World Debut: The MINI Paceman (Crossover Coupe)
Today MINI takes the virtual wraps off of their latest concept vehicle: the Pacemen. The crossover coupe is based on a shortened Countryman (R60) platform and borrows a few prominent exterior elements as well. But there are also many new elements seen here for the first time that could give us a sneak peak at a future production MINI. The Paceman; lowered 20 mm in the roof and shod with 19″ wheels is the picture of British dynamic elegance. Think of it as a smaller Range Rover Evoq that doesn’t take itself quite as seriously. Or you could also consider it the Countryman version of the upcoming MINI Coupe; focused more on performance and style while eschewing some versatility.
Our sources at MINI tell us that no official production plans have been made for the Paceman, but MINI is already making plans early plans to do so. MINI would ideally like to do a three and five door version (with rear hinged doors chafed with the next Clubman) that both share the lower roofline. The platform is proven, and the production facility in Austria has room to grow so it’s all possible within the next few years. Beyond that, wouldn’t the Paceman be a great starting platform for a future WRC car?
The concept will debut at the Detroit International Auto Show in early January and we’ll be there to cover it all.
Look for more on the Paceman shortly on MF.
A MINI Crossover Coupé – urban and masculine.
Official Release: The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI face but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings, and together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation. The front bumper also includes new, deep-set fog lights. (Full gallery after the jump)
From the side, the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19-inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.
The familiar MINI shoulder line rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept and also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises, the flat roofline flows into a wider C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof ‘suspended’ on top and painted in a striking, contrasting white. This is known as the ‘helmet’ roof. The coupé-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.
“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,†explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.
A new interpretation of the classic coupé design has given the MINI Paceman Concept a distinctive coupé tail that complements the athletic character of the car. New rear lights positioned at the outer edges of the broad, muscular rear wings underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasize the wide track of the rear axle.
As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear bumper of the MINI Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts and further enhances the car’s aerodynamic properties. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the front air intake in order to forge a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.
The MINI Paceman Concept measures 161.8″ in length, 70.4″ in width and 60.6″ in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go-kart responsiveness.
The interior: a blend of modern function and luxurious character.
The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws on MINI’s unique and distinctive design language, yet it also imparts a refreshing new look. Behind the study’s masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty interior environment that exudes premium quality and funky design. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporting yet functional impression it creates. The central air vents, central speedo and gearshift lever feature outer rings in a contrasting color, while large side air vents underline the MINI character further.
The slim center console — which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger — merges into the Center Rail pioneered by the MINI Countryman. This creates a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs along the centerline of the passenger compartment as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather lend an expression of luxurious allure to the interior of the MINI Paceman, while a new interpretation of the brand’s familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasizing the length of the interior. Shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system are embedded into the main element of this ellipse.
Behind the front sports seats are two contoured, individual rear seats are designed with backrests that merge distinctively into the seat sides in order to create fully contoured passenger support. The “club lounge†character underlines the individual and unconventional nature of the MINI Paceman Concept and helps turn every journey into an experience for the rear passengers every bit as much as it is for those in the front.
Drive system: powerful and efficient.
The MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the deployment of the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI range. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16-valve, four cylinder unit produces 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.
Its MINI Countryman roots give this new MINI concept study an ideal platform for the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. ALL4 features an electromagnetic center differential positioned directly on the final drive, which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions 100 percent of the drive is sent to the front wheels, and in extreme situations as much as 50 percent can be directed to the rear.
Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.
MINI chassis technology has been specially developed for the MINI Paceman Concept to transform the potential of its potent engine into a driving experience that offers inspiring agility, impressive poise and always in complete safety. While it delivers precise and sporting handling it is the high standard of compliant ride comfort that truly sets the MINI Paceman Concept apart.
The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms which, combined with Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance, plays a major role in delivering the response and agility customers expect from a MINI. The Paceman’s multi-link rear axle was developed using proven BMW Group chassis expertise.
MINI Paceman Concept: an idea ahead of the game, once again.
The MINI Paceman Concept embodies the idea of an incomparable driving experience in a way that meets the needs of modern lifestyle-oriented customers, but it also remains true to the character of the MINI brand.
Full Gallery
[nggallery id=49]
<p>We will offer this car as both a 3dr and 5dr when it comes to production.
