape it!.

2) Keep the roof flat! Curving the roof towards the back totally deminishes the overall impact of the design (In other words the car doesn't look like a MINI anymore) and also takes away headroom for rear seat passengers. The beauty of the current car is that passenger can seat in the rear without their heads banging against the roof headliner of the hatchback glass.

The proportions are OK. I actually like the wider wheel flares.

Mike Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I think it's pretty damn ugly. I'm just not a fan of the front end and it looks quite a bit longer then the current body. With that said I hope it's just a design study=)
Mike

Larry Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Kinda reminds me of the mini-marcos. Did Jem Marsh have a hand in this??

Gabe Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

New side photo added - see the top of the page.

scott Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

is that a spare tire on the back of the roof?

now they are just toying with us!

GSKChicago Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

WOW, that's a lot of comments in one morning. I've never seen so many responses in such a short time. I've been coming to Motoringfile since June, so maybe there have been others I've not been here for. Anyways…

I don't hate it, I certainly don't love it. Like seems to be too strong a word right now. I like that it looks “tougher”, I don't think that's a bad thing. So the idea behind the concept I like, but don't know that I like the actual concept we see. The rally lights should not be built into the car. I like the fact that some MINI's have driving lamps and some don't. I like that we can add and subtract items as we see fit to further customize our MINI's.

This concept does indeed look like too many other cars on the road. I love the fact our current MINI's look like nothing else on the road. I've not once been driving down the road having seen a car that I thought was a MINI approaching but then find out it's not. That hasn't happened to me once. Virtually every other car out there, I get tricked sometimes; i.e.: Jaguar X-Type and Hyundai (I think it's a Hyundai or is it a Kia). Anyways… Doesn't matter which one.

MINI has to keep the design fresh, no argument from me there. However, they need to erase their memory of all other cars on the road and stay original so we don't mistake someone's else's car for a wonderful MINI.

Those are my thoughts for now. Perhaps I will re-visit my thoughts later. But right now, my brain hurts. :o)

G.

GSKChicago Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Okay yeah, looks just like my brother's FX45 from the side!

davidgo Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

MINIs have runflats not spare tires in the roof wtF!?

Greg Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Well, from the cuts in the side, it looks like they are making one of those funky rear doors(much like the saturn)….which on a small car like the mini, might cut up the visual appeal.

For the record, I like the position of the spare tire. marks for originality, and inventiveness……although, ya gotta wonder if the view through the rear view mirror will be impacted.

As for the angry face, toned down, and a little less angular, and I might not mind it on an S. …but I thought I read somewhere that Mini was going to do away with the Supercharger and go for Turbo????…..so that intake would just be window dressing, which I would find offensive.

csdmmnt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I don't mind it so much from the side. Looks pretty sharp. The entire car speaks of others though as pointed out above.

The front end looks terrible. The headlights … the grill … the scoop … all look terrible. They can be fixed though but do you run the risk of looking like a Mazda 3 then?

I don't like the Audi TT, this has that look in it as well, scrap that.

… again though the side view isn't unappealing and if those are “suicide” type doors like found on the Mazda RX-8 then that'd be kind of cool.

The “sunroof” or “moonroof” … move it forward, make it panoramic, that is a HUGE appeal for me that the MINI has.

Interesting car. Makes me appreciate my 2003 JCW MCS even more but also lets me anticipate possible future motoring fun options.

Seize the moment!

Cheerios!

davidgo Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

like the MINI emblem/turnsignal
ie: Z4

csdmmnt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

hmm … not a “moonroof” … but a spare tire. Now thats interesting …

john Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I looks like that side profile shows a rear suicide door thats like the one used on the Mazda RX8 and Saturn Ion Quad Coupe.

Jeremy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

WOW! all i can say is that i'm definitely not going for the scion now. THX!

Jeremy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

WOW! all i can say is that i'm definitely not going for the scion now. THX!

MINIMNS Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

All can breath a sigh of relief. It's a student design that won in a BMW design contest.

