Official Images of the MINI Concept Wagon

Sections: Official News | R55 (Clubman) Sep 12th, 2005 154 Comments

[Update #2: full gallery] As we predicted last week, MINI has unveiled a long wheel base MINI concept at the Frankfurt Autoshow today. Seen in this concept are hints at the next generation MINI (both standard coupe layout and new wagon version). This being a concept, many of the design features and subtle touches are a bit extravagant. From the interior materials to the one piece bonnet and bumper, many details seen here will undoubtedly not make it to production. However if you can clear away some of the more lavish parts of the concept and focus on the shape of the car, you’ll clearly see the next generation R56 MINI.

Here is the official MINI press release on the MINI Wagon Concept:

Travelling in Style.
Exactly 45 years after the launch of the Mini Traveller in September 1960, MINI is presenting the MINI Concept Frankfurt at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show – a design study re-interpreting the philosophy of the little Traveller from Great Britain through a new concept of “Travelling in Style” befitting the beginning of the 21st century.

In its overall look and appearance, this concept car with numerous design features in the meantime acknowledged as genuine icons is typical of MINI all the way. And numerous innovations both inside and outside are equally typical of the brand: Wide-opening doors with parallelogram kinematics characterise this very special car in the same way as its coupe-like look without a B-pillar, the new silver metallic paintwork and exquisite materials within the interior.

The MINI Concept Frankfurt also quotes the classic Mini Traveller also through its elegant Estate design boasting a symmetrically split double door at the back as well as split rear side windows.

Coupe-Like Appearance.
In its overall appearance the MINI Concept Frankfurt is sleek and smooth, while nevertheless placing the emphasis on important features such as the wheel arches, the shoulder line and the powerdome. So the MINI Concept Frankfurt makes a clear visual statement – this is a car full of class, muscle, and elegance all in one.

The Overall Concept – Clever MINI Style All the Way.
The fundamental idea in developing MINI Concept Frankfurt was to make loading and entering the car as simple and convenient as possible. This is why all four doors (the driver/front passenger and rear doors) come with ?parallelogram kinematic joints and springs: To allow optimum access and entry into the car, the doors swivel to the side and at the same time to the front in one single movement, ensuring maximum opening space leading into the interior. The rear sliding windows open electrically, the front section moving parallel beneath the rear half. With the windows fully open, MINI Concept Frankfurt thus provides a particularly impressive feeling of style and generosity otherwise to be found only in a coupe and convertible. And thanks to the long wheelbase, the two rear seats are easy to reach while at the same time the exterior of the car offers a particularly dynamic and sporting impression.

Cargobox in the Luggage Compartment, Large Loading Area in the Roof.
The MINI Concept Frankfurt comes with an adjustable Cargobox within the luggage compartment with its loading cover moving out to the rear for easy and convenient access at all times. A further convenient feature is the transparent cover on the Cargobox moving up and thus serving as a partition between the passenger area and the luggage compartment. The rear section of the roof, finally, opens up just as conveniently for easy loading.

Satellite Silver Metallic Paintwork and Neoprene Contour.
MINI Concept Frankfurt stands out in its beautiful silver paintwork in the light, all points not directly in the beholder’s line of vision being kept in a more discreet grey. Soft, resilient neoprene is featured on the black side band so characteristic of the car, extending along the side-sills and wheel cutouts.

Interior Design Characterised by “Floating Elements”.
The “Floating Elements” concept consistently takes up and continues the car’s exterior statement within the interior: Right from the start when getting into the car, MINI Concept Frankfurt makes a generous and open impression enhanced by the completely free and accessible floor of the car, the foot area covered only by the central “insular element” of the centre console holding the “suspended” seats in position to provide a particularly generous foot area with a very advantageous impression of space.

This impression is further accentuated by the free-hovering dashboard with its speedometer in the middle.

It almost goes without saying that MINI Concept Frankfurt offers adequate space for four. The rear-seat backrests tilt down individually to form a flat surface flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, while the centre armrest lying between the two seats is integrated in the flat surface and offers additional storage space.

Leather, Chrome and Aluminium as the Principal Materials.
Throughout the interior, white leather underlines the impression of modern style and generous space, adding a strong touch of sophisticated class and stylish flair. The colour white emphasises the clear lines of MINI Concept Frankfurt, top-quality leather being used on different surfaces, the warm, natural surfaces being supplemented by cool-looking, metallic trim at all appropriate points. An aluminium-coated glass-fibre structure, for example, accentuates the door panels and linings inside the car, while a special carbon-fibre look highlights the foot area in combination with nylon texture carpeting adding a particular touch of sporting style.

Forty-Five Years of the Mini Traveller.
The four-seater Mini with its extra-large luggage compartment was launched in September 1960 in the guise of the Austin Seven Countryman and the Morris Mini Traveller. The term “Traveller” alone clearly proved that this special version of the Mini was intended from the start for an active target group. Sales of the Mini Traveller from 1960 to 1982 amounted to more than 400,000 units, including a special version of the Mini Clubman as of 1969.

We will have a very in depth look at this concept later in the day. In the meantime you can check out the full MotoringFile Gallery of the new MINI Frankfurt Concept below:

[ 2005 Frankfurt MINI Concept ] MotoringFIle

You can also check out a few real life photos over at Automobile Magazine or at this personal Gallery.

Written By: Gabe

154 Comments

vaper Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I’ll go first…U G L Y.

John Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it! Sure, it’s going to be different than what we’re use to, but overall, I like what I see.

Allan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

what the f

TooLShack Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Hey that’s pretty cool looking!

