The Paceman is a Go for Production
MINI announced today that the Paceman concept has been approved for production. While the final design details will vary somewhat expect the car relatively unchanged to debut in about two years time.
The Paceman will likely be positioned between the hatch and the Countryman in terms of price and will feature a unique rear interior design.
In addition to leveraging the R60 chassis (pretty much unchanged) the Paceman will also use the same manufacturing facility in Graz Austria.
<p>It’s a pretty funky design. I’m assuming its somewhere between the Country and Clubman in terms of size? It does seem a bit confusing why MINI would have two models in such a similar size-segment</p>
<p>Does this mean that the current Clubman will be killed? If that is true it will be terrible and I will be sad to see it go. Like it or not the Clubman was a great kind of funky MINI.</p>
<p>@B- I think you may be on to something. I wonder if they would add Club Doors to this. It would screw up the clean lines, but add utility. I want to see this in person and see how it compares to the Countryman.</p>
<p>Image this as A JCW car….will envy my GP</p>
<p>I don’t get it. Too many models already. Bring the two seater and be done.</p>
<p>This looks like nothing more than a 2 door countryman.</p>
<p>stop it already.</p>
<p>Can someone please explain to me what the point of this model is??</p>
<p>Get rid of the Clubman and this thing, just keep the R56 and the Countryman. Why do you need those slightly different models?</p>
<p>Define “a unique rear interior design.” A MINI Honda Element?</p>
<p>WooHoo. That’s my next Mini.</p>
<p>Doesn’t seem like this could replace the Clubby…it’s just not as versatile without the club doors and prolly doesn’t have the cargo capacity either.</p>
<p>It does sound like a “Clubman-killer” in terms of it’s planned placement within the brand lineup. I love my Clubman and view it as a completely different model from this. The Clubman feels like a little-bit-bigger MINI whereas this Paceman looks like it would drive/handle/feel like a little-bit-smaller Countryman. I don’t think Clubman owners who like the drive would happily switch to the Paceman. I do feel that just like the Countryman, a stiff JCW mod or two would do wonders…!</p>
<p>And one would choose this over a 3-door Golf R because…?</p>
<p>Fantastic news! i feel it has a such more fluid flow than the Countryman. Especially from the B Pillars back.
The Countryman is a disaster I think from the profile from B back.</p>
<p>I felt this with the R55 and now with the Paceman. It’s almost that this was the first car designed for the platform and than came the Countryman. They just released it in different order.</p>
<p>Paceman, Countryman – Same car, but no longer MINIs.
How you going to get the feel of a proper MINI in these monsters with the MINI engine – BMW is just stupid – They should have called the Pacaeman and Countryman refined and unrefined baby BMWs.</p>
<p>“Can someone please explain to me what the point of this model is??</p>
<p>Get rid of the Clubman and this thing, just keep the R56 and the Countryman. Why do you need those slightly different models?”</p>
<p>Because I like my JCW Clubman just the way it is. The Countryman is of little interest to me.</p>
<p>I’m going to assume that this is going to be the replacement for the clubman. With the twins going into production this year, Oxford will be beyond full capacity so they will have to lose something at that plant.</p>
<p>A little bit higher than a normal hatch, a little bit roomier, much better looking than a Countryman and it has ALL4!</p>
<p>i don’t get either. deluted and starting to look trendy vs original. the paceman and countryman (i saw a few in Europe over the Holidays, look bloated, off. The current mini will be my last one. bummed.</p>
<p>I Can’t wait! I will, of course, keep my R53 for track days and playful weekends. This Paceman will be great for the snow that never seems to go away this time of year. Especially when the town decides that anything less than 6″ isn’t worth plowing.</p>
<p>“I don’t get it. Too many models already. Bring the two seater and be done.</p>
<p>This looks like nothing more than a 2 door countryman.</p>
<p>stop it already”</p>
<p>HAH, this comment makes me laugh, It IS a two door Countryman, no more. That is the design intent. It doesn’t really require a in depth analysis to figure that out.</p>
<p>I am waiting for the 2 seater myself, but jeeze, for so called MINI fans there is a lot of negativity.</p>
<p>I love it. From a utility standpoint I hope they put two Clubman-type suicide doors in it, but from a design standpoint I hope it stays a two door focused more on performance.</p>
<p>Having driven the all versions of the Countryman pretty extensively now, I love it like I have all the MINI’s before it.</p>
<p>Some of you commenting so negatively should just relax & give something new a chance before deciding to kill it.</p>
<p>That’s good news. I think it’s great MINI is producing more models. How else is the brand going to become more profitable? For those who don’t like it, simply buy a different MINI. I can definitely see myself in a Paceman – I can’t see myself in a Countryman.</p>