SL Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Thumbs down. I don't like the angry face. It also looks like a revamped Batmobile.

brocked Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

is that the spare on top of the roof? seems like a bad place in a real world car… I don't care for this design, it looks like a ripoff of Mazda's current line (especially the 3 series & the RX-8 in the back)… as for the front? hideous.

Frozenquest Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Hell yeah!
MINI has lead the pack with out-of-this-world design and ingenuity. Keep it up, I'll keep coming back for more!

Patrick Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

The original mini was basically never changed in any significant way. The new MINI from BMW has been a smashing success. Why bother to change it so drastically so early on? THis isnt even close to the PT or Beetle comparisons. their sales dropped way off. MINI's sales figures are still off of the charts. they are selling every unit, YEARS after initial production began.

Patrick

ejkd Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I hope they will reconsider & follow the footsteps of the 911 ,GT 40 etc. were the design still follows the original…thus retaining it's heritage & value.

Gabe Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Update: We were hoping for some clarification on these images and I'm happy to say we finally got it. The images above are from a BMW sponsored contest for design students where 1st prize gets an MCS for a year. You're looking at 1st prize! So while they might indeed represent some interesting ideas that BMW/MINI could be looking at, it would seem that they are not official concepts from MINI.

All you with negative reactions can rest easy :)

swingMCS03 Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

i like it alot.

Brian Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I like the attitude change.. The face is too angry though.. but I understand the idea they are going for.. I think tough is better than cute any day.

Benjamn Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Bangled MINI?

Matt Dolch Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Different, but not a MINI!

Ken Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

This should be the first MINI to run in the Dakar Rally. It has the perfect look to be the first all wheel drive MINI.
The street version should be softened a bit but this would be a nice start for a MINI utility line. Love that spare tire mount.

wen Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I took the liberty of going ahead and making the MCSC…just for giggles.. check it out!

http://peopleshow.com/images/9.22.04/myconceptontheconcept.jpg

Aaron Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

From a post above… It does look like that black hunch on the far back side of the roof is a spare tire! Cool concept, but I bet execution would be awful (leaves, dirty water, snow trapped in the tire well).

Deborah - Speedbuggy was a happy little car… until you cheated or did some other dasterdly deed to get in front of him in a race. Then, he would scrunch up his face (see the first 2 photos above) and spool up the turbo…

wen Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

oh, also added the very important side view mirror!

Casey Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Greg - just because a car is turbo charged does not mean it can't have a hood scoop. A turbocharged car can be intercooled just as a supercharged car would be. STi is an example of a factory turbo'ed car that is intercooled.

Mike Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Casey, you also don't need a hood scoop for a turbocharged engine to be intercooled, I hope you realize. :) Almost all turbocharged engines are intercooled. Audi/VW's 1.8t, 2.7t, and now 2.0t are all intercooled but they are usually side-mount intercoolers. Also note that not just the STi is intercooled, so is the regular WRX. A hood scoop is just a convenient means of providing a fresh airflow to the intercooler.

Matt Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

i like your thinking Ken. a MINI-ute, maybe a step smaller than a CR-V…

Burberry17 Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

There are a few things that make a Mini a Mini
1) Flat Roof
2) Mini's “Face”
3) Classic Mini Grille
4) it's “mini” size

When you take all these things away like in the prototype above.. you dont have a MINI!!
Folks, this is not true to our motoring heritage.

-Angela

Burberry17 Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

There are a few things that make a Mini a Mini
1) Flat Roof
2) Mini's “Face”
3) Classic Mini Grille
4) it's “mini” size

When you take all these things away like in the prototype above.. you dont have a MINI!!
Folks, this is not true to our motoring heritage.

-Angela

Casey Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Of course I know :) One of project cars - Silver Sonic is turbo'ed…front mount. But then again that hood scoop comes in handy for the intake :) The STi was an example - I hope you realize :) I didn't much care to list out everyone I can possible think of.

Rocketboy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Egads, the intergrated spare tire on the roof adds insult to injury.