GSKChicago Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Is it just me, or does the first picture look reminiscent of a Range Rover? Not saying it’s as large, just has similar lines. Am I alone on this one?

Overall, it is interesting though, I’ll hold off on passing judgement until I see more.

vaper Sep 12th, 2005 Link

looks like they went from a bull dog to a catfish. I couldn’t be happier that my ‘06 MCS is on the Otello headed this way.

MDSBrain Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I don’t know what to make of it. Surely interesting….

MINI VANILLI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

why is there a hood scoop if they are getting rid of the super charger???????? INTERESTING

GoMiniGo Sep 12th, 2005 Link

There are even more renderings at

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_frankfurt/mini/pages/01.htm

well, I realize that these are renderings of a concept car which means that there not real close to the production car, but I am disappointed.

I hope the 07 front end is not so upright. I also dislike the headlights. There is other stuff, but those are the biggest. Glad I still have my ‘02!

GMG

MDSBrain Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Theres a bonnet scoop? I thought with the turbos they were going away?

MINI VANILLI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

and we can pretty much assume that the next gen mini’s whole front end and bonnet will look exacty like this.

petecrosby Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I can’t figure out the rear roof section. It looks like the rear door glass drops into the doors and, maybe, the section of the top behind the glass lifts up, allowing the rear section of the top to slide forward under it. I can’t tell if or how the sunroof glass opens.

I like the 4 bucket seats. The new door hinge mechanism is rather interesting. In the tan/white picture it looks like there may be a small conventional bonnet instead of the clamshell.

Lee L Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I agree the front is even more upright than I thought it would be and the lights are to elooooongated.

The hood scoop on the current MINI is not there because of the sueprcharger, it is there because of the intercooler. People also have been known to use an intercooler on a turbo car as well. Plus they might just put it there for looks.

GoMiniGo Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Gabe,

One more thing, does the windshield look to have more rake in it? Do you think that is a reality because of the pedestrian law? Too bad if so…

GMG

db Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Looks pretty good to me. If this car were to look even kinda like this I’m in!

ajigel Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Well, not only is it only a rendering, but its a concept, so its not production or anything. Like all things like this, my final judgement will be reserved.

Its nice, though, not a bad shot. Of course, its a mini, and I’m used to looking at my own car, so the proportions are off, but its a decent try. There are some things that look nice – anyone notice the inegration of the exhaust into the rear bumper? Nice. Plus, the new front grille looks better than I would have thought.

Again, this is not a production car, so I’m not going to get too heated.

However, if this thing is going to be a true wagon, any chance of seeing AWD? If this car is what it takes to get AWD in a production mini I say bring it on.

Shep Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Interesting door-hinging arrangements. Presumably to make entry easier, both to the back seat and to rear cargo space. But it doesn’t appear much easier to access the back seat, in your 5th drawing. Bring on those suicide doors.

I wonder if this is just a trial balloon–they apparently havn’t actually made one of these yet.

Tom Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it and think it would bring in a larger crowd into the MINI world, but it looks like it lost it’s cute face – I hate this new pedestrian friendly front ends, the Volvo’s design is wounded because of this new law and I hope it doesn’t do it to the regular Mini line-up.

vaper Sep 12th, 2005 Link

check out the interior shot over at autoweek. very flash gordon.

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_frankfurt/mini/pages/11.htm

overall, it appears that the subaru tribeca has an ugly baby sister.

RB Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Glad I have my ‘04, thank you!

Mad brummie Sep 12th, 2005 Link

looks great, but is a concept so a pinch of salt taken :)

Bruce Hord Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I treat my MC as a small truck with the back seat down most of the time. At 68, none of our frirnds are likely to sit in the back. The back buckets are neat, but wonder how flat the back surface will be?

Like the overall look of this proposed new MINI. Should provide better ride.

Twig Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I honestly don’t understand the need for MINI to do anything other than make a MINI. low-middle-high and a vert.

I don’t think MINI needs to be like GM and make 100000 kinds of cars.

I say keep improving the existing Coopers and stop daydreaming.

nina simone Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Proof there needs to be a time-space continuum swing to get from our retro-design MINIs to the next gen R56.

Very interesting & still sexy in it’s way. ;D

Bob Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I don’t like the back seat. It should have a bench back seat instead of two chairs so three kids can party back there… also so you can drop the seats down and have a huge trunk.

Aaron Sep 12th, 2005 Link

On the top picture, if you cover up everything from the front wheels and back, it looks like the front of a Jag.

I love the new front lines and headlights… the rear view seems chunky and not in the same style as the front.

Overall: Pretty cool for a station wagon.

ryan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

i think i may vomit…

Eelke Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Fingers crossed Mini doesn’t get praised for being so “bold” to keep a lot of the concept for the production version in a few months time… I do NOT like where this is going at all. I dislike the headlights most, although the backend of this estate version doesn’t cut it with me either.

Noah Sep 12th, 2005 Link

So, to quote Jurassic Park in a manner of speaking, “Is there going to be any wood in your woody wagon?”

johnsocal Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I wish the were more pics of the front. The fact that I don’t dislike it as much as I would have thought is a surprise. Its very unique and forward-thinking which is cool, but I still need to get a better look at those headlights and front grill.

mataku Sep 12th, 2005 Link

wow… I think it looks freakin’…. awesome!!

it’s a really interesting design, things are a bit elongated, but overall I think it looks very cool. Not too cute, but cool. It does need a back bench though to be more practical.

Two things as someone has mentioned. Super long doors, no suicide doors implemented in this rendering. As for the hood, it doesn’t even look like there is a hood line. Not for conventional or clamshell.