<p>I don’t get it either. City car, please!</p>
<p>What-ev-errrrr!</p>
<p>Look, I’ve said a million times that Mini coming out with new models doesn’t make my 04 R53 better or worse, but the Countryman and Paceman are making the regular hardtops less desirable. If I start seeing these bigger Minis all over the place – and I live in San Diego so I will see them all over the place – my perception of Mini can’t help but move away from the old ideas of what Mini as a brand meant.</p>
<p>To me, Mini is becoming ever more a BMW marketing project rather than the company that makes absolutely fun cars. You can tell me a Countryman or Paceman is more fun to drive than other cars in its class, but that’s not the same thing as actually being fun to drive. Sure, the hardtops are still fun, but gone is the feeling of joining a club for those in-the-know. A hardtop will be just another rung in a product ladder, making it much easier to pass it up for a Golf GTI/TDI or something else.</p>
<p>I fully understand and support the idea that BMW needs Mini to make be profitable, and I expect the larger cars to be exactly that, but something else is being lost. On the bright side, it will be cheaper for me to keep my car running than to buy a new one so I still win.</p>
<p>The answer to this car is simply if the BMW X5 and BMW X6 can co-exist and create their own respective markets? Why cant the MINI Countryman and Paceman?
Because they follow their own ideals , Different styling and an entirely different segment , even though they are the same car practically underneath.</p>
<p>MINI will follow the lead and make the Production Paceman more sportier in behaviour , engineers have developed specifically for MINI a Dynamic Performance Control system which will lead the car’s dynamics and ability.</p>
<p>For Production expect the rear of the car to remain unchanged – yes dynamic roof and all but the front of the car will be more distinguished. You will get 5drs in the shape of two reverse hinged rear doors to show it’s flexibility , desireability and of course it’s sporting individuality.</p>
<p>BMW are very serious about this car. The first models that have appeared within the MINI design studios have brought immense reaction and appreciation , especially who low and compact the car is and in Pure White. The same goes for the MINI City Car concept. What you have seen in the supposed leaks is ideas in the competition.
But if reaction is good like the paceman then we will be showcasing the “eighth” MINI.</p>
<p>Proportions seem off too me, and not a big fan of the helmut top.</p>
<p>The Paceman is a go for production!
The MINI brand is a go for implosion!</p>
<p>I can be as critical of MINI’s newer models as anyone, and I genuinely like this concept. I think it is the stance, the chopped roof, the promise of reverse-hinged doors like on the RX-8 (generously confirmed by herr26 above). It’s also a better platform for a JCW variant than the R60, at least how I see things.</p>
<p>Its looks great</p>
<p>First off, I find it laughable that some are so overwhelmed by choice!
Second, I am continuously amazed at the complete inability for some people to understand a use for an auto beyond their own myopic short-sighted imaginations.</p>
<p>Is the paceman for me? No, probably not….and yet I am somehow not the least bit offended by its existence…gasp….IMAGINE THAT!</p>
<p>IMO…it is a great looking 2dr that stands out from the rest of the mundane offerings from the mainstream makers.</p>
<p>Well, now that it’s been said it will have reverse-hinged doors (thank you Her26), what we’ll have is a different styled Countryman with suicide doors. So in that sense, I’m all for it!</p>
<p>MINI has always been about individuality and customization. Now they’re going to offer you the same vehicle with two different stylings. I believe that is in keeping with the spirit of MINI.</p>
<p>I’ve often thought automakers should make more than one dashboard and trim design for their cars that you could choose from. Looks like MINI is doing it (well, maybe not the dash, but the rear seats and doors).</p>
<p>The front end is blah looking. from the side, the nose reminds me of a Chevy HHR. yuck.</p>
<p>Thanks Herr 26 and ditto to others of like mind. I like this for what it is. And I’m pleased BMW is serious about it. For me it could actually be the “do everything pretty well and give me joy car”. Obviously it’s not the Hatch, not supposed to be. The utility of the marque has to, literally, expand. The Hatch, hopefully, will always be one choice (even the best) of several in the MINI line. How many in the past have fell in love with the 53/56, but had to walk away because of the need for more utility in their particular situation? We can’t all afford a car we desire and another that hauls the freight.</p>
<p>they should also make a countryman with the barn doors in additoin to the hatch.. woohoo! one more model.. <em>roll eyes</em></p>
<p>After reading all the previous posts I know this is redundant but I gotta say it too. WHY? I DON’T GET IT!</p>