The 5dr will offer rear hinged doors but still with the lower coupe roofline.</p>
<p>The MIN-i Concept will be shown in Geneva March 2011.</p>
<p>me <—-eagerly awaits March!</p>
<p>The large generic tail lights are not MINI. Seems like an X6 of the Countryman, which I don’t like too much. I get a 2 door version I guess… But this has none of the Beachcomber fun to it.</p>
<p>I was hoping for the mini-MINI in Detroit. Maybe Geneva?</p>
<blockquote>The 5dr will offer rear hinged doors but still with the lower coupe roofline.</blockquote>
<p>That’d be pretty sweet, I think, especially given the size of the vehicle. You’d conceivably get all the room of the Countryman but in a more aggressive package. I’d especially love being able to swing open a club door, toss my bag in the back, and then motor on for my commute. I look forward to seeing that concept in particular.</p>
<p>This for some reason looks fantastic to me. And the 5 door rear hinged door one even more so.
The lack of something quirky and unique is probably the reason the Countryman leaves me blah overall.</p>
<p>The official line is “strictly a Concept ja?”</p>
<p>But with extensive engineering work already gone into developing the rear hinged doors for the 5dr and the chassis engineers developing an advanced torque vectoring system in a similar vain to Dynamic Performance Control from the BMW X6 to be exclusive to the car.
Once reaction has been taken into account expect this to be the next MINI production model.
The car is especially low but without complete sacrifice of rear visibility.</p>
<p>Internally the aim of this car is to offer a concept which is sporty and trendsetting to the MINI brand in a similar way to the Range Rover Evoque. But at a price marker of something much less than the standard entry Range Rover Evoque but feature more individualism and unique features to the Countryman in a similar fashion to how the BMW X5 and X6 are positioned but for the city-compact segment.</p>
<p>Other than the tail lights which I fell don’t carry the brand very strongly, I think it looks great! Is it pronounced ‘Pacheyman’?</p>
<p>The tail-lights are the Countryman’s but rotated around and e-longated.</p>
<p>It’s all about trying something new , it works on some MINI models but not all which will use the typical MINI trapezoid-shape.</p>
<p>Very soon BMW will offer conventional shaped tail-lights but incorporate the L-Shape design feature internally by using LED bars.
The 1er begins this trend.</p>
<p>Someone call Frank Stephenson. This brand is off the rails.</p>
<p>The rear lights look like a Buick Enclave. Definitely not MINI.</p>
<p>Over time, why do little details that started the MINI brand seem to disappear?</p>
<p>Why couldn’t they just create a 2 door version of the Countryman instead of waiting time on these generic concepts?</p>
<p>I’d be more interested if they spent some time making a 2 seater pickup.</p>
<p>Also, why do the headlines continue to evolve into a non-oval? What’s the point?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Why couldn’t they just create a 2 door version of the Countryman instead of waiting time on these generic concepts?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wouldn’t a 2 door version of the R60 be generic by definition? This is literally the opposite of that and continues to move the MINI design language forward into a more dynamic shape.</p>
<p>I expect new deas that challenge what we believe a MINI to be. Otherwise there would be no point in concept vehicles that push the envelope.</p>
<p>I showed some friends the first pictures of the MINI Paceman a few hours ago and they like it very much.</p>
<p>Paceman (Possibly not the final name) and Countryman can co-exist in the same way as the BMW X5 and X6 exist. And with the X6 we have learned that further downwards that there is a market for a stylish concept in the Sport Activity Coupe.</p>
<p>The X6 itself has been a huge success for BMW. Initially in a two year period from launch BMW expected to sell around 40,000 units. But in fact sales doubled to twice the estimate at 80,000 units,
BMW have now surpassed 120,000 units of the X6.
No wonder then why the X4 is in development.</p>
<p>MINI is in a unique position because it is a segment that will show future growth but this growth will not sacrfice the key philosophies of the MINI Brand.</p>
<p>They wont grow longer than four metres and will not sacrifice it’s trademark driving credentials which still give the latest competitors a run for their money.</p>
<p>But MINI as a brand has to show more than conventional ideas. MINI is a brand that showcases innovation in it’s products. It is a synthesis of innovation and culture in it’s concepts it is no wonder why competitors are rusing to this segment.</p>
<p>Whilst MINI will stretch the brand to accomodate all markets within it’s segment starting with an entry level city model, through the classic MINI Concept into the newer innovative models such as Clubman , Countryman , Coupe , Roadster and Paceman.</p>
<p>By the time this car makes production it very may well carry a more individual facia to seperate it from the Countryman which is precisely the point of the Paceman.
