Behind the Beachcomber: An Insiders Look at MINI’s Latest Concept

Sections: R60 (Countryman) Dec 16th, 2009 41 Comments

With the Beachcomber concept, MINI is not only giving us a look at a modern Moke type of vehicle but also a hint at many things to come.

Countryman Design Similarities

Yes for starters we are looking at essentially a over stylized R60 Countryman crossover. But what exactly does that mean you ask? MINI Design took a prototype R60 and literally cut into the doors (the originals are still in place as you can see the seams on the front and rear), removed the top and began re-imaging it in the guise of an off-roader. So in a sense what you’re looking at here is a modified R60 Countryman.

But let’s get more specific. The lights are spot on carry overs from production. However the bumpers and cladding on the renderings and images are new and will not be seen on the R60. Either will the off-road tires. However if you look at a few of the early sketches (especially the one below) we start to get a much better idea of how the final Countryman design will shape-up.

This similarity to the R60 carries over inside even more so save for some outlandish pattern and trim pieces. The overall design, features and shapes inside the cabin are 100% R60. One of the more interesting things to note inside is MINI’s ability to make space out of seemingly tight quarters. For instance the rear seats can be adjusted front to back giving rear passengers much greater legroom than would be available otherwise. And since this modified Clubman platform has also been widened, there’s decidedly more shoulder room than any MINI before.

WRC Connection

Earlier this year we reported on MINI’s WRC connection. With the rally heritage of the brand, there have been many internal champions of MINI returning to professional rally racing. As we reported earlier this year, this will happen with the R60. In fact if you again look at the sketch below you’ll get a glimpse (if you squint) at what that rally car will look like. The rally car will be built by the famed British racing company Prodrive making its debut sometime next year. We expect 2011 to be it’s first full year on the circuit.

Facelifted Interior

For 2011 MINI will be refreshing their entire line-up of R56 derived cars (R55, R56, and R57) with both exterior and interior additions and we get a sneak peak at some of the upgrades with the Beachcomber concept. Notably the improved plastics seen in the center stack area will foreshadow what the R56 derived refresh will bring.

Variations on a Theme

Obviously the first variation of this concept will be the MINI Countryman scheduled to debut in Geneva in early March. However MINI is also considering creating (as you’ve probably read on MF) a non-crossover version that is closer to a Golf GTI four door in concept. The car would feature the same layout as the R60 yet lower to the ground with the faux off-roadness taken away and replaced with a more classic MINI appearance. There’s even a chance MINI’s ALL4 all wheel drive system could show up on the car.

While it’s just an internal concept at this point (designs have been created but nothing has been set in stone yet) MINI wants to leverage the engineering work done to bring the R60 to market. After-all what we’re looking at here is a bespoke platform (potentially MINI’s last that isn’t shared with another manufacturer) that cost a substantial amount of money

Written By: Gabe

41 Comments

Neal Stangis Dec 16th, 2009 Link

That looks like a step in the right direction for the center stack!

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

I must say that the interior is interesting! If this is the direction for the re-fresh or the next model or the countryman I agree, it is in the right direction.

This has some potential indeed!

lavardera Dec 16th, 2009 Link

I’d say the center stack shown is far more ordinary than any past Mini. But this one has a nav screen and perimeter speedo needle – there are no controls for the hvac. Without the nav option we should see another bank of controls. At that point we’ll know if Mini buckled to conservative criticism if the revert to the 3 knob model, or if they continue to brand the center tack with controls that mimic the mini logo then we’ll know they did not take that criticism to heart.

DUDE! Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Interesting stuff for sure…

I wonder what happened to this post I got through my RSS feed… “Mercedes & BMW to Merge Vehicle Processing in the US”… ?

Josh Hway Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Why the HECK is Mini even toying with the idea of this!!!!!!!!

This is so extremely far a step in the WRONG direction that its not even funny! Now I absolutely love my ‘06 R50, but so help me God, Mini is losing its mind!!! Shame on you BMW/MINI for even giving this a thought.

