BMW Considering New MINI Variations

Sections: R60 (Countryman) Sep 22nd, 2008 62 Comments

MINI has a coupe, a convertible (set to be re-introduced next spring), a wagon-like vehicle and soon an SUV. While we’ve known for quite some time MINI has been contemplating different variations of the current line-up, however until now we never had any official confirmation of what may be coming. After talking with various high-level sources we’ve pieced together the following list of potential MINI variations that BMW is currently studying.

First up is the cross-over that is already well into development. Code-named the R60, MINI has recently shown off a lightly disguised “concept” version and will debut the production car sometime in 2010.

But after that the list starts to get very interesting. We’ve learned that MINI is official considering the following:

Two seat coupe
two door wagon (shooting-brake?)
Roadster/Speedster
Compact People carrier (a space efficient version of the current Clubman?)
Micro car (something closer to the Smart).

Beyond this BMW is currently looking at a host of propulsion systems for future MINIs. Based on sources they are currently investigating:

Hybrids
Fuel Cell
Hydrogen
Diesel

So our question to all the loyal MotoringFile readers is… what do you want to see?

Written By: Gabe

Mike

Give me a diesel Clubman anytime. Fun to drive, extra room and the efficiency of a hybrid all in one. Who can beat that?
JonPD

Gabe, what would you like to see?

Think alternative power-plants makes sense for brand growth. Still would love to see a Micro Mini city car.
Ryephile

I would LOVE to see a diesel engine option in all the current body configurations. A diesel hatchback would check my box for a perfectly practical commuter. If they feel the NEED to add another body style, a two-door, two-seat shooting brake that is styled like a Clubman but is the length of the hatchback would be fun. A two-seat coupe should just be a package option with the normal hatchback in the vein of the R53 GP.
GregW

Be careful what you wish for – you may get it!

2 door coupe? You already got one. How about decent leg room in the back. Lets face it old Classic Mini had more leg room in the back than the R50 or R56.

Do you really want a 72 year old with no future and limited time left above ground, and a hockey mom running the country?
LannyMCS

AWD…..that is all.
http://allthingsmini@blogspot.com QWKSLVR

…OMG…a CROSSOVER…our MINI stand has ALWAYS been to HATE S..U..V’s….I’m going to vomit….
JonPD

No politics please GregW, lets keep the discussion focused.

What direction do you think that Mini should follow if they were to grow the brand after the R60?
GregW

Thanks for guiding me back on track JonPD.

How many more variants can you think of? Old Mini had; 2 door saloon, 2 Cooper versions, panel van, station wagon (Countryman and Traveler), pickup, Moke (jeep), and finally a convertible in later years.

So the MINI options are – Pickup, Van, (BMW does not make commercial vehicles), and Moke.

With old Mini, there was a MG sports car version concept made but never progressed (car can be seen at Heritage museum in Gaydon GB).

Will Palin take her guns to town and go moose hunting on Wall Street? Oops…sorry…it kinda slipped out!
minidreamcar

Any of the styles mentioned above.

I would love to see BMW take the lead in hydrogen and fuel cell research. There was a Hydrogen car that went up against the new ’08 vett and beat it like a red-headed stepchild.

Slap that Hydrogen fuel cell in a JCW and there will be nothing in its class or 3 classes higher that could touch it.

They say that Hydrogen is too dangerous, but you can get well over a 100 of mpg. So put a fuel tank the size of a motorcycle’s tank. Instant 300-500 miles per tank.

BMW get a pat on the back for true innovation and the world get the energizer MINI
GregW

I FORGOT ABOUT THE OTHER VARIANTS;

The Riley Elf, and the Wolseley Hornet (different front grilles and fin tail lamps and a extended boot).

And of course the square nose Clubman in saloon and wagon form.

So unless MINI wants to add appendages to current shape there are not a great range of options left.

How about a car like George Jetson drove – without wheels. When I was a kid watching the show, we thought we would be flying around in these by 2000.!
JonPD

Still think if they wanted to make a good small city car, they would dust off the presses and use the classic Mini as a city car. Update the suspension and motor and I would bet a great number would be sold. Also if they could do this with similar components they are using for the Isetta could make it more practical.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a new Mini truck.
Hoover

I’ve said this a few times on here before, and it’s a little boring but…a wagon…4 doors, a hatch, and enough room for 4 passengers and some gear in the back. It should just look like a longer MINI–I don’t care for the Clubman styling, although I admit it’s unique. I just want a clean, MINI sportswagon. Let me have turbo if I want it, or a diesel a la R60, or AWD as options.

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1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
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R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
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R59: Roadster
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3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

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