MotoringFile Interview: Head of MINI Exterior Design Marcus Syring

Sections: Design | Podcast | R61 (Countryman Coupe) Jan 12th, 2011 12 Comments

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As the show was winding down yesterday we had a chance to chat with head of MINI Design Marcus Syring about all things MINI design. Of course the Paceman was top on that list. As we mentioned yesterday the Paceman received warm reviews from those who saw it at the show and we talked about some of the reasons it is quite unique within the MINI range. We also had a chance to speak to Marcus about the highly anticipated MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster. The Coupe will be slightly better according to Marcus than what we saw last year in Frankfurt and LA. How much better? We’ll have to wait until the spring to see them.

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Written By: Gabe

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1145665586 DUDE!

I’m just lost as to WTF they are thinking?

If I was in the market for a new car I don’t see much I’d want from MINI or BMW or for that matter many other brands. I guess if my ’04 MCS went south I’d get a new S but not happily.

So Maybe buying one of George Constantinou’s GPs would be a choice… Hey GPG got one for sale?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

I enjoyed hearing Mr. Syring’s explanation of the vertical and horizontal lines of the Countryman and Paceman. Thanks for that. But I’m not seeing the masculine vehicle that is described. I see a chubby girl with her face and eyes pulled back in a too-tight ponytail.

Mr. Hildebrand once said that if everyone agreed, then the designs were too ordinary. Okay on that. The 2011 MCS is more my idea of masculine — one tough puppydog that stands out among all the look-alikes on the market.
herr26

In the MINI design studio they have something smiliar to say “Top Gear’s” Cool wall. One which is used for inspiration regarding wow! what is coool? and which is uninspired and not original (guess where the A1 is) ;)

But they also have one regarding future products – Style incorporates the typical MINI/Cabrio , Function represents the Clubman/Countryman/Spacebox and Sport features the Roadster/Coupe and Paceman. If you liked that interpretation of the MINI Crossover Coupe in White then you will be getting something similar in execution.

Paceman will be the Ceiling for the MINI expansion. But if reaction to the small MINI is any as the reaction to the unveiling of the car internally , then there is a strategy to look at additional micro-concepts. And I can tell you that the small MINI is strictly two seater and is like a MINI , looks like a MINI although shrunk to a smaller concept. I would not be surprised if they announce the eighth MINI family member. You will love this car.

Although I recommend the MINI Coupe in White with smoked wheels and Silver Roof.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286761775 Fredric Haberer

@herr26 — I am eager to see the Coupe production design. I have played in Photoshop with the Coupe Concept, and the color combination you describe looks very nice.
Jon

I really enjoyed hearing this interview. Good job guys. It was interesting the have the Paceman concept explained by the lead designer. More importantly, I’m really looking forward to seeing the production Coupe model in a few months!
herr26

“More importantly, Iâ€™m really looking forward to seeing the production Coupe model in a few months!”

March and Geneva.
JonPD

I also cannot spot the masculine character of the PaceMan. Might stand out better in person but to me it just looks like the love child of a R56 and R60. The design is decent but it just visually just feels portly next to the R56.

Look forward to the R58 more than I can say. I think MINI has a potential winner here.
http://AOL Bob S.

As always…GO MINI
dr

Today….If I were in the market for a 2dr I would absolutely buy a 2dr Paceman before I would buy a 2dr Cooper. (and yet I don’t feel the need to run around questioning why the smaller car should exist!….Amazing?) After 8yrs of R53 ownership I prefer the looks and the added space of the Paceman to the current car…
BK

Oh boy… Nice juicy R56 Coupe talk. I can’t wait. I hope they have special launch like the GP, I think I may have to get in on that.

I also hope they have some cool color choices :-)
Nick

Fantastic interview.
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