Severe disappointment……

supawako Dec 16th, 2009 Link

“There’s even a chance MINI’s ALL4 all wheel drive system could show up no the car.” I’ve read this several times but still can’t make sense of it. Can someone please explain.

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

A closer look at the pods around the center speedo shows something printed on them… AC controls perhaps?

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

@ DUDE!

I saw that this morning too.

Here is the story from Autoblog

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-bmw-mini-to-let-mercedes-benz-inspect-prep-their-vehic/

James Irmiger Dec 16th, 2009 Link

I think MINI is onto something. Consumers have been, generally, moving away from the traditional SUV and flocking towards smaller cars, crossovers and SAVs. Sadly, all the other “small” SAVs in the market have only gotten bigger year after year. The R60 proves to be the MINIest one of the bunch, which I think is right in line with their original ad for the “anti SUV”. I also prefer a much smaller standard MINI as well, but I really do think the R60 will be a game-changer here in the States!

Aaron Dec 16th, 2009 Link

The center console/dash is interesting but is clearly streamlined for a beach-buggy type vehicle: no need for HVAC vents when you’re driving a SUV with no doors and no roof. No need HVAC controls then, is there? The interior looks a bit cartoonish to me, but then a beach buggy is sort of a cartoonish niche vehicle anyway, so they’r emore or less spot on with that concept. I can’t wait for the March unveiling of the R60 but am really interested in the lower version. Seeing the MINI logo on this Monster MINI is a bit unsettling.

Bor Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Yes, the center stack console looks good. What is that black bottle-like thing right below it though ?

Jack Mosher Dec 16th, 2009 Link

This is so unbelievably awesome. I’d LOVE to see these things ripping around, they’re just so cool! Way to bring the Moke into the 21st century- they hit the nail spot on.

Sideways Eh! Dec 16th, 2009 Link

@Bor

Its a Bottle…take a look at any SIGG water Bottle and there ya go. Also MINI has been selling SIGG bottles for a while now.

Axel Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Looks very interesting to me!!

Hoover Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Those round pods housing the speakers and the controls will be vents. So one does wonder where the HVAC controls will go.

Is Josh Hway the new C4?

Thijs Dec 16th, 2009 Link

what did you say the name of the brand is?

Josh Hway Dec 16th, 2009 Link

C4?

JonPD Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Beach going soccer moms rejoice and the 90% of those that buy awd to drive over mild precipitation. Still having a hard time thinking a SUV (even a small one) is a good thing for the brand image. Between the direction that Mini has taken with the brand its going to be a tough decision between a R59 and the Audi RS1.

b.nystedt Dec 17th, 2009 Link

MINI is doing the right thing letting Prodrive use this car for WRC. I really don’t care if this is ‘diluting’ the MINI gene pool in order to get more sales and a larger line-up if indeed we’ll have MINIs back in legit motorsport. Peace out.

Peter Braun Dec 17th, 2009 Link

I wonder if there will be holes in the floor for quick hosing out!

hardingsan Dec 17th, 2009 Link

johnPD – wasn’t it already mentioned that the overall length is the same as the clubman? not quite SUV and hardly CUV territory…

JonPD Dec 17th, 2009 Link

SUVs are less about a physical side than a pandering to the worse of human nature. I have no issues with MINI developing a four door car or even awd but taking down the path of predictable and common. I still do look forward to seeing the end product for the design language but the concept of MINI competing with Honda makes me sick.

Gabe Dec 17th, 2009 Link

I wonder what happened to this post I got through my RSS feed… “Mercedes & BMW to Merge Vehicle Processing in the US”… ?

Not sure when you looked but it’s there now. May have been a Wordpress cache issue.

cct1 Dec 17th, 2009 Link

So when did BMW start building Kia’s?

Missed that announcement somewhere…

hardingsan Dec 17th, 2009 Link

johnPD – i can’t help you with that one i guess; other than to say that i don’t see this as MINI being that mainstream. at the end of the day i think you have something along the lines of a vw tiguran or gti. as much as MINI strives to be in every driveway i don’t see them leaving the niche market too far behind; the product designers will ensure that they stand out to other people and the engineers with ensure that they stand out above the competition. (i hope, at least…)

DUDE! Dec 17th, 2009 Link

@Not sure when you looked but it’s there now. May have been a Wordpress cache issue.

