Car Magazine (always a favorite of ours) has some new photos of the MINI Crossover prototype that has been roaming around Munich. However a quick look at the rear of this particular prototype shows that this is indeed a different prototype than we’ve seen before. If you look closely you’ll see dual exhausts where there was only one on the previous R60 caught by Next Autos a few weeks ago. Could this be the R60 “S”?
NextAutos has some of the best spy photos yet of the MINI Crossover. Due in late 2010, this prototype is the first to appear in what will be its final shape and size. As we’ve reported, expect the final R60 to take on much of the overall design seen in the recent MINI Crossover Concept that debuted in Paris a few weeks ago. Previous prototypes have used Clubman derived bodies and (who can forget) an early tank-like structure to hide the overall shape and size. With the concept giving most of that information away, MINI is has now moved onto the production based prototype phase than many of us are used to seeing with previous MINI models.
We had a feeling the Crossman name wouldn’t stick and now it’s been verified at the Paris Auto Show by GoAuto.
BMW’s global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson revealed to GoAuto at the Paris motor show last week that the Mini Crossman will have a different badge when it makes production inside the next two years.
Besides the name, they also found out that an ‘Estate’ version will follow in 2011. Could it simply be a larger version of the upcoming R60? It makes sense from a business case point of view. But then again you have to question how big it can get and still be a MINI. As it stands now the R60 seems to walk the line rather well. But we’re not sure how much bigger it can get. Of course this is all quite unconfirmed at this point and frankly we doubt this part of the story.
BMW has shelved the X7 - a larger version of the X5 - and in it’s place put more resources on the forthcoming BMW X1 and MINI Crossover. This according to this week’s Automotive News. Here’s an excerpt”
BMW is reacting to the sagging economy and rising fuel prices with two small crossovers, the BMW X1 and Mini Crossover Concept, says CEO Norbert Reithofer. He said the old product plan, which included the now discontinued X7 SUV, would not have generated sufficient growth through 2013.
A production version of the four-seat Crossover Concept is expected to go on sale in 2010.
Since MF readers can’t get enough of this latest MINI concept (for better or worse) we wanted to point your attention to some new real-world photos from the floor of the Paris Motor Show. We’d ask you to give us your take but we’re guessing you won’t need much persuasion there.
Vlog by MINI has been at the Paris Autoshow since it started. Of course they are paying special attention to the Crossover Concept.
The MINI Crossover Concept is unveiled. Be the first to take a peak at this extraordinary concept with completely new measures and innovative functionality ideas.
Our friends at Autoblog are at the Paris Motor Show with cameras in hand today snapping pics of anything and everything that looks shiny. For MINI fans that means the new MINI Crossover Concept. You can take a look at some of the first real-life photos to hit the web below:
Official Press Release: Je vous souhaite la bienvenue chez MINI! Welcome to the MINI stand here in Paris!
The Paris Motor Show is of particular significance for MINI as this is where we showcased the new MINI generation just two years ago. Today it gives me great pleasure to present to you a future design for the MINI family-the MINI Crossover Concept. The four HOMP-Boys just gave us a preview of this visionary design. This concept vehicle
shows a new level of versatility-for both the interior and the exterior,
it offers additional innovative and customized features;
And thanks to its unconventional all-wheel drive-this vehicle offers both the driver and passengers an entirely new car experience.
If you’ve been wanting a closer look at MINI’s new Crossover Concept but didn’t have plans to get to the Paris Motor Show, we have your answer. We’ve obtained some official footage of the concept that gives us a much better glimpse at much of the functionality that doesn’t really come through in two dimensional photos. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy…
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.
This one showed up on my radar last week. It’s a great analysis of the R60 Concept by frequent MF commenter Nathaniel Salzman. He took the time to reasearch and post a great analysis of not only the R60, but the MINI brand in general.
I don’t think anybody who’s paying attention can say that a car with MINI’s premium outlook on features, safety, design, and economy, in a 4-door package, with AWD wouldn’t just sell like crazy in the US. It probably won’t be a big hit in Europe, but they’ll probably be lined up around the block to buy them here. This has led to accusations within the MINI enthusiast community that MINI is only making this car to pander to the poor tastes of American car buyers who’ve been brainwashed into this notion that they need off-road capability in their daily commute up the freeway.
Michael joins us again from The Mail Buoy podcast. Starting out with a short rant before we dive right into some R60 concept talk.
The three of us going into some great detail about the R60 concept with a new format that worked very very well. It did result in a longer-than-normal show, but for this topic, I think it worked fantastic and you should enjoy it. Running time is close to an hour for those of you that listen along at MF or WRR.
MINI goes Channel hopping with Crossover Concept debut at Paris Motor Show.
MINI UK Press Release: The MINI Crossover Concept is a design study for a fourth variant in MINI’s current model range. With four doors, four drive wheels, four single seats and at four metres in the length, the Crossover Concept combines versatility and style: its main aim is to tempt new target groups into the world of MINI.
Knowing that it would be the hot topic for days and weeks (and years) to come, Todd and I sat down a few days ago and recorded a quick conversation around the MINI Crossover Concept. This was before any images were release to the public (before the embargo was broken) and before we had the official press release. Still it’s worth a listen to hear some thoughts on the new car and to hear Todd’s reaction as he’s seeing it for the first time.
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1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Coupe R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Coupe 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe R57: One/MC/MCS Convt. R60: MINI SUV
Sections: R60 (Crossover) Oct 28th, 2008 18 Comments 
Michael joins us again from 
