Jun 10th, 2011
WhatCar.com is reporting in an interview with BMW/MINI leadership that while the recent BMW investment in UK manufacturing may spawn as many as 10 MINI variants, the Rocketman Concept will not be among them. While clever doors and composite materials featured in the Rocketman Concept will see the light of day in future MINI models, Ian Robertson put it pretty bluntly:
The Rocketman was a concept and we have no plans to take it further, but features of it will appear on future Minis.
No word yet on if this kills the entire MINI city car program, but we will do our best to find out more.
Jun 3rd, 2011
With the positive reaction still ringing from it’s introduction at Geneva, BMW has given MINI the greenlight to produce the Rocketman concept. But MINI design has quite a lot of work to do ahead of the 2015 debut date. Based on several sources and BMW insider Scott27′s recent insight, we’ve pieced together what to expect when the smallest MINI since the original debuts in four years time.
First off costs have scuttled the idea of a carbon fiber chassis or even components. That will likely be left for the next generation Rocketman theoretically due around 2022. But that doesn’t mean MINI isn’t serious about lightweight materials in the short term. The use of high strength and light weight steel along with aluminum and composite will play a major role in all BMW group cars and especially the MINI range. We expect the Rocketman to be no exception. continued →
May 20th, 2011
AutoExpress, the overly sensational british auto tabloid, has done it again with a set of “photos” claiming that this is the production version of the MINI Rocketman concept. They are not. In fact the details aren’t even close to what MINI will ultimately produce. The ‘photos’ are nothing but photoshop jobs of the concept car we saw last spring at Geneva. However Auto Express does give us further confirmation that the Rocketman will ultimately be produced. So let’s talk about what we know. continued →
Mar 4th, 2011
For your Friday viewing pleasure we have a huge gallery of MINI at the Geneva Motor Show thanks to our friends at Kilometer Magazine. Highlights are the two MINI Yours cars complete with leather dash, new colors and high-end trim. Then there’s the S2000 version of the MINI rally car along with the MINI Cooper SD. But perhaps most important we get our first close look at the Rocketman. As you can see it’s even better in person. (Full gallery after the break)
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Feb 25th, 2011
We’re big fans of Cool Hunting. What follows is an interview between Cool Hunting’s Ami Kealoha and BMW Design lead Adrian van Hooydonk. You can find the original interview here.
Is there a danger of being too cute with Mini?
The lines are more crisp and taut on this concept, because we feel that a Mini should always be like a friend, let’s say. But if it becomes too cute, than maybe people will see it like a toy, a teddy bear. Of course we like to appeal to young customers, but Mini traditionally is a car that appealed to people of all ages, cross-gender and all around the world.
The elements in this car, we believe are elements that could do that: keep Mini exciting, interesting fun, endearing, but also something to be reckoned with, also serious. Almost like a British bulldog—a small dog, but people take it seriously. continued →
Feb 24th, 2011
Perhaps it’s a bit unexpected for MINI to rollout the Rocketman at a fashion event before Geneva. But it did give us the chance to see the Rocketman ‘in the flesh’ for the first time. Pictures (even these) don’t quite do the car justice. There’s a full gallery after the break.
Official Release: In the company of an exclusive line-up of guests and a host of friends, MINI celebrated the global premiere of the new MINI Rocketman Concept against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week. With more than 300 guests of honour from the international fashion and design world attending, MINI held its celebratory event at the Istituto Europeo di Design, one of Europe’s most prestigious design schools with a focus on automotive and product design. The debut of the MINI Rocketman Concept was stage-managed by London-based film artist, photographer and director Marcus Tomlinson. Model and actress Lily Cole was in Milan at the time and appeared in Tomlinson’s art film, which was shown at the event. continued →
Feb 23rd, 2011
To understand the Rocketman we first have to understand what MINI is actually showing us with this concept. The Rocketman (interestingly known inside MINI as ‘MINI Pure’) is a design exercise meant to give us clues into two areas. First off it gives us a hint at the new design language MINI will use for the 3rd generation car. Secondly it gives us a peak at the kind of packaging we could expect for a MINI city car. But lets dive deeper and decipher what this concept really gives away. continued →