not only will the lower roofline , different front and rear and unique features make the car stand out.</p>
<p>But the inclusion of a MINI variant of BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control will help the MINI Paceman develop it’s own idenitity in handling and dynamics.</p>
<p>How does this differ from the Canyon (Countryman coupe)? The Canyon has been pictured a number of times on motoringfile and looks similar to the Paceman except for the front. Personally I prefer the look of the Canyon. Having said that I don’t see how they could bring them both to production, there’s not enough to distinguish them.</p>
<p>Gabe – can you shed some light on this?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Thhe Canyon was an internal name as we had reported awhile back. The Paceman (not the final name) is the Canyon.</p>
<p>what’s happening in Photo #6 in the slideshow with the missing front seat?</p>
<p>Great looking car.</p>
<p>I know that MINI/BMW doesn’t do track performance 4 wheel drive, but I’d love to see a huge powerplant in this car for a track monster.</p>
<p>I like it but from the back it looks like an angry alien with a five o’clock shadow……..</p>
<p>I’m liking this a lot more than the larger Countryman for some reason. It could be the cleaner roofline and proportions, I don’t know. But it looks like a winner for a more all-season MINI. And I love the color!</p>
<p>Which new MINI to buy will be a tough call….</p>
<blockquote><b>Gabe</b> …continues to move the MINI design language forward into a more dynamic shape.</blockquote>
<p>A BMW Marketing copy writer couldn’t have said it better. Do you like your koolaid shaken or stirred?</p>
<p>that.guy,</p>
<p>Feel free to hate the concept car, but <strong>derogatory comments toward others will not be tolerated</strong>. This is your final warning.</p>
<p>The Pacman huh? If you like vehicles like the BMW X6 or Honda Accord Crosstour, you may like this.</p>
<p>I don’t really understand where this fits in the model range. Is there a need for a giant R56 coupe that I don’t know about?</p>
<p>Stylewise, even though I like the new family roofline (Coupe + Countryman), I’m not feeling the cartoonish taillights or the overall fatness. It looks like my Cooper S after gaining some holiday weight.</p>
<blockquote>what’s happening in Photo #6 in the slideshow with the missing front seat?</blockquote>
<p>I wondered about that too. I think they simply omitted the seat to show the door panel details in the drawing. But the more I thought about it, the idea of a removable passenger seat would create a cool lounge effect for the back seat. Talk about leg room! I doubt that’s what they intended, but it’d be kinda cool none the less.</p>
<blockquote>I don’t really understand where this fits in the model range. Is there a need for a giant R56 coupe that I don’t know about?</blockquote>
<p>That’s a fair question. Personally, I think where it fits is for folks who want something with the All4 drivetrain that’s a bit more aggressive looking than the Countryman. The 5-door version is especially appealing for me, given all the snow we’ve had these past couple weeks here in Minneapolis.</p>
<p>We’ve reported previously on MotoringFile that going forward we’re going to continue to see a wider and wider variety of vehicles from MINI. Now that there are multiple platforms (the hatch, the 4-door and the city car), what we’ll soon have is several ranges of vehicles that get more and more specialized. At one end of the spectrum, we’ll have vehicles like the upcoming city car that will be all about efficiency. A step up, we’ll have the hatch and its variances like the Coupé that are focused more on performance. Then at the top of the range we’ll have R60 based cars like the Paceman (and likely the next Clubman) that bring a tad more space and practicality. Thing is, I think MINI can do this and still keep the character of the car intact. I think this brand is big enough for each, and frankly, not defined entirely on the shape of the tail lights.</p>
<p>“what’s happening in Photo #6 in the slideshow with the missing front seat?”</p>
<p>“I wondered about that too. I think they simply omitted the seat to show the door panel details in the drawing. But the more I thought about it, the idea of a removable passenger seat would create a cool lounge effect for the back seat. Talk about leg room! I doubt that’s what they intended, but it’d be kinda cool none the less.”</p>
<p>The Transparent seat is actually a designers trick to show the range of the interior , especially the details behind the front passenger seats so that the viewer is able to have the impression they are inside the vehicle.</p>
<p>That looks amazing, its the first concept I really like and if it was to come out I would buy that instead of the hatch. Also I LOVE that green!</p>
<p>Shrink the tail lights so they fit into the rear fenders and not the hatch and shrink the MINI logo on that hatch and you would have a very hot looking little MINI Crossover which would blow the doors off it’s competitors.</p>
<p>This is the best thing to come out of MINI in years!</p>
<p>My only hope is they don’t give it the same interior as the Countryman!</p>
<p>First thing I thought of when I saw this was a frog!</p>
<p>Second thing I thought was the bulbous lines reminded me of an other “Pace” car. The AMC Pacer.</p>
<p>And I shuddered.</p>
<p>The AMC Pacer was a cool-loooking car.</p>
<p>Also, that’s a great shade of green. The current paint line-up would be improved with the addition of that color.</p>
<p>Reminds me of the Audi Steppenwolf Concept…from 2000. That was my first thought with I saw the Paceman.</p>
<p>I like it very much!!!