Lee L Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Now that the interior pictures are up, Nice 2 spoke wheel there!

What is holding the seats up?

With more thought, I still don’t love the front, but it is probably more close to the classic Mini than the current MINI in reality.

nina simone Sep 12th, 2005 Link

It’d be so lovely to find an iPod click wheel integrated into a MFSW.

Aurel Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it!!! Very futuristic interior … The car seems practical while retaining the small size.

MrV Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Interesting. I like the interior more than I thought that I would. But I question the reality of producing a two door wagon. I’m really not in the demographic that would buy this car, but it seems to me that if you were interested in this type of car, in all likelihood you want the doors in the back to open for little passengers.

The big MINI logo on the back has to go though. It looks gaudy.

What would really be neat if if they could design the sunroof to open from the back seat all the way to the rear of the car, making a huge, open space like a sort of pickup of sorts for hauling tall objects.

All in all, I think it’s a nice first try, but it has a way to go.

And I agree with the above poster. I don’t think that MINI needs to sell anything other than the 4 models currently available. Maybe a roadster, but I just don’t see this selling very well. I think that BMW has misjudged the marketplace, but then I don’t get paid to do that research, and I’m sure someone else does….. and did.

– Jay

Angel Sep 12th, 2005 Link

WTF , that;s horrible

NOoooooooooo!!!!

yo mammy Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the exhaust, but other than that, JimOhio will be happy as he might be one of the few who will purchase one of these ugly muthas!

Lee L Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Also, how about a big screw you to the US since there is now only one cupholder, in the back. ;-)

How did they get the small window above the gas cap to down with the all the filler tube and whatnot in there?

The oval shape on teh doors, now goes into the rear area as well and is split by the door.

david raistrick Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Reading the “specs” .doc from autoweek.

Interesting note on the bonnet. Looks like it now hinges at the front, instead of the rear.

Headlights /do not/ tilt, they stay fixed.

And speaking of headlights. Wow, are those fugly.

And once again, perhaps 1 cupholder in the entire car. ;)

No! “The chrome surrounds on the side air vents fold down to form cupholders”

There’s an “easy entry” feature for accessing the rear seats…though I’ll have to see it to understand. Something about turning the front seats around or something.

Sean Bancroft Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Love it!

david raistrick Sep 12th, 2005 Link

re the rear quarter windows: They don’t roll down, they slide back, to the inside of the rear half of the quarter window.

ANTSMINI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Whats with the interior? It went from streamlined to big and clunky.

Frank Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Love it, love it!

Don’t listen to the Jim Ohios in this forum…..

bill Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Start printing the “Actual MINI” stickers now.

Luis Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I think, that the “CONCEPT” looks good. It’s very unlikely that the actual car will look that way, (thankfully) but it is nice towhat it is: a CONCEPT.

The main purpose of a concept is to explore different alternatives/solutions to all the parts of the car. I love the way the interior looks, I like the floating seats which make the car look very spacious inside, I like what they are trying to do with the doors, I like how they are trying to incorporate the classic front grill, I am not too sure about the car not having doors for the back, the lights look odd, the bottom of the hood sccop is flat ad boring.. But again

THIS IS A CONCEPT AND CONCEPTS MAIN JOB IS TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER NEW THINGS..EVEN IF BY DOING SO THE ACTUAL AESTHETICS ARE NOT THERE.. IT’S PART OF A PROCESS THAT IS STARTING TO GET SHAPE AND WILL TRANSLATE INTO SOMETHING MORE REAL LOOKING WITH SOME OF THOSE EXPLORATIONS ADOPTED INTO THE FINAL PRODUCT.

minigolf Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Wheels aside, I reckon it looks great.

Yegor Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Hey, MINI / BMW, don’t spoil the breed! You have Sports Wagon. Leave the MINI for real enthusiasts.

R50 Sep 12th, 2005 Link

What is a “powerdome”?

Luke K Sep 12th, 2005 Link

First off, its just a concept. AND THE CONCEPT of the car is totally F#^$*&#$ SWEET. The back “barn doors”, the huge @ss windows in the front, and toggel switches anyone???? I love it, though some improvements can be made on the front headlights and the interior.

Z4MINI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the more vertical grille. The grille is more like the original Mini than the current car.

yegor Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the interior, it’s very nice. Don’t like the exterior concept, specially the front.

RB Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I think there are a lot of very kool items shown. But for me the front end really isn’t working. But none of the Euro Pedestrian fronts on any of the other cars are working for me either. Not sure of the dash either but I’ll wait for the final product to come out before I get all crazy as some here seem to be getting.

MINIdsilver Sep 12th, 2005 Link

really really hate it. SO glad i have my’04. saw a’70 Cooper on a used car lot yesterday, and this new thing doesn’t do justice to the current MINI or the classic Mini.

GMINI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

cool CONCEPT.

GMINI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

where’s the lightweight S?

Frank Sep 12th, 2005 Link

You got to love all the Jim Ohio’s in this thread screaming.. “Its ugly!”, “MINIS are only for enthusiasts”

WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAPPP!!!!

David Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it overall. I especially like the fact that the front end doesn’t simply look like the current car, yet it keeps the “family look.”

Gabe, I have to say that this interior dash looks very little like the old spyshot dash we’ve seen on MF before. I think it looks MUCH better and much cleaner. It rounds outward rather than sinking in.

I agree that there needs to be a bench seat (60/40 split?) in the back, as well as some Saturn-like suicide half-doors.

The front lights could stand to not be so straked, but it still looks good to me.

