The “mini” MINI is Coming to Detroit
[CORRECTION] We’ve received updated information that the MINI city car concept will be coming to Geneva instead.
We’ve known for quite some time that MINI has been in the processing of developing both a concept car and a production car that will slot below the current R56 hatchback in both size and price. Now comes word that the 2011 Detroit Auto Show will see the debut of the “mini” MINI.
Word comes straight from MINI head Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht via Financial Times Deutschland:
>There will be a taste of ”the next spectacular idea from the Mini brand” at the Detroit auto show he told the newspaper in an interview published on Monday. ”Keep a close eye on the coming months,” he added.
So what can we expect? As we’ve reported the mini-MINI will be based off of the current R56 platform but will be shortened to original Mini proportions. Sounds like a perfect platform for BMW’s new three cylinder engine doesn’t it? That’s what BMW thinks as well and we expect the 3 cylinder power plant to debut in the new Mini city car before it makes its way to the R56 replacement’s lower model ranges. Look for highway MPG in the high 40’s (US) and typical Go-kart handling. Oh and a price lower than the current range.
You can read our previous coverage of the “MIN-i” as it’s known internally in our MINI City category here.
<p>Good move, however although the same length likely a ton heavier although. At least closer to the brand heritage than the R60. Look forward to seeing it to see what they come up with.</p>
<p>i’ll take one….</p>
<p>I would love one!!</p>
<p>Expect also a turbo charged two cylinder 1 litre engine</p>
<p>So, are we talkin’ <em>classic</em>-Mini or R53-MINI proportions? Man, I’d love to see the former!</p>
<p>I’ll be there.</p>
<p>I just hope there’s a hot S version in the works, too! I could be swayed to go in that direction instead of the R58….</p>
<p>Sounds like a two seat chopped R56. I would assume the same width and height as the standard R56 but shortened. Think this aimed squarely at the Smart car in the US, so likely a product that is similar sized.</p>
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<p>So, are we talkin’ classic-Mini or R53-MINI proportions? Man, I’d love to see the former!</p>
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<p>The R50 and R56 are the same size give or take an half inch in length. This will be closer to the original Mini in length and R50/R56 in width and height.</p>
<p>Less is more. This could turn out to be a MINI-dream come true for me. More small is more better :-)</p>
<p>My ideal mini-MINI is a confluence of the best characteristics from the classic Mini and the best characteristics from the R50/R53.</p>
<p>I was hoping for a shorter height. R50/56 height would be too high and the proportions would be out. A miniMINI should be smaller in all directions. Gabe probably has the inside line, but I hope he’s wrong. Keep that centre of gravity down low.</p>
<p>It sounds a little wide for the length. I hope they attain the width via wheel well flares, rather than a wide body….</p>
<p>Very excited about this. Hope this will not be a “europe only” car.</p>
<p>Why didn’t they just make the r50/r53 this size in the first place? And what is this going to do for the next gen hatch is it going to get bigger and softer while this eventually sucseeds the r50/53 in the same way the bmw 1 series is the same size as the original 3 series</p>
<p>Should be closer to the “square footprint” of the classic… I, for one, can’t wait to see how this turns out! I hope the stance is right too with a healthy drop from stock R56 ride height.</p>
<p>Perhaps the Toyota iQ would be a general model for packaging, although MINI handling would be an improvement no doubt. The iQ’s fuel tank has been moved under the car, it has a rear seat, and there is a rear curtain air bag among other things. Very much looking forward to seeing what MINI comes up with.</p>
<p>I was undecided between going to Chicago or Detroit this year for a show. Now I know where I will be. I’ll take lots of pictures.</p>
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<p>And what is this going to do for the next gen hatch is it going to get bigger and softer while this eventually sucseeds the r50/53 in the same way the bmw 1 series is the same size as the original 3 series</p>
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<p>Nope</p>
<p>As Always.GO MINI!!</p>
<p>who is comparing to the Smart – can not be like that, not even close, the Smart is too tall, so much taller than the Mini</p>
<p>“This will be closer to the original Mini in length and R50/R56 in width and height.”</p>
<p>So long as it doesn’t cost R56 prices and isn’t classified as a “premium” car. Max price with good options: max $18,000. Anything more and it’s not worth the price, Mini (mini) or no mini.</p>
<p>I think you are all getting your hopes up that you are going to see a classic mini-like car but with modern electronics etc. Current EU pedestrian-impact requirements would not allow a new MINI to have the same bonnet/windshield angles as the classics. Not to mention that the car would score a half a star on the crash tests. If you want a classic Mini, buy a classic Mini.</p>
<p>My guess is we are going to see something that looks like the Smart/Fit 500/Cygnet but with a Mini grill and roof cap.</p>
<p>Tyson, I agree…..the Toyota iQ/Aston Martin Signet were probably tipping points here. The iQ is coming to the U.S. this Spring as a Scion.</p>
<p>“Nope”</p>
<p>Steve Jobs like…</p>
<p>Looks like a trip Detroit might be in order.</p>