If MINI does build it, I will seriously consider it.
Bring it on!!!</p>
<p>Having slept over it, I think the reason that I really like it is that it really looks “European”. The Countryman has a very “American market” flavor to me.</p>
<p>boring, bring the Beachcomber on !</p>
<p>Ooh, me likey! It looks like the wrap-around glass might be back again? I hope so! I hated it when they got rid of it in 2007 and put that ugly plastic at the C-pillar :(</p>
<p>The tail lights are not MINI at all. They make it look like a Mazda from the back.</p>
<p>With more vehicles on tap for MINI, any chance in the future that that they will put a factory in the US. Obviously, with production numbers capped in Oxford, MINIs will have to be built elsewhere. Or, as touched upon in previous articles, will some manufacturing be brought to Germany?</p>
<p>I do like the looks of the Paceman, always thought that the Countryman was too plain looking in the rear.</p>
<p>I thought that.guy’s comment was the best in the thread…. Warning or not.</p>
<p>Anyway, I can see that it’s not as much an expense to do derivatives on a common chassis to lower overall unit costs, pretty standard business in the car world. I am curious as to why the RR Evoq (or howerever it’s spelled) seems to have created such a buzz in the MINI bonnet…..</p>
<p>Yes the X6 sells well, and obvously buyers like it, but the automotive press pretty universally thinks that it’s not well aligned with the BMW design philosophy of “the Ultimate Driving Machine”, relegated to the same rationalization as the Porsche SUV: It pays the bills so we can make more sports cars so we’ll live with it. So I guess that opens up the question about what will a brand do in the name of increase sales? If it’s all about sales numbers, make a car thats an alternative to a Honda Accord or a Toyota Avalon. You’d get sales numbers for sure, but what would it do to the brand?</p>
<p>Anyway, it’s a natural extension of a developed chassis, so it’s coming in some form or another, pretty much no matter what. It’s gonna be a when, not an if. I’m guessing pretty much every platform will have to be done in a 3 door and 5 door variant… It’s the nature of the business.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Having just this week ordered a new MINI S convertible, I have mixed feelings about the Paceman.</p>
<p>If this is the future direction for the entire MINI line, I think it’s great.</p>
<p>But if the 2012 convertible looks like the Paceman, I’ll be pissed. :)</p>
<p>Very cool and muscular look.</p>
<p>Sorry, don’t get this car. As a previous poster said, looks like an overblown R56 coupe. What is the point? Bigger, heavier…not very “mini” at all. However, there must be a market for such conveyances…at the cost of diluting the brand?
(Oh, and the tailights do look like an Enclave’s).</p>
<p>So is this the GTI competitor that was speculated in MF a few years back?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A BMW Marketing copy writer couldn’t have said it better. Do you like your koolaid shaken or stirred?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Lol. Well I can say this – I don’t see how you disagree with the statement if you take the word ‘forward’ out. And keep mind I’m not saying ‘better’ than anything… Just more dynamic.</p>
<p>I’m liking this much more than the Countryman. How much shorter is the Paceman? This might be worth waiting for to replace my xB for winter driving.</p>
<p>Will we still see the “mini” Mini concept at Detroit alongside this?</p>
<p>As long as it comes with some form of 4X4 all wheel drive setup, I’ll be looking at this</p>
<p>I like this a lot. JCW please?</p>
<p>Well, the “cuteness” factor is gone. It’s replaced by angry bloat. For those of us who like our cars friendly-yet-tough, that’s sad.</p>
<p>I like this; as long as it comes with a more powerful diesel, I can see it replacing my Countryman ( which I like a lot )….</p>
<p>So this then is not the “car” vehicle based on the Countryman? Although this suspension is lower, and the roof line lower, the body seems to still have the thicker proportion of the Countryman.</p>
<p>So will there be another model based on the R60 that will be decidedly car like? Or will that be the new Clubman? Or is there still room for a 4dr hatch to slot in above the coming Clubman?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So this then is not the “car†vehicle based on the Countryman? Although this suspension is lower, and the roof line lower, the body seems to still have the thicker proportion of the Countryman.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This car is based on the Countryman as noted above.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So will there be another model based on the R60 that will be decidedly car like?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes there will be and that appears likely to be the next generation Clubman.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Or is there still room for a 4dr hatch to slot in above the coming Clubman?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>MINI has some internal proposals that do just that but we believe MINI will ultimately make the Clubman slightly more practical (likely not much larger) and base it on a lowered R60 platform.</p>