And yes, it seems to me more of a next generation Sport Ka than a MINI to me also…

But i'm not sure if the student, or the judges need take more classes, but no wonder why it looked so 'boy-racer'ish…

Charlie Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

WOW…………..!
I don't think I've seen this many comments about ANYTHING on Gabe's site to date.

Some pretty strong feelings expressed !

Joey Stepancic Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

this could be a possible rally car concept…. awesome

hflyer Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I'm a past CRX owner and current Talon owner, and fall into the “middle-aged performance luxo-econo car buyer” demographic mentioned by Scott/8:07 above.

I've been eyeballing the BMW MINI since it came out, but if this is the MINI's future, I'll stop looking.

Objections:

Way too angry face. Why make your first impression of a car a negative emotion? I'm not sure I'd want to stand in front of it and open the hood.

Recessed headlamps will collect bugs, dirt, snow, ice, squirrels, etc. Flush covers would help, but why not just move the lamps forward?

The rear sloping roofline destroys the MINI's legacy boxy look, reduces interior space, and reduces visibility (and thus safety). It gives the body a heavy, chopped feel, and looks somewhat like the flap-headed aliens from the 1997 movie, The Arrival.

Spare tire on top? Please. Another dirt/bug/snow collector, not to mention theft, vandalism, and tire prints on my clothes. And listen to the scrape of a dirty tire across paint as you lift it into place…

Without the front-to-back rake that gives the current MINI a little eagerness, this concept's side view looks heavy, tired and slow.

No door handles? Why make it a puzzle to open the door?

I'll pass on this one.

Volkan Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Chill out people! This is just a prize-winning design by a student; not the “offical next MINI”. Not even a concept car!

Let's calm down and go back to motoring our retro-friendly MINIs. Wait… I cant… mine is at the shop again this week :(

As Gabe stated above:
“Update: We were hoping for some clarification on these images and it looks we might now be getting some. We've had two people now email us saying that the images above are from a design student that BMW has given an award to. So while they might indeed represent some interesting ideas that BMW/MINI could be looking at, it would seem that they are not official concepts from MINI.”

Ken Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

This is fun!MOTOR ON…
Gabe, this has to be a record for responses to a post on your site.

John Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Hmm…looks like a cross between Toyota Matrix, Mazda RX-8, and MCS. Don't like it.

Tom Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Now I feel bad, I remember when I was an art student, everyone was looking and giving comments (mainly sarcastic ones), I know one thing I could not have done that well back in art school.
Thanks for the clarification.

Nervous Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

don't really care what it looks like from the front and side… I'm only seen from the rear - any shots of the tail?

Patrick Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Hold on a minute! dont feel bad for being negative about the work. the student should be thrilled and flattered that people took this for a real concept design from inside MINI. like it or hate it, we all thought it was highly professional.

Gabe Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Everyone - Thanks for the responses - they're certainly fun to read. But please realize this is a design study from a student at design school. These concepts aren't meant to have door handles, proper wheel clearance etc.

ZAKDOG Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

isn't that a spare tire on the roof (pic #3)?

I agree that future designs have to push the envelope. I read Sir Alec's interview that was linked, here I think, a MUST READ for all offering criticisms here. I think if Sir Alec had his way with the cars you are now driving…you might not like them based on what his future designs were…not adventurous at all. If you like the old look buy a classic…if you like the design the way it is now there are plenty to choose from with everyone upgrading to the latest year.

I personally will be keeping my 02 ;)

Volkan Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Gabe,
No matter what, this is going to continue for couple of more days :)
I hope somebody sent the link of this site to the student who designed this and received the award. He is probably going to roll on the floor after reading the reaction (or over-reaction I should say) from the current MINI owners.
Funny, eh?

MiniGuy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

Is there a website with pics of some of the other entries?

Gabe Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I haven't found one.

Tina Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

I'm sorry, but i don't like it :( the back end of the top looks like dog ears flying in the wind. It doesn”t look like a mini… but I'm glad the designer won 1st place, I don”t think i could design something like that….sorry if i offend anybody just putting in my comments on this

Phil Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

One picture shows a small reverse opening door (like the RX-8). That would be great.