Yup it’s there now. When I tried the “Read More…” link it said page not found, now OK.

KPH Dec 17th, 2009 Link

If anything the Dune buggy does give us a solid peek at the R60. I’m coming around on that design now. Otherwise it’s a niche withing a niche. Although if one thinks about some Jeep products maybe not. Give the buggy a low range tranny (yet more $) and we could be pleasantly surprised.

dr Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Regarding the center stack: Everybody sing with me….

MIC..KEY MOUSE….MICKY MOUSE…lalalala

Seriously though, I have never been an R56 stack hater….but based on those r56 complaints I fail to see why this stack is so much different than before.

Dinner plate speedo…..check Ugly without nav opt….check poor hvac/radio controls….check

Hoover Dec 17th, 2009 Link

@Josh Hway: “C4″ was a former MotoringFile commentator, who often posted comments similar to yours. C4 and JonPD were not shy about their opposition to the R60, and repeating and sharing that message at every opportunity to the point that it became quite tiresome. JonPD, to his credit, has toned things down, and is a regular and thoughtful contributor to the MotoringFile community. C4 was obnoxious, and offensive. You are not like that…not even close. But the tone of your postings thus far made me think, “Oh no, here we go again.” There is a fine line between constructive criticism and just pure negativity. I don’t think we should police the comments, because that line is subjective.

goat Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Been in the field this week so catching up with MINI news and this is a great “reveal” to come home to! I am no fan of SUVs either, and worried muchly about the R60, but what I see hinted at here I am very impressed by.

The vehicle is tall and wide but at least it will be shortest and thus smallest footprint in class. With manual tranny, good hp, and AWD this could be quite the backroad stormer after all!

As JonPD and others above note, the concept’s grill is rather hideous but we have now been assured the Countryman will feature a much better front clip. As for the interior – looks a significant improvement over the R56 centre stack mainly mainly due to less Tyco-grade silver plastic, a welcome sight. Glad MINI has been listening even if it will be 4 years before they acted to sort the interior quality.

Overall, looking forward to the production R60 reveal and especially to MINI entering WRC!!

Dr Obnxs Dec 17th, 2009 Link

This is a show car, yes, but I keep wondering about the Mini financial model. Seems that they are pushing in to smaller and smaller niches, with more and more questionable returns on investment. If it’s going to be profitable, it’s got to either be slight variations on a very similar theme, or very expensive because of low unit numbers. Neither one seems like a long term winning strategy.

Matt

Chris Dec 18th, 2009 Link

“The rally car will be built by the famed British racing company Prodrive making its debut sometime early this year.”

NEXT year surely…………..

Will keep an eye out for these, Prodrive are only just down the road………… ;-)

JonPD Dec 18th, 2009 Link

Hardisan as for the R60 being unique offering against its competition I would love to see the “like its groups” vision of how the R60 is a unique offering. It seems to me what we have there is a slightly smaller four door, four seat awd SUV/CUV. I very much agree with what Matt says, because to me this seems like a niche within a niche too.

Guess I would have just been much happier to see Mini invest the money to bring their prime product forward. It seems like a very long time since the Mini brand has been covered in a lot of articles when it comes down to best hatchbacks and hot hatches. The way I see it BMW/MINI has been rather complacent with its bread and butter product allowing stronger competition. The performance of the Mini is not really all that special anymore on with driving dynamics or fuel efficiency.

Matt McDougall Dec 18th, 2009 Link

@Dr Obnxs

“Seems that they are pushing in to smaller and smaller niches, with more and more questionable returns on investment.”

Not sure I see what you mean. The production R60 is going to probably be the least niche vehicle Mini has ever built. The four full doors alone will assure that. People laughed at the idea of a four-door Wrangler, but it handily outsells the two-door because it’s a lot more functional for a lot more people. I have a feeling the same will be the case for the Countryman.