<p>I really want to like it (because I love the MINI brand on the whole) but I just can’t get warmed up about it. Honestly not sure why, except that design elements that I love seem as though they are being phazed out with newer vehicles (For me the Countryman is missing something in its style that is intrinsic to the other MINIs).</p>
<p>19 inch wheels? How much to those weigh? I suppose this strategy is similar to Porsche. The Countryman and this car will appeal to a wider audience which hopefully will mean more r&d and production of the smaller and lighter MINI’s. At least that is what I hope.</p>
<blockquote>The large generic tail lights are not MINI.</blockquote>
<p>I think the design was intended as MINI wings.</p>
<p>I like it. Will have to see it in person to be sure. Gabe is right that it is a way more dynamic shape than some of the past offerings. Now I can’t wait to see the coupe! Though a lowered JCW version of the Paceman might be worth it for the 4WD.</p>
<p>I don’t really “get” the 3-door version. If it’s going to be impractical as far as rear passenger entry/exit goes, I might as well get the cheaper/lighter/faster/lower Hardtop. That said, I actually really like the idea of the 5-door Paceman w/ reverse-hinged doors. Sportier than the Countryman, but I still might be able to sell it to the wife as a “family” vehicle.</p>
<p>And as others have said… please make that a factory color.</p>
<p>If this concept does make it to production maintaining the same seating arrangement and rear leg and shoulder room as the Countryman, it will be my next MINI. I am excited that it combines all the styling cues I love in my Clubman, like the rising shoulder line, with the versatility I will need as my young sons grown into teenagers. I’ll take one in 2013 with two rear hinged club doors, thank you. Way to go out with a bang, Gert!</p>
<p>yes, that color is amazing!</p>
<p>What if this is the beginning of a new line? We’ve heard that the next Clubman will be based on the Countryman platform, as is this Paceman concept. Suppose the cars based on Countryman are all Clubman models: a Clubman Coupe, a Clubman wagon/estate, etc. Thus, the Clubman could become a line of slightly larger MINIs, slotted between the expected R56 replacement and the R60. This would allow the Countryman to develop derivatives in the SAV/cross-over direction . . .</p>
<p>I love it! So many surprises from MINI these days. I really like the direction MINI is going with their “Out of The Box” designs. Funny thing. While people look at the price of our product and compare it to other cars in its price range MINI is much more than numbers on a bill of sale or window sticker. These are premium cars that are unique in most ways to any other car that defy the norm. Way to go MINI. Keep this up. Gert I’ll definitely miss you and I’m sure you’ll always be remembered for your direction in taking MINI to the next level.</p>
<p>Mini’s direction is off and my current mini will be last one it seams (I had 2, one R53 and now one R56). I think they are lost, deluted. Very disappointed. Fiat 500 is becoming an exponentially attractive option for my next fun small car. Ciao Mini.</p>
<p>While I do have to say the design concept is much better than the R60, I am still not certain to its place in the market. Guess my main issue is that MINI if feeling more like BMW. BMW to me is a niche builder, their design seems to create a massive number of niche models. For a company BMW’s size they actually have a pretty massive portfolio of vehicles. Often they build these for niche markets. While this has proved to be a generally successful method for them they have turned out more than one large miss in the automotive market. I am not sure MINI growing this way is a wise concept. I don’t think MINI will ever have the size and manufacturing base to make this work.</p>
<p>Nathaniel I have to call you out on your that.guy comment. I agree that we should keep our discussions civil, however with my outspoken view on the R60 (and often repetitive) I have heard the word hater as myself time and time again. I personally don’t care about it just seems like selective policing.</p>
<p>Now this I would buy, assuming that they don’t use the Mickey Mouse ears speedo from the Countryman.</p>
<p>so will MINI build it or not???….not really finding a straight answer to that question. And why a five door variant when you already have the Countryman minus the cool sloping roof line? Adding a five door would just be redundant…or am I missing something?? Gabe???</p>
<p>I like the idea of a 2 door with all wheel drive.
The glass looks like it will have bad visibility for a tall driver.</p>
<p>Kinda cool but don’t you miss the days when there was ONLY a Mini S with JCW option and (justa) Mini? It was new/old and exciting. Made just for enthusiest. Not for everyone and that’s how we liked it. That’s why we waved to each other. An exclusive club of unique people in a special car.</p>
<p>Now they keep coming up with new models til they find one for everyone. Not as special anymore. Glad to have enjoyed the first wave.</p>
<p>Great point Blackballed. Was much fun in the early years and what caused me to like MINI more than BMW. And I’m a BMW fan and BMWCCA member!