JAG Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Great interior, less Hello Kitty than the current one and more minimalist. Hope they can translate big chunks of it to the new (argh, bigger) MkII.

Lawrence Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I agree with Lee L – the front certainly does look more Mini-like now. I just wish the headlamps weren’t so raked – the angle they are at on the current cars is extreme enough.

Overall, I kinda like the direction – like many others said above, this is still a concept, and most likely reaction to the more radical elements on it will shape the final design…

A white interior sure is going to be a pain to keep clean ;-)

david raistrick Sep 12th, 2005 Link

wish someone would get pictures with the front doors wide open from a few angles, so we can see what that’s all about…

Minimotorin Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Here’s a link for pics of the car at the show:

http://www.sebastiansuk.de/galerie/show.php?GalFolder=eventiaa2005/&GalTitel=Galerie%20:%20Events%20:%20IAA%202005&GalOrder=up

Minimotorin Sep 12th, 2005 Link

If that link doesn’t work just go here :

http://www.sebastiansuk.de/galerie/

and select IAA 2005

Ryan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I think this is a great concept for Mini, although I would keep the original headlights.

Paul Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I actually think it looks pretty decent, but the centre console is scary. I do not like that speedo.

JimOhio Sep 12th, 2005 Link

i see i there are many people now that finally are agreeing with much of what i have said

i will remain quiet and sit back and watch this unfold

Matthew Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I love it. I hope they keep most of the elements shown here. I think its kind of funny that some of you think MINI shouldn’t bother with anything but the Cooper.

Pete/MyMini Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Ummm…the first series is looking better all the time. And does Chris Bangle really dislike Frank THIS much!

Seth L Sep 12th, 2005 Link

[quote]Wide-opening doors with parallelogram kinematics[/quote]

I thought I had a big vocabulary, but this Press Release proved me wrong. Anyone care to translate?

As for styling? I like the new grill, but those headlights have got to go.

I rather like the concept interrior, but I really hope the studebaker/envoy XUV roof does not make production.

Joe Sep 12th, 2005 Link

That prototype was designed by Homer Simpson …

Scott Sep 12th, 2005 Link

One thing they’ll need to do is add something to the front and rear door pockets to stop stuff from flying out when opening the doors. Since both front and rear pockets span a door opening, there’s a whole lotta space for “whoops!, dropped something”. Check out link from Minimotorin to see what I’m talking about.

I still don’t like the new center console – really restricts those of us who like to upgrade our head units.

Overall, not bad. let’s see what the final is like.

Bob Sep 12th, 2005 Link

This car is hideous.

ANTSMINI Sep 12th, 2005 Link

If it aint broke don’t fix it. Someone please bring Frank back.

Ryan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I don’t like the rendering of the front at all. It looks like a Maserati (exotic, but ugly). I do like the tail lights.

Marty Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I think they’ve really improved the new Scion. Oh wait, that’s a MINI! Its horrible!

nfo Sep 12th, 2005 Link

the Z4 coupe concept is much more on point if you ask me!! wink wink! i just hope that the 2007 cooper S doesn’t have much of this design… i’ll be on the hunt for a ‘06 if it does! hehehe

Nathaniel Salzman Sep 12th, 2005 Link

As has been established, this being only a concept car, my only real commentary is on those more macro aspects of the car most likely to make it to production on the R56 – which realistically is probably only the overall shape of the nose. I really like the new grill for its resemblance to the original Mini and likewise disslike the over-streamlined headlights and overall flattening of the nose. If more of the current bonnet contour were retained and the headlights designed back more towards upright where they are now, I think MINI would really have a sharp-looking evolution.

As for the prevalent “don’t change the MINI are you crazy!” mindset, the reality is that the car has to evolve to be successful long-term. And let’s have some perspective, MINI is not adding a GM-scale car line here (no “100,000 cars” as has been said). MINI is adding two, three cars tops over the next 3-4 years. When the MINIvan comes out, then I’ll be upset. I know we all hate new Beetle comparisons, but not further-evolving the Beetle, in my speculation, is a key factor in its perpetual brushes with the chopping block.

And as I’ve said before, aesthetics are my life, but I’m more concearned about the new powerplant and all the cost-saving measures in the next generation of MINI’s than with how big the MINI logo is on the boot doors (and I agree, it’s WAY too big). Loss of the multi-link rear suspension and changes to the powerplant threaten a much more significant change to the MINI’s “character” than does the “Meet George Jetson” interior. And furthermore, as we’ve said, this is simply a concept car and its aesthetics are meant to be over the top and more aggresive than production reality.

As for the reality of a MINI wagon, I never dreamed I’d be attracted to the idea in concept or reality, but now that I see it, it’s suprisingly appealing. I’m not down with every detail of it, but there are a lot of good things going on here. I love the sliding rear passenger windows and how the boot doors swivel out next to the car and out of the way (which would sadly probably never see production). The interior is a little too “1960’s vision of the future” for my tastes with its chubby little oval protrusions for switches and such. It’s a bit beyond simple and bordering on Fisher Price, but tastefully reigned in, I think it could be spectacular.

But most of all, the concept of the wagon is appealing because it’s ultimately a Cooper with a real trunk and a back seat someone might actually want to sit in for a road trip. Would I choose it over an MCS? Not presently, but I’m not married or have any kids either. Opening up a Motoring experience to folks who the Cooper just isn’t quite practical for is a great thing – widen the community.

I’m excited to see what evolves from this concept car. Am I confident that they won’t screw it up? 85% or so, yeah. We’ll see.