Miniguy Sep 22nd, 2004 Link

thanks!

MiniLifeCrisis Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Talk about Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of cars… glad I'm getting an '05 before this nightmare comes about.

MiniLifeCrisis Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Please, would someone yell out “APRIL FOOLS!” already. OMG! This thing will cause children (and adults) to run screaming into the night!

Matt Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Excuse me, but are you people reading the post at all before commenting? This is not an official MINI design.

hflyer Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Of course we realize that it's not an official MINI design.

However, the gut reactions to this particular concept - from current and future MINI customers - are about as official as BMW can ever hope for.

Let's hope they're listening.

David Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

I know this is not an official MINI design, but I can't understand a group of MINI designers selecting this idea as the best interpretation of a MINI, anyway. You would think that the designers would probably have the same reactions in the same proportion, as most of the people who have been commenting on the design here.

Matt Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

I wouldn't be so sure, David. Have you seen some of the designs coming from BMW lately?

Dillon Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

…I can see why that person won. The key word here is,”competition”. Very few times have I ever seen a person(myself included),team,etc. have a perky smile on their face. Besides,I like the fact that this kid took the time to make this MINI aero. Look how the four lights blend into the buumper. Look how much lower it sits. Not to metion how much wider it is. Good job to the winner. That person deserves a MCS for a year.

aer Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Awesome! I love it…Build it!!

TSizemore3 Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

With the quality of the detailing and design, I wonder if this was the work of an Art Center College of Design student?

Actually, with the exception of the Batmobile headlights, I kind of like the front end treatment. I think that the grill shape is quite evocative of the later style Mini grill, which I preferred over the original Mk. 1 style.
That grill shape was in production many more years than the original was.

The side profile is very reminisent of the concept car that came out in the mid 1990's. I think if the designer went with a gentler arc for the roofline and ommitted the winglets around the C-pillar area, it would be much more acceptable. If it would help with the “Dirty Butt Syndrome” I'm open to more radical styles. I would like to see a good shot of the rear styling.

Overall, I think if the designer went with a more MINI-like headlight treatment and a more conventional roofline, he would have a strong contender for the second generation MINI.

Bart Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

ack.. darf piewagon

pete Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

any ass shots?

Jason Hartong Sep 23rd, 2004 Link

Really rather ugly! Don't the designers get it…..retro is the way to go. Most styling that doesn't take hints from cars built before 1973 look like junk. It is very unlikely BMW would allow anything like that go into production.

Doug Travis Sep 24th, 2004 Link

Well they painted it the right color………..puke ornage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RB Sep 25th, 2004 Link

PUKE ORNAGE?….is that a special french colour?…RB

Aniawn Sep 25th, 2004 Link

I don't know…at first I didn't like it, but now that I can better see what the sides look like, it's growing on me. Granted, the front does need to be redone in my honest opinion (the headlights and driving lights(?)). I only wonder if they made a prototype of it, will it seat two or four people (four may be pushing it)?

Samantha Thompson May 19th, 2005 Link

Wowee!!!I love the rims!!!!! Very sexy!

Paz Jul 19th, 2005 Link

LOL ITS A MINI THAT IS REALLY REALLY PISSED OFF HAHA!!!

nice 3d model though ;) this car would look bad ass in real life, yes i can see some people think woah thats a bit much, but i think if it were toned down just a little in the front end, it might be alright…. nice 1

Faye Jul 30th, 2005 Link

wow baby if dat car was in da road n u picked me up in it i’d b urz 4 sure. I luv a guy wiv ideas n brains. Cool car nice rims Luv it baby! xMwahx

chino Dec 5th, 2005 Link

suggested model name: The Mini Predator XS. That would be sick.

stephen Jan 1st, 2006 Link

WOW this car is ‘da bomb’ lovin da wheels and overall body look any 1 who thinks da same, back me up guys tata