As others have said the color is nice, along with the wheels. However the tail lights and the huge logo/handle on the rear door need to be mini-sized.
I also like the coupe-like roof!</p>
<blockquote>Nathaniel I have to call you out on your that.guy comment. I agree that we should keep our discussions civil, however with my outspoken view on the R60 (and often repetitive) I have heard the word hater as myself time and time again. I personally don’t care about it just seems like selective policing.</blockquote>
<p>It shouldn’t be happening to you either, regardless of how much you don’t like the R60 or how often you say so. I don’t always have time to pay the same amount of attention to the comments of every post, but had I read it then, I would have pinged them just as quickly. Our comment guidelines are very clear:</p>
<blockquote>MotoringFile reserves the right to edit or delete any post for any reason. Derogatory comments of any kind will not be tolerated.</blockquote>
<p>Here’s the underlying principle. Ideas and things are fair game, but people are off limits. My main focus is minimizing name calling and especially ad hominem. It kills civil discussion. People calling you (specifically) a hater falls into the same category. It shouldn’t happen. It goes both ways and when I see it, I’m going to address it. And here’s the thing. It’s all about intent and specificity.</p>
<p>For example, you having a problem with my comment, and saying as much, is perfectly appropriate. I appreciate it, in fact. You spoke up about my comment and not about <em>me</em>. That’s discussion. Good stuff. Thanks for chiming in.</p>
<p>oh and not much a fan on the name either. Enclave lights and Pacer name, not good….</p>
<p>“While I do have to say the design concept is much better than the R60, I am still not certain to its place in the market. Guess my main issue is that MINI if feeling more like BMW. BMW to me is a niche builder, their design seems to create a massive number of niche models. For a company BMW’s size they actually have a pretty massive portfolio of vehicles. Often they build these for niche markets. While this has proved to be a generally successful method for them they have turned out more than one large miss in the automotive market. I am not sure MINI growing this way is a wise concept. I don’t think MINI will ever have the size and manufacturing base to make this work.”</p>
<p>MINI is in a unique position for a brand especially for this decade. As it is the Segment and therefore the MINI brand that will experience considerable growth in the market.
When you see why MINI has grown from the hatch and cabrio through to the Clubman , Countryman and soon Coupe and Roadster it is especially for the demand for smaller premium concepts. MINI has a unique opportunity because it does not offer conventional ideas for a concept. It takes these Concepts and re-interprets them so that they suit within the image of MINI then the marketing takes over.</p>
<p>When we do research into new models we investigate ideas both conventional and unconventional. The idea of going unconventional has paid off for BMW whether in Design , iDrive and the niche models such as the X6 and 5er Gran Turismo. We do research on every idea to see if such a concept can work in a market it is not decided in an hour or so it is not “We will do it?” at first more like “Can we do this?”</p>
<p>The Sport Activity Coupe Concept has proved to work within the BMW X6. So we went to research for an X4 again the issue of downsizing to more premium concepts has allowed an X4 to move forward to the design stage.
With MINI we learnt that there is an opening for such a Concept within the MINI Countryman by offering something which brings forward the attributes of a MINI in a more sport-orientated appearance.</p>
<p>With the right specifcation on the MINI Countryman you can choose a Cooper and specify it as an alternative to a small cross-over. With the Cooper S you add a more Sporting flavour to the car.</p>
<p>With Paceman you get a more dynamic looking and sporty orientated MINI with that sloping roof-line and sculpted wheel-arches at the rear along with very unconventional rear-lights for a MINI.
In a world where the BMW X5 and BMW X6 can co-exist and do everything differently.
Why can’t the MINI Countryman and Paceman?</p>
<p>Specifically the 3dr option is being shown to show another side of the Countryman for now.
The Paceman has been conceived with five doors in mind for extra flexibility but they are looking at introducing both 3dr and 5dr versions.</p>
<p>Strictly expected to be available as “S” versions only and with All 4 All Wheel Drive only. BMW see the cars as siding with the upcoming MINI Coupe and Roadster as the Coupe and Roadster point at being more extreme and sporty than the regular MINI and MINI Cabrio.
Paceman would be the extreme and sporty alternative option alongside the Countryman.</p>
<p>The MINI brand can grow as long as it stays within the chosen parameters of size , being unconventional and offering something new and keep it’s signature brand strengths. Within the Brand what you will see is MINI can downsize as well as upscale and it is the variety which has made MINI a successful brand.