Matt McDougall Dec 18th, 2009 Link

From the post: “The lights are spot on carry overs from production. However the bumpers and cladding on the renderings and images are new and will not be seen on the R60.”

Fair enough. What about the hood? I’m liking the Beachcomber’s front end a lot more than last year’s crossover concept, and the lights/hood have a ton to do with that.

Mini Monger Dec 19th, 2009 Link

This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. A small AWD runabout that should get somewhat decent gas milage and hopefully a hoot to drive.

Hope Mini will have some sort of rear plug in rack for my Bikes and Snowboard. One that articulates out of the way with some sort of rear bumper ledge folds down to create a seat so i can put on my snow gear while sitting down.

JonPD Dec 19th, 2009 Link

I already have a Mini with a plug in rack that allows me to transport my bikes and snow gear. I also have had my fwd Mini to slopes at times I have driven by more than a few stranded and crashed awd cars and suvs. Also with the rear hatch open I have put on snow gear while sitting on under the hatch.

Personally the thing that makes me laugh so much is with the frenzy of people buying awd vehicles the general work history I have with a large percentage of people driving these stay hidden in their homes anytime a little precipitation falls from the sky. The false sense of security with awd cars makes me laugh even more than the people who buy a pickup truck and keeps it polished and in agony putting anything into the bed so they don’t scratch anything.

With Mini giving their current models away at 0.9% financing and just hearing a local dealer paying the first 3 months of payments on convertibles. I think the development money used for the R60 should have been spent making their prime product to improve it to a place that they can use this down market to hone their products to come out of this recession with a decisive lead once again. Instead I can see a point with some very strong competition coming to the US that Mini’s prime product with be a SUV.

Malcolm Pace Dec 20th, 2009 Link

i wounder if it will have the “cold start” problem… as my R56 at the moment

Bill Zalenski Dec 20th, 2009 Link

I will like it if it looks like the concept (but more practical obviously)… love the hood and trim treatments, please keep those in MINI, dont let t get released looking like a mom-mobile.

JonPD Dec 21st, 2009 Link

Rather odd Bill but to me the hood looks like many other Mom mobiles. Should be fun to watch how many R60s are parked around the local soccer fields and rushing to pick up the tykes at school. That is along as they only need the four seats.

BOBBI-LOU Dec 28th, 2009 Link

Looks like a souped-up Toyota Rav…disappointing. They need to go back to a Moke look. Thumbs down.

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Behind the Beachcomber: An Insiders Look at MINI’s Latest Concept

Sections: R60 (Countryman) Dec 16th, 2009 41 Comments

Countryman Design Similarities

WRC Connection

Facelifted Interior

Variations on a Theme

Written By: Gabe

41 Comments

Neal Stangis Dec 16th, 2009 Link

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

lavardera Dec 16th, 2009 Link

DUDE! Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Josh Hway Dec 16th, 2009 Link

supawako Dec 16th, 2009 Link

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

b- Dec 16th, 2009 Link

James Irmiger Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Aaron Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Bor Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Jack Mosher Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Sideways Eh! Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Axel Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Hoover Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Thijs Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Josh Hway Dec 16th, 2009 Link

JonPD Dec 16th, 2009 Link

b.nystedt Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Peter Braun Dec 17th, 2009 Link

hardingsan Dec 17th, 2009 Link

JonPD Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Gabe Dec 17th, 2009 Link

cct1 Dec 17th, 2009 Link

hardingsan Dec 17th, 2009 Link

DUDE! Dec 17th, 2009 Link

KPH Dec 17th, 2009 Link

dr Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Hoover Dec 17th, 2009 Link

goat Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Dr Obnxs Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Chris Dec 18th, 2009 Link

JonPD Dec 18th, 2009 Link

Matt McDougall Dec 18th, 2009 Link

Matt McDougall Dec 18th, 2009 Link

Mini Monger Dec 19th, 2009 Link

JonPD Dec 19th, 2009 Link

Malcolm Pace Dec 20th, 2009 Link

Bill Zalenski Dec 20th, 2009 Link

JonPD Dec 21st, 2009 Link

BOBBI-LOU Dec 28th, 2009 Link

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