MotoringFile » Archive » The Rumored Lightweight MCS: Part 2

The Rumored Lightweight MCS: Part 2

Sections: MF Feature, Rumor Sep 10th, 2005

mini

Since we last mentioned the rumored limited edition lightweight MCS, we’ve received a bit more info on what may or may not be coming down the pipeline.

First off it’s our understanding that this project was, until very recently, still up in the air in terms of the final approval. The main issue appears to be time-frame. With the release of the next generation MINI scheduled for the fall of 2006, MINI will have to rush through design, logistics and then production of the MCS Lightweight for it to be a reality. And apparently there in lies the issue.

It’s also our understanding (as we mentioned previously) that MINI will potentially be outsourcing some of the manufacturing of the car if it does indeed go into production. The hot rumor is that the car will be built by the Bertone Group in Italy sometime during the summer of 2006. We’ve also learned that this car isn’t nessecarily as tied to the JCW brand as once thought. In fact it may be thoroughly different from anything we’ve seen come from MINI yet. Aluminum panels and a less is more attitude could make this MINI a very different beast altogether. That is of course if it gets the go ahead.

Finally we just learned that MINI may be planning on a debut for the car (or a concept of it) at the Frankfurt Autoshow which starts next Monday. It would certinaly be odd timing considering the first concept of the next generation MINI would conceivably be along side it.

For those that might have missed it previously here on MotoringFIle (and MINI2), here’s a quick run-through on the rumored specs:

15 percent lighter
Extensive use of lightweight materials (most notably aluminum)
Lighter glass throughout
Bigger Brakes
Full array of JCW go fast components
2000 released worldwide

For more info on specifics check out the following articles:

[ The Latest on the Rumored Lightweight MCS (part 1) ] MotoringFile

[ More Limited Edition Light Weight Cooper S Rumours ] MINI2

Bob Sep 10th, 2005 Link

That would be pretty incredible if they came out with a car that was lighter than the Lotus Elise and had comparable HP (after JCW).

Gabe Sep 10th, 2005 Link

That would be pretty incredible if they came out with a car that was lighter than the Lotus Elise and had comparable HP (after JCW).

It won’t be as extreme as an Elise but it will be impressive. Rumor has it the car will lose around 15% lighter than the regular MCS.

peter Sep 10th, 2005 Link

I like the concept of this very much.

Might even seriously think of trading or selling my 02 highly modified S for this “factory” lightweight version.

Have heard rumored a production figure of 2000 units, for worldwide distribution. Anyone have confirmation on that?

Hope it has an ALCANTARA STEERING WHEEL, like some other BMW family products have sported! That would swing the tide for me.

YEAH, BABY !!!!!!!!!

tony Sep 10th, 2005 Link

Even if it were to lose 15% its still going to weight over 400lbs more than an Elise.

Zeke Wright Sep 10th, 2005 Link

…. Still sounds good. The sticking point right now is avaliability in the US, and price….. :S

GMINI Sep 10th, 2005 Link

oooooh so sticky that point. ooooooh so sticky.

joey Sep 10th, 2005 Link

one idea that no one has mentioned yet is the possibility for mini to make this car a factory ready racer like dodge did with the viper comp coupe.

lighter glass, bigger brakes, limited production, extensive use of other light materials.- i feel all these signs could be pointing to something that we all weren’t expecting.

just think: when did dodge introduce the comp. coupe? right after they debuted the srt10. mini is introducing a new body style- what better time? what do u guys think?

paultrfc Sep 11th, 2005 Link

This soundslike a good car,

what exactly do Bertone do??

i would prefer a car made by bmw….but the idea is cool…..:)

RB Sep 11th, 2005 Link

TA DA, here they are………………………..http://www.bertone.it/en/index_en.htm

Gabe Sep 11th, 2005 Link

what exactly do Bertone do??

There’s a link in the above story that goes directly to a Bertone website answering that very question.

gmini Sep 11th, 2005 Link

ok, it’s monday!!!!!!!!!!

paultrfc Sep 12th, 2005 Link

i checked out bertone website, the Opel Astra Cabrio is their newest car produced.

although they must be very good at what they do, would you not prefer a bmw lightweight mcs ????

peter Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Just keep the price reasonable on the lightweight, eh?
I don’t want to get beat up when I have to sell it 10 years from when I buy it. :)
but seriously…..lower weight = lower price.

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The Rumored Lightweight MCS: Part 2

Sections: MF Feature, Rumor Sep 10th, 2005

Written By: Gabe