Coupe , Roadster , MIN-i and Paceman are products that will appeal to a wide range of customers both existing and new because they dare-to-be-different from everyone else.</p>
<p>That is the genius behind MINI’s success.</p>
<p>Nathaniel you’ve have been a good addition to MF, keep up the good work.</p>
<p>Herr26 I do hear where you are coming from (btw thanks for a great reply). I think the one trap MINI has to avoid that BMW has fallen into often. The concept that they are designing a new market. There are already other micro SUV on the market and more coming, to me the R60 is just adding to the mix but really is not creating a new market. Rather its going in on a already existing market, while this does not mean that the R60 will not sell well. I actually will bet on the R60 outselling the Paceman if it ever comes to market. The potential market in the US for a SUV (even micro) will always be greater than the two door versions.</p>
<p>I don’t know. I suppose it would grow on you after a while.</p>
<p>Well, I like it, this a welcome development. An AWD Hatch has been a fantasy for many for some time now and I hope it stays pretty much as seen today. AND comes to NA. The Countryman frown has been softened nicely to a more neutral expression. The lower fascia with only the single upper grill emphasized is a subtle change for MINI and IMHO it works. If the GTR is coming here too, then call Subaru and let the games begin. A thank you to Herr 26 for continued calm insight.</p>
<p>Today — Opening Day for MINI of Des Moines — I had to “try-on” a Countryman. Sadly, its higher sill and smaller doorway tried to keep me out. My Clubman, on the other hand, is an easy fit. (Yes, the Countryman’s seat was fully lowered and tilted back.)</p>
<p>A while ago, Herr Hildebrand said the Coupe’s doorway would be, I believe, 60mm shorter than the Hardtop’s.</p>
<p>Now comes the Paceman Concept, with its “dynamic-bloat” shape. I picture smacking my temple on its roof lip; though I doubt that I will ever try one on for size.</p>
<p>I do hope that some strong voice at MINI has already spoken-up for those of us less limber motorers. There seem to be quite a few of us grays tooling around in R52s, R53s, R55s, and R56s; with visions of sugarplum R58s dancing in our heads.</p>
<p>If some of them want a Paceman, give them room, as well. Too late for the Countryman. Unless . . . maybe a $5000 Ingress Option could be offered. You know, with a little cutout and a rubber turret . . . .</p>
<p>I don’t find the Countryman, Coupe, or Speedster at all attractive. Or the X6. But damn, put them all together, and this thing looks GOOD.</p>
<p>If they put a diesel in it, I’m sold.</p>
<p>My dealer is going to have to get a bigger lot to handle all the different models.</p>
<p>Overall I like it, but it really needs the vertical tailights from the original MINI Crossover Concept shown here: <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2008/09/09/mini-crossover-concept-official-release/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2008/09/09/mini-crossover-concept-official-release/</a></p>
<p>Herr26, thanks for the great insight. That adds some clarity to the strategy. If the Paceman will truly be more sporting with S only and All4, will the all wheel drive be more performance tuned to match the character you describe, or maintain the Countryman’s “safety focused” all wheel drive?
I’m also curius as to what markets the X5 and 5GT are selling in. Here in NE IL/SE WI I see X6’s failry often now, but still not enought to think that many are being sold. I think I’ve only seen one 5GT on the road. I saw a whole armada of them as courtesy cars for the BMW Open golf tournemant though.</p>
<p>Jim</p>
<p>To make the Paceman work as an alternative in a more sporting direction to the Countryman.
There has to be significant differences in how the Paceman reacts , in performance and dynamics.
With the BMW X5 and X6 there is a difference especially when the X6 is equipped with Dynamic Performance Control. And of course appearance is the other factor.</p>
<p>Since the beginning of the X6 as a Twin concept at the 2007 IAA we have learned that Porsche were equally concerned with industry rumours pointing out that Porsche believes that the Concept of a Sport Activity Coupe should have come from Porsche first , not BMW.</p>
<p>Which is why industry news points to the Cajun being in a guise of Sport Activity Coupe like shape.
Which the BMW X4 will go up against offering a smaller X6-type shape in the all important Premium Entry segment.</p>
<p>The MINI will effectively be the first such Premium proposal in it’s segment showing MINI being ahead of the game , again.</p>
<p>With Paceman there has been preliminary engineering work such as the 5dr’s reversed hinge “Club doors” or in the case of the Paceman “Activity doors” , and the development of a torque vectoring control system.
