We get asked all to often what MINI has planned for model X and/or when will we see an update to model Y. Frankly, we don’t know all the answers, but we do know enough to be dangerous. So with that said we wanted to publish a rundown of what we do know and what our best guesses are. Keep in mind, even if some of the following information has come directly from MINI sources, it may yet change as the dates get closer. continued →
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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(Updated video) As promised here’s some video of MINI publicly debuting the MINI Rocketman in Geneva. We also have some footage of the new MINI Hampton as well as the MINI Display and Geneva as a whole.
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 →
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 →
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 →
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: F56 Hatch, F58 Spacebox, R60 (Countryman), R61 (Paceman), R?? MINI City Car, Rumor Mar 21st, 2011 27 Comments 