<p>Mark my words folks. You are looking at the replacement for the R56. The MINI City Car will then become the smaller option.</p>
<p>Bobo,</p>
<p>I think that you’re right in one respect. I think that we’re seeing some of the design language for the next generation of the MINI hatch in the Paceman. But what we do know, and have reported on previously, is that MINI has long-term platform plans for cars the size of the current R56. The city car will not be the only small option in the MINI line. In fact, BMW is bringing a small, FWD car to market that we know will share platform with the future R56 replacement, not the R60 platform (which is based on the BMW X1). So don’t worry folks, the standard MINI is not going anywhere.</p>
<blockquote>Well, now that it’s been said it will have reverse-hinged doors (thank you Her26), what we’ll have is a different styled Countryman with suicide doors. So in that sense, I’m all for it!</blockquote>
<p>I think I will take this as confirmation that this model will be replacing the Clubman.</p>
<blockquote>BMW are very serious about this car. The first models that have appeared within the MINI design studios have brought immense reaction and appreciation , especially [how] low and compact the car is and in Pure White.</blockquote>
<p>If it is indeed lower, and compact, with “two reverse hinged rear doors,” why would they need the Clubman anymore? If the twins will be built in Oxford it makes sense to pull the Clubman off the Oxford line, shift platforms, and build this in Austria.</p>
<p>As for the barn doors, I think they are history: “You will get 5drs [not 6].”</p>
<p>If this thing is squatter than the Countryman, I think this is the closest that we will be coming to date to a sporty(ish) MINI wagon. “MINI will follow the lead and make the Production Paceman more sportier in behaviour.”</p>
<p>I think the writing is on the wall. The Clubman is dead.</p>
<p>I gotta say…I like it. I like it more than both the Countryman, and the Clubman from a design perspective. And I really like that green. Now, if we can just do something about that name…</p>
<p>I think it’s pretty slick. The body style will have to grow on me but I’ll reserve judgment until I see one in person, I do like the idea.
Regarding the boo brigade, I’m not sure i know what you guys even want anymore. If many R53 owners are of the mindset that nothing of value has been produced since 2006 it makes sense that MINI would be branching out. The old guard was not fond of the new hatches so entice new segments with new product offerings. Not everyone is a track rat, nor does everyone see their vehicle as an appliance. For those in the middle why should their driving bliss be limited to a single platform? More choice, hopefully, brings in more dollars to be spread around to more projects.</p>
<p>I think once in final production and it hits the showroom floor , 4 wheel drive , 2 door version will fit a market segment.</p>
<p>Once I see this on Sat. or Sun in Detroit I will post more pics, expect more pics we have not seen on MF.</p>
<p>Look for pics last year at NAIAS 2010 Beachcomber , and MTTS 2010.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83767992@N00/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.flickr.com/photos/83767992@N00/</a></p>
<p>Will have pics soon.</p>
<p>This car will not replace the Clubman.</p>
<blockquote>This car will not replace the Clubman.</blockquote>
<p>OK. But now I am a bit confused. We’ve heard that the next Clubman would be built on the R60 platform. My assumption was that this was it, especially in light of herr26’s comments. The Clubman and the Paceman???</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We’ve heard that the next Clubman would be built on the R60 platform. My assumption was that this was it, especially in light of herr26′s comments. The Clubman and the Paceman???</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Paceman and the Clubman will be built on the R60 platform and in Austria.</p>
<p>Well, that should make a lot of people happy…except, you know…the naysayers.</p>
<p>Clubman very much has a future with MINI but it will be executed differently to appeal to more – latest proposals under consideration is that two formats of the Clubman – One which is similar to todays car with a lower sloping “Shooting Brake” style roof but keeping the Club door and the twin barn doors.</p>
<p>The other is known as Clubman X and brings the SpaceBox and the Clubman together by incorporating a higher roof , twin club doors and twin barn doors but having one side larger for more space whilst the other for everyday bags etc. Clubman X will also be longer than the regular Clubman but stying within the 4 meter rule.</p>
<p>There are Two factors that are very important One is two models under the one name which means you do not have to market it seperately.
Two like BMW there is demand for a MINI that offers some more flexibility for the customer who has a family etc but still maintaining the MINI look and the feel of a MINI.</p>
<p>Clubman X and the BMW F.A.S.T. (Family Activity Sports Tourer) will probably be sharing the same synergies.