You do not do a design concept with preliminary engineering unless the car has a production future.</p>
<p>Although the Countryman will still get it’s road going – rally style concept with flared arches , new aerodynamics etc ahead of the Paceman production debut.</p>
<p>But the MINI news continues into the early parts of 2011 with another Concept Car and the Imminent MINI Coupe due in the opening two months. That car (Coupe) is going to cause as much hysteria as the BMW 1 M coupe because there is no other car like it.</p>
<blockquote><p>“I’m also curius as to what markets the X5 and 5GT are selling in. Here in NE IL/SE WI I see X6’s failry often now, but still not enought to think that many are being sold. I think I’ve only seen one 5GT on the road. I saw a whole armada of them as courtesy cars for the BMW Open golf tournemant though.”</p></blockquote>
<p>With the 5er GT, sales are especially strong throughout Europe especially for a low volume product.
Since launch in late 2009 over 20,000 GT’s have been sold with the greater majority of customers being new to the BMW brand. Which is what we sent out to do with the GT and bring in customers who found that they wanted more individuality in their cars.</p>
<p>In the US the 5er GT in a year from going on sale has sold more units than three years combined of E61 5er Touring the car it replaced.</p>
<p>When I was in the UK recently my hotel shuttle was a 5er GT and it was my first time being driven around from the rear. Being a passenger in the rear is a bit like being driven in a mainstream Rolls-Royce , The ride is smooth , comfort is opulent and noise is eery silent.</p>
<p>It’s hard to compare numbers on the BMW wagons because the pricing structure was rediculously high compared to the X3 and X5. It was almost like BMW didn’t want to sell them.</p>
<p>While MINI is ahead in some areas of technology and style, or market segmentation, there are areas where it is way behind. Others have more performance oriented 4×4 or AWD systems, and torque vectoring is a future that is already mainstream in many other brands. While the engine technology is excellent in the MINIs, the JCW brand is pretty far behind the curve in the hot hatch area, especially in Europe. I think we’d all love to see some action in this area for sure. I for one would love to see the JCWs get more love, and I’m not the only one to echo that sentiment.</p>
<p>It’s good to see progress in the brand, and I hope that it all leads to MINI being a bigger player than it currently is. That means it can carry a real specialty version from time to time, as well as offering product that is more true to the original Mini desing philosophy will making $$ (or Euros, whatever) in other areas.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Part of that Matt is exposing the great secret of SUVs and SAVs, they are actually cheaper to build and the profit is greater for each one sold.</p>
<p>It would be interesting to see the 5GT as a taxi, then again I am afraid of aging 30 years just standing by one. The only four that I’ve seen in the wild each have been driven by a much older crowd than the typical BMW. While its true that MINI tends to build premium products in name the build quality and especially interior design is actually quite lacking on the premium part. Don’t get me wrong MINI does build a solid product but I think the premium is more about the money paid than the product than build quality at times. I recently set in a Fiat 500 and the materials were almost as good as the MINI and the design light years ahead. Do I actually dare to say that the interior of the MINI brand is somewhat dated already.</p>
<p>while i agree that euro wagon pricing is fairly skewed (and makes me sad) i think what herr26 is saying is that the 5gt is moving 3 times the volume of the wagon that it’s supposed to replace. that’s discouraging to wagon lovers, but a hard truth to ignore. it’s only compounded by the fact that it’s cheaper to build and has higher profit.</p>
<p>johnpd – what do you mean by build qualities and a dated interior design?</p>
<p>I agree hardingsan, I would never buy a 5GT or X series but have much love for BMW wagons.</p>
<p>While I adore our R53’s they are rattle traps, the R56 is better but still makes more rattling than my friends VW. Also while the interior design of the MINI is very iconic I’ve heard from several people looking at the MINI brand that it looks dated. MINI has consistently picked up low scores on initial build quality. While definitely better than 90% built in the US it still is lacking against its European competition.</p>
<p>what i’m wondering is do you mean in soft-touch materials? or from the layout and design? i don’t put much stock in auto reviewers’ thoughts on interior design because i think they’re too close to too many products. they spend so much time getting in and out of such a large range of cars that if something breaks the mold it’s considered bad design until proven good.</p>
<p>i know it sounds like a cop-out, but after owning my clubman for 2 years i have no issue finding the button or switch that i need. i enjoy the car-centered speedo as a styling piece and a talking point and i think the ‘down tubes’ and door handles add a nice bit of flare. additionally there are no complaints about the brushed metallic dash pieces that accent my interior. honestly i think if i move away from the mini brand it’ll be as much of an adjustment getting re-used to the ‘normal’ layout.</p>
<p>as for material selection, people can go back and forth all day. i know it’s nicer than my wife’s ford focus and at least as nice as my dad’s hondas and that’s good enough for me, but i’m not a dash stroker by any means.</p>