Wraith Sep 12th, 2005 Link

those headlights look kinda baby aston martin-ish to me. i also like the rear bumper with the exhaust tips integrated into the bumper, but i’m willing to bet that won’t make it into production. can the MINI logo on the boot get any bigger? all and all, it’s not bad, but i don’t think it’s really that good either.

Shep Sep 12th, 2005 Link

The interior is “retro” all right, but whose retro? The interior decor is reminiscent of the ’50’s–Detroit cars in the 50’s.

Last time I checked, the Mini is from the sixties (well, the Cooper, anyway) and its heritage is certainly not from Detroit.

I do love those seats that apparently float on air (picture #4)–I guess this gives the ride a living-room sofa feel. Just like those old Detroit bathtubs.

Brendan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Yes the front is VERY aston. Nice. I think the car looks great. I bet the hood scoop is for an intercooler. Turbos still use intercoolers. Just take a look at a subaru WRX.

Ellis Dionisio Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Don’t like it….exterior is getting too Japanese while interior style is going “backward” in time. MINI is not or should not like Subaru that needs “drastic” design refinement.

Zeke Wright Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the overall exterior. Some oddities.. Like the hatch being 3-pieces (could grow on me). And it still only having two proper doors.. on a wagon? :S

Still, like the overall curves. Interior is hit-or-miss, but this sort of stuff will probably change by the time it hits production. The front’s alright.

Still glad I’m getting an ‘06.

David Bunting Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Originally posted by Seth L: “Wide-opening doors with parallelogram kinematics” I thought I had a big vocabulary, but this Press Release proved me wrong. Anyone care to translate?

Take a look at this picture. Notice how the doors don’t have a traditional single hinge design, but instead are mounted on little links which causes the front part of the door to swing away from the car body.

fishbulb Sep 12th, 2005 Link

there are some really neat things going on, not sure if i likethem all. It’s also very hard to look at this and thing about the current coupes due to the stretch wheel base.

the car DOES have a little Land Rover feel to it….i agree with that!

I like the grill, it is more “classic”, but it has weight behind it…looks billet from some angles. I bet that is pretty close to what we get.

the lights look great….they are just not as MINI as they could be. they do look like they were taken right form an aston. that just may be a victam of euro rules now… :(

There are some really slick details…the ovals in the doors, the back doors going around the tail lights, etc.

Neat Concept!

-jac

Wraith Sep 12th, 2005 Link

haha, the day the MINI’s ride resembles a detroit built 50’s car is the day i buy a Ford Expedition

dr Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Love the concepts …..HATE the nose. The windscreen forward sucks and that is the only part of this guaranteed to hit production…..I agree, I think the 02-05’s just went up in value

Frank Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Frank is back and fully recovered from a caffeine overdose. LOL

I still think this concept is sharp.

dr Sep 12th, 2005 Link

By the way….Good luck opening those behemoth doors with out banging into cars and walls they better give away door bumpers as freebies when you pick up your car

Andro Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it a lot.

Really put together well…smooth transitions throughout the look.

I just hope that the performance abilities of our current 05 MCS are retained in the actual production version of this extended wheelbase as a bit more room would work for us.

Yolanda Sep 12th, 2005 Link

A mi no me gusta mucho.

JAG Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Well, as a concept much if not all of the wow factor elements will be excluded. So practicality is not the goal but the buzz as we can tell by the lenght of the comments here. The only thing left is going to be a longer based mini.

Nick Sep 12th, 2005 Link

That’s a MINI? Fooled Me.

RB Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Hey…..I need to ck the month……..Nope not April.

Bill Lawrence Sep 12th, 2005 Link

In the context of it NOT being the replacement for my MINI, I like it.

Parts of it are really growing on me.

How much will you give me for my 2004 Ford Explorer? I’ll take mine in a non-metallic BRG!

ChrisW Sep 12th, 2005 Link

It just seems….wrong.

The manhole-cover-styled wheels don’t help much.

dickdavid Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the new snub nose.

Zeke Wright Sep 12th, 2005 Link

… Those doors do seem huge.

Larry Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I believe BMW is following the concept of the oringinal mini, with having a variety of models. Now I can have my MCS and my wife can have the larger family/shopping cart model..just like the original…and we both have fun cars. I like the doors in the back, very usefull.

Seth L Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Notice how the doors don’t have a traditional single hinge design, but instead are mounted on little links which causes the front part of the door to swing away from the car body.

Thanks.

Anyone rember the Kappa-platformed Chevy Nomad concept from Detroit a few years back? The Frankfurt concept Seems very similer to me, not a bad thing, but the Nomad was RWD (also will never see production).

RB Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Ya know the front end is a lot like an original Mini. Don’t like it but it does closer resemble the original beast.

Brian@WebbMotorsports Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like the hood! The lights, and the scoop look A LOT like the ferrari 550 Marilnelo. Not so sure about the rear door though… However, the Exhaust tops coming out of the bumper looks very nice. The material also looks a hell of a lot nicer than the plastic crap in the car right now. That would have to be the one complaint about the current models, the plastic is Tacky! I think if they use more BMW like materails, it would feel a lot nicer.

RoccosModernLife Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it! It’s still a MINI, just in a different way. I was worried it was just going to look like an imitation of the current one – but it has it’s own, unique character, and that’s the way it should be!

Rocketboy Sep 12th, 2005 Link

Nathaniel Salzman.. you almost summed up all my feelings about this concept.. in no way am I afraid for our MINIs just because they expanded the line. But the potental loss of what makes the MINI so much fun to drive is what threatens it. That being said, I’m not a huge fan of the concept center stack. It looks way too much like the early designs that were discarded when they were designing the MINI.

