What is the MINI SpaceBox?
Rumors have been swirling for days that MINI will be debuting a new concept simply known as the MINI Spacebox. Is this a new concept car? Is this the production R60? Is it a box with a cat in it? We’re not quite sure yet but here’s what we know. MINI is scheduled to debut the production version of the R60 in Frankfurt this fall. They are also going to show off the new 50th anniversary models (which will debut at Silverstone at MINI United) and potentially the heavily anticipated R56 model refresh.
So what is it? What would you like to see? Sound off below.
<p>My guess is roof rack mounted cargo box.</p>
<p>Personally, I am interested in seeing another special edition JCW (similar to R53 GP) :-D</p>
<p>I am also interested in seeing the 50th anniversary models as I may hold off on ordering a new MINI until
then</p>
<p>AWD variant of the 2nd gen cars??</p>
<p>Another variation of the convertible, ala Speedster</p>
<p>I think the roof mounted cargo box is probably correct.
Or a trailer, in the general MINI style.</p>
<p>But then again it could just as well be a MINI van!</p>
<p>I personally believe its something more akin to a utility box for the Mini, possibly something for the R60 in mind. I doubt its a vehicle as we would have seen spy shots of it by now. In the BMW belief that bigger and heavier is better think we still have some years before we will see something more bloated than the R60.</p>
<p>A matching trailer, similar to what Plymouth had with the Prowler might be a really cool accessory for the R60. Whenever I see a Prowler with trailer, I nearly clap my hands with glee.</p>
<p>My guess: It’s going to be a MINI version of the Nissan Cube.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cwwcardesign.com/cars/pics/bmw_v5.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.cwwcardesign.com/cars/pics/bmw_v5.jpg</a></p>
<p>lol</p>
<p>I think it is going to be a box full of hair!</p>
<p>new name for mini suv</p>
<p>Gosh I hope it’s not the R56 refresh – I’m really not looking forward to my car being the old model again :/</p>
<p>In Europe, compact Minivans (VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy, Etc) are classified under the “Espace” category.</p>
<p>I personally would not be surprised if this turns out to be a MINIvan.</p>
<p>I think MINI needs to laydown the pipe…</p>
<p>The MINI SpaceBox is a shipping container like urban living environment to showcase creative use of space and how to maximize minimal space. This living shoebox was created by BMW designworks and will fall under MINI’s MINIMALISM umbrella. It’s made out of recycled and sustainable materials and have a carbon footprint of 0 through renewable energy sources such as solar panels on the roof.</p>
<p>A van version of the Clubman. No rear seats. Strictly cargo.</p>
<p>If its a MINI van, this will be the last straw for me. I will be selling my MINI. There is nothing MINI about a van! Why does it appear that MINI is going in a LARGER direction?</p>
<p>The photo proves it: Schrödinger’s Cat is alive!</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Only because you did an observation of it Matt.</p>
<p>What MikeJCW said. Times two.</p>
<p>I would like to think it will be a R56 GP although I think its still quite early to be hearing anything about a possible GP type car, nothing likely coming out until the end of the R56 production.</p>
<p>The 50th anniversary is not going to be much other than a few graphics. Doubt it will even be up to the MC40 for being unique.</p>
<p>MINI will sell the Air Car in the USA.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mdi.lu/english/miniflowair.php" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mdi.lu/english/miniflowair.php</a></p>
<p>Matt,
Mini originally produced a van and a pickup, albeit on the same chassis as the originals.</p>
<p>I can’t really see them producing a commercial type van though. It would still be a “premium car”. In the UK there is a huge choice of small vans, without having to pay the MINI markup, so I can’t see a company buying them as viable alternatives, unless they’re after the “Funky” designs so many estate agents put on MINIs at the moment.</p>
<p>2 Seat Speedster, Please, Please, Please!</p>
<p>Space, as in outer space, maybe? Possibly some kind of retro-futuristic design?</p>
<p>All that we know for certain is that the photo proves someone needs a tutorial using the smudge tool! = )</p>
<p>“If its a MINI van, this will be the last straw for me. I will be selling my MINI. There is nothing MINI about a van! Why does it appear that MINI is going in a LARGER direction?”</p>
<p>???? Last Straw huh? If thats how you feel than I think you should sell it, and let a real motor head take the wheel.</p>
<p>I kinda like the idea of a panel verson of the Clubman…that would be kinda cool…</p>
<p>i want to see either a speedster or new JCW GP</p>
<p>It’s the space in the back of a MINI pickup.:-)</p>
<p>I would love it it they brought out a Mini pickup, a speedster would also be fun. Don’t think either are likely however Mini is fascinated with SUV’s it seems.</p>
<blockquote>I kinda like the idea of a panel verson of the Clubman…that would be kinda cool…</blockquote>
<p>A panel version of the clubman, eh? I like the way you think. No Clubdoor, just loads more storage space than your regular Mini. How’s that for a sexy utility car? I <em>know</em> there are companies that would buy that.</p>
<p>A roof box seems more realistic. And “Helmut” actually sounds like he isn’t guessing…</p>
<p>Mystery solved</p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090312/CARNEWS/903129993" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090312/CARNEWS/903129993</a></p>
<p>Who let the cat out of the bag about the cat in the box?</p>