Bruce Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I like it! I’ve got a classic Mini Traveller and notice a lot of that car’s original design elements are present in the new MINI concept (e.g. sliding rear windows, “barn doors”)

BTW, follow the link below to check out an interior photo from the Frankfurt show of a Mazda concept car. Looks like the MINI concept’s dash design is already influencing other cars…

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_frankfurt/sassou/pages/10.htm

johnsocal Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I have to say that now after I have looked at all the pics in the gallery and had 12 hours to digest them it has really grown on me.

While my first thoughts were – “They really screwed it up”

then it went to- ” I guess I don’t hate it as much as I thought”

Now it’s- ” I think they did a great job injecting futuristic styling into the classic mini shape.”

Regardless I wont be buying a new car until 2009 and by then I could get a 230HP AWD JCW Traveller Countryman Mini for around $32,000.00 ;)

Ryan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

good point–Are there going to be a AWD option? I thought MINI execs were really impressed with Getrag’s integration of AWD into the MINI. we’ll see…

Ryan Sep 12th, 2005 Link

I can conjugate (not)

Gabe Sep 12th, 2005 Link

is there going to be a AWD option? I thought MINI execs were really impressed with Getrag’s integration of AWD into the MINI. we’ll see…

We’ll have more on that very question later this week.

daCrema Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Sorry but I did not have time to read through all the comments. I guess I do not expect many to read mine on that count.

As others said in my very quick review, it looks much better that I expected.

Those doors are going to be a bear to open in the shopping mall or parking lots in the Washington DC area. No good having a lot of room inside if you can not get there.

Like the look of the seats.

The bonnet is nice.

Like the split rear door, and rear hatch/window.

Not to fond of the wheels

Where is the pickup.

John

Mark Smith Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I have to say that some of you all are taking this concept too seriously. I think that MINI digging into it’s crates so to speak to bring back concepts that worked so well for them years ago is great. That’s part of what makes the current MINI wonderful. Not just a retro copy a’ la Beetle. they totally botched that one. Keep an eye out and you know that whatever they release based on this concept will be successful. They don’t want to muck up an already great chemistry.

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 13th, 2005 Link

You can just bet that that beautiful 2-spoke steering wheel won’t come to the states. Headlights, what’s up with that? Way too stretched. Int. center stack is messed up. Putting all of those gauges in together is bad. The toggles are cool, except for what you did to the radio/air conditioning those seats are killer. which means that if they do make them, they won’t come to the states. Whered’ those cupholders go? How the heck does the bonnet open? Forward? Okay, show it. Gimmie AWD!!! Interior materials? Com’on, lets keep it reasonably priced. That logo is way too big and we all know that it won’t get into production. Thank goodness!

Those wheels look reminiscent of JCW wheels.

rwd Sep 13th, 2005 Link

it’s awful

Fabrice KM Sep 13th, 2005 Link

What the, where’s our MINI, looks like they took the front of an aston and molded it into a Range rover and slapped a MINI badge on it. I hope they keep more of the MINI looks in the 07 MCS, at least get rid of those long headlights. Interior is nice though.

BBoy Sep 13th, 2005 Link

LOVE the interior (especially the floating seats with integrated seat-belts)!

I’d like to see it in other colours than white though…

Eelke Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Some bits I left out of my first rant: do like the fact that the grill more resembles the classic Mini, and indeed, Maserati 3×00 GT (as suggested above once or twice) was the first thing entering my mind about the headlights, and it hasn’t left since. They’ve evolved (too far, to my taste) away from circular headlights that have just been tipped over to more of a teardrop shape. Still don’t like them after 12 hours of pondering time :)

All in all, I guess if we see the right things from this concept in the production version, it could still be a cool car (RX-8 suicide doors instead of the weird door configuration would be more practical, probably cheaper to build, and more appealing to me). I am just a little afraid that we’ll see some of the wrong things in there as well.

Brian Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Wow, looks very, very nice.

I am unsure why people feel that MINI needs to stick with just a few models? The more than MINI builds, the more people will fall into the fold and learn to enjoy what all us MINI owners love?

I think there’s a certain ‘anything different SUCKS!’ that is going through these comments, and I have to ask, would anyone really want the MINI never to evolve, ever? If that mentality held true, we’d be driving MINIs with 10″ wheels still.

Evolution is a part of every car company’s mandate to be true to the past, but to also improve and adapt to the future. There are many, many nods to the MINI we all love, while at the same time addressing the need to update a lot of things.

Bravo!

Greg W Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I’m one of Mini’s biggest fans, but I’m sorry to say I don’t like it – nor do I like the BMW 1 series which from the front scares little children. BMW must have designed those headlamps! Where are the rear suicide doors? Not much extra room in the back is there? I’ll go for the Castagna of Milan car, but hey! – I’m old fashioned.

Mark Sep 13th, 2005 Link

It looks like a mini range roover. I think it looks pretty cool. Except the interior dash. I can only assume that is going to be the dash in the 07’s, since it looks a lot like the spy shoots that where posted on the motoringfile. I really don’t like it, the interior that is!

Matt2 Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I still don’t get this whole European “pedestrian-friendly” concept. Would it be fair to translate this to “be nice to people you mow down”? Where I live, pedestrian-friendly means “don’t run over people in the cross-walk”. I guess things are different in the old world. What do they have, thousands of pedestrians getting killed every year? As for other concept-car issues, shorten the doors, add two more, add AWD, and call me back when it’s done.

Z4MINI Sep 13th, 2005 Link

“What do they have, thousands of pedestrians getting killed every year?”

Actually…yes. Something like 1/3rd of all accidents in Europe involve a pedestrian.

So when you visit, remember to look both ways before crossing the street! :D

Drew Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I like it. I do think the color choice for the concept makes it look a bit like a rolling refrigerator. A dark body color (or black roof), bonnet stripes, maybe a pair of checkered mirrors – that would go a long way towards making the concept look like a member of the family…

JASON Sep 13th, 2005 Link

WHO STOLE THE SHIFT KNOB OUT OF THE PT.CRUISER????

David Bunting Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Originally posted by Drew :: A dark body color (or black roof), bonnet stripes, maybe a pair of checkered mirrors – that would go a long way towards making the concept look like a member of the family…

I put photoshop’d together some colorized images of the Traveler Concept and the addition of color helps the concept a lot.

R50 Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Kinda looks like a small Land Rover with Jaguar headlights, an MCS hood scoop, and pimpin’ Escalade wheels.

matt Sep 13th, 2005 Link

i refuse to read 124 posts, so if this has been posted before, please forgive me.

I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it!

that is all.

David Sep 13th, 2005 Link

OK, everyone. I guess I’m going to have to say it again.

The model of the cars we drive is not MINI, it’s COOPER or COOPER S. So, this is not going to ruin the MINI, ok? A polarizing MODEL does not ruin another MODEL in a BRAND’s lineup.

Please people, can we get it straight here? The problem is that we’ve associated the MINI brand with one model (two if you count the conv.). Now when MINI wants to bring out another MODEL, we debate like someone’s trying to amend the Constitution.

Please refer to your car as the Cooper, or Cooper S and you’ll start to see how you are misguided in your association of brand and model. Thank you.

fdavid Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Got it. so what is this model? BTW: I a have a 05 cooper S (just to keep things clear) thanks,

Nate Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I think this model look good.

JAG Sep 13th, 2005 Link

David, please, if the Pacer didn’t kill the brand by itself then the Gremlin did it. In any case if you have a crappy model of course it is going to hurt the brand, if you have several models that differ from the original positioning of the brand you are hurting the brand. Saab might ring a bell, nobody is buying the Saabaru or the GMSaab SUV, this is a drastic example but the swedes never imagine that 5 years ago and here we are. The brand lost their spirit and the core buyer went somewhere else while the new one never showed up.

Gabe Sep 13th, 2005 Link

For all those seemingly concerned about the doors being too large on this concept car, here’s an explanation of how MINI gets around this:

All four doors run on “intelligent” hinges and pivots in kinematic parallelogram arrangement, the doors swivelling in one single motion with minimum movement to the side and maximum movement to the front. This significantly reduces the space required all around the car when opening the doors while nevertheless offering the user generous access to the interior. interior.

Of course this is a concept car and there no telling if doors like this will ever make it into production.

David Sep 13th, 2005 Link

JAG,

Your points make sense, but what you’re not considering is that this concept is simply the latest iteration of what already existed (Countryman/Traveller). Why are so many people glossing over this point? In essence, you or anyone who thinks that MINI means “sporty” is making an association that wasn’t meant to be. COOPER means sporty, not MINI.

Cooper owners have lived with only one model (two trims) for five years now. I can see how we’ve come to use the MC/MCS as the benchmark. We can get into another argument of what MINI’s intent was (to be sporty?), but now they’ve made their intentions known. MINI is the umbrella under which a “sporty” car will exist (MC/MCS/c) a “practical” car will exist (Wagon) and other iterations that will come along as well.

We must dissociate our idea of “sporty” with MINI and reassociate it with the MC/MCS model. It’s almost like calling all in-line skates “Rollerblades.” (not the best example, but it works)

David Sep 13th, 2005 Link

One other thing, I’d argue that MINI’s original brand positioning was “different”, not “sporty”. Smaller is better, that sort of thing. The sportiness part of the MC/MCS was picked up on by owners, but MINI never really flaunted that aspect of it, and where MINI did recognize it, it was with the MC/MCS, not MINI as a whole. Now some owners expect MINI to only release Coopers and Cooper S’s and we won’t give them room to expand. Even Ferrari sells 4 different models, each with a slightly different focus.

Greg W Sep 13th, 2005 Link

I have to agree with you David. You guys in USA have the choice of Cooper only. The old saying goes “It’s the badge, Madge!”

JAG Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Very well put, I have to agree with most of your points the only difference is that everybody calls it a MINI, some will ask if it is an S but out there its a MINI. So going to the original premise that another model can hurt or improve the brand? Yes. So if everybody got stuck that MINI is a sporty/fun 2 door hatch it is going to be very interesting how BMW/MINI changes that perseption with the addition of this model. I do not doubt they will do a good job as they are among the best in global marketing but, the cost is going to be some of the original fans as the models get bigger and move more mainstream (more volume). Ok for them, OK for me until I can’t find mine at the office parking lot as it happened with my old 3 series.

MINIme Sep 13th, 2005 Link

Lose the wheels and I could live with this car. I would like to see MINI squeeze another passenger space into this design and make it a 5 seater. A less futuristic concept (Woody Wagon) would be my 1st choice. Way Cool!!

Dillon Sep 13th, 2005 Link

…bottom line…I love it! It still has the basic shape of the MINI;however,it gives a wink to the future. Also,based on the length and width of the concept car/wagon,it seems that it will share the same platform as the 1-series;therefore,keeping cost down(…remember,the MINI was designed as a car that was fun,funky,and reasonably price…). Of course,it’s a concept,so the production model will be toned down inside/out. I have no problem trading in my ‘03 MC with a down payment for a ‘07 version. Keep up the good work MINI.

blalor Sep 14th, 2005 Link

Hrm.

Hate the interior.

I thought the retracting rear roof died with the Envoy XUV atrocity.

Having add’l cargo space is a nice idea, but I don’t think they made the rear seats any more usable. Like any small 2-door coupe, it’s somewhat difficult to get back there, and, frankly, I find it difficult to open the door to the first “notch” on my ‘05 in cramped parking conditions. Maybe that’s what that funky hinge is supposed to address, however…

Honestly, with the ’07s less than a year away, I wonder how much of this “concept” is really represented in the production car?

That dash has got to go! You listening, MINI?

MCFrankfurt Sep 16th, 2005 Link

Thank you all for your comments – It is always interesting to read both the positive and the negative responses to the design concept, but as with most things, you have to see things with your own eyes to fully understand the object.

The concept is there to acknowledge the need of the user who wants to get out for the weekend with all of their equipment and friends whilst wanting to drive something that is completely individual in the market. It is also there to show that a Mini can be a family vehicle. Finally, the two large parallel hinged doors create the sense of what is known as a “Shooting Brake” or a 2 door sport estate car, akin to something Aston would do for a bespoke vehicle.

As for detailing, the design is deliberately showey for the press in order to get a reaction and further expressive and exploritory design solutions. That’s how the car design industry works, ladies and gentlemen.

Gabe Sep 16th, 2005 Link

Thanks for commenting on this MCFrankfurt. It is always great to hear from the people actually responsible for the concept!

blalor Sep 16th, 2005 Link

I’m a little skeptical of MCFrankfurt; he (or she) spelled MINI as “Mini”!

Gabe Sep 16th, 2005 Link

I’m a little skeptical of MCFrankfurt; he (or she) spelled MINI as “Mini”!

Blalor… I can vouch for them. They are who them seem to be ;-) … trust me.

al Sep 17th, 2005 Link

toooooooooo plastic but look kooooooooooolllllllll omg that is the best mini eva. good job mini. shame its a concept

MetalMiniMayhem Sep 21st, 2005 Link

I love it! Finally, I’ll be able to convince the Mrs. that I need 2 MINI’s, one for racing around town and one for going to the grocery store or the beach or what-have-you.

I’ll take 2 of ‘em… with a side of fries… oh and a diet Pepsi.. :P

GVBonsai Sep 21st, 2005 Link

I don’t like it. Mini is already an exceptionally well designed car with excellant handling and styling. Why does mini have to be like all the other car companies constantly radically changing designs.

Pretty soon the mini will look like a Range Rover getting 12mpg!

Better to keep Mini as is with improvements in horsepower and handling!

jr Sep 30th, 2005 Link

the new concept mini is cool holla!!!!!!!!!

Linda Oct 10th, 2005 Link

Well.. I think the new Mini looks stylish and cool. If they will produce more different colors for Mini would be better then.

Tom Oct 12th, 2005 Link

Thanks MCFrankfort for stepping in here with a bit of clairification. In reading all the previous posts, it appears we are dealing with a whole lot of very young Cooper and Cooper S lovers who have little understanding or knowledge of the true history of Minis. As a ‘67 Mini Cooper “S” and a ‘67 Mini Moke owner, it seems as if they are totally unaware that a Minivan, Countryman/Traveler, a Pick-Up truck and the Mini Moke (I’ll bet the Moke will puzzle most of them) ever existed and to this day are prized collector vehicles, probably more so than the standard saloon models. I am a Mini FANIC, old and new, but have been waiting for the Traveler and will be early in line to add one to the collection. Maybe there will even be a Woody….let’s hope not.

As to the concept car…JUST GREAT, particlarly the doors, both side and rear. I very much hope they make it to production. The “shooting brake” concept will set it apart from the “norm”. That is where Jaguar missed the boat with the X-type wagon. Just another small station wagon. I do hope that the rear seats fold to a FLAT floor. Owners will be hauling “stuff” so it will need the maximum power plant. And make mine Chili Red!!!

zig Oct 23rd, 2005 Link

Yes but is it worth 30k?? You know it will be more than a fully loaded cooper s.

Lisa Nov 1st, 2005 Link

this car is actually really ugly i’ve always liked minicoopers and ya’ll screwed this one up

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2005 in Review Dec 30th, 2005 Link

[...] 3. Official Images of The MINI Frankfurt Concept [...]

cArMaNiACcCcC Feb 17th, 2006 Link

well………. it looks nice but…isn’t it to large???????

AMC freak; Ramblinman May 6th, 2006 Link

My first thought; Ah yes, Mowog, Lucas, Whitworth bolts? Long live the Austins!

Matt May 31st, 2006 Link

God I hope this is not anything like the new production model-

Please, please let’s keep the MINI, just that. SMALL! I’m so f@#$ing sick of every evolution of automobiles getting BIGGER. There is an ability to improve and advance, WITHOUT getting BIGGER! Let us human beings have at least one option left for a true small car! Especially living in the states, everything has to be SO BIG. BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER! Most of us drive just ourselves, a gym bag and briefcase. If we want a utility truck, we’ll buy one. But leave us a true small car, please.

MotoringFile » Archive » New MINI Clubman Spy Photos Jan 12th, 2007 Link

[...] 2) Roof with two subtle ribs running the length, much like the Frankfurt Concept. These will be used for a roof rack system similar to that seen on BMW wagons and SUVs. [...]

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