BMW F.A.S.T and the BMWi MegaCity Vehicle will be the first BMW’s to feature reverse hinged rear doors.</p>
<p>Next month you will see how the MINI brand can probably have successful integration into new markets but at a different level of pricing , still premium , still MINI. As far as Paceman goes that will be the ceiling for MINI, decisions will be focused on the current class and then looking at expanding the brand , downwards.</p>
<p>I LOVE the “frango mint” mint green! I hope it makes it to the other models. Especially the R56!</p>
<p>Isn’t this the R55 replacement?
IMHO the Clubman needed a second suicide door. Should be easy to do that on this!</p>
<p>Nathaniel – are you sure that the new FWD BMW is going to be built on the next generation R56 platform? The latest report I read in Autocar said that the FWD BMW will be available with either 3 or 5 conventional doors and that it will use a modified R60 platform.</p>
<p>I got my Autoweek magazine in the mail yesterday with photos of the Paceman stating that it was going to go into production. The point being that obviously the fact that the Paceman would be built was known well before January 10th. Information embargos are the deal with the devil everyone in the automotive-journalism world has to make, but it’s annoying to see “Paceman a Go for Production” as if it were just revealed two days ago rather than a week (or perhaps far longer) ago.</p>
<p>@bee1000: Embargoes are broken all the time. I don’t think we want MotoringFile or BimmerFile to be the resource that breaks that embargo. We are the beneficiaries of the strong, trusted relationship that these guys have built with BMW. And I would guess that Autoweek’s distribution schedule still honored the embargo. Yes, the “announcement” was probably not on the 10th, but who friggin’ cares? Well, you do, but not me. I want Gabe and the gang to retain their access to the inside scoop. When they can’t reveal stuff, and can only drop hints, I’ll admit that it builds a bit of excitement for the eventual announcement. That’s why I am on this site every day.</p>
<p>We have not really announced the news of production until the Press day , even though we knew as far back as the beginning of last year that BMW had commissioned a concept and approved the car on first evidence of the direction the designers took.</p>
<p>But I think it is more of a given that a MINI Concept car in one form or the other ends up going into production , witness the Clubman from the IAA 2005 MINI Concept which spawned other concepts for Tokyo,Detroit and Geneva. MINI Crossover which became the Countryman. Beachcomber which you could say was a concept of the “production” Countryman. And of course the MINI Coupe , Roadster and now then Paceman.</p>
<p>Because of the greater synergy BMW and MINI will have in the future especially in the sharing of platforms
and components. It is one of the most priority segments in terms of sales and future growth.</p>
<p>Combined MINI and the BMW FWD city car are expected to sell around 800,000 units combined , per-year before the end of the decade that is without considering the small MINI.</p>
<p>MINI is integral to BMW selling over 2 Million vehicles by 2020.</p>
<p>It’s pure comedy to see people saying MINI should only have a couple models. This is 2011, people. Car companies simply cannot survive on a couple of models.</p>
<p>For those who are condemning the new models, I ask the question ‘Why?’ Why do you feel so strongly that MINI should ONLY have 2 models? Do you honestly think that resources are being diverted from your favorite models? You don’t think they’re able to fully support them?</p>
<p>I LOVE the Paceman. It reminds me of a scaled down Land Rover Evoque, with similar rear roof lines. When this hits in 2 years I will be in the market for a new car and will be giving this a serious look.</p>
<p>I for one am not saying that Mini shouldn’t have more models. I’m saying that I wish they didn’t have to have more models!</p>
<p>As I admitted above, the additional models don’t have any real impact on my enjoyment of my car or a newer hardtop, but I didn’t buy my R53 based on rational judgment! Psychologically, an MCS has gone from an enthusiasts-only car to a slightly more interesting alternative to other sporty hatches. I think I’d still buy a Mini, but not without driving things like the GTI, TDI, Mazda3, etc. as well. Six years ago I didn’t test drive anything but the Mini.</p>
<p>Ehe R53 was one of the first to have a good mix of pleasure / performance</p>
<p>The R56 has become much more efficient in engine and chassis (yas ! you just need to replace suspensions with jcw, h&r or bilstein)
Also more balanced (less understeer)</p>
<p>But recently the Audi A1 has even higher standards in terms of chassis, so the successor of the R56 has work to do !</p>
<p>So we look forward to 2013, the successor to the R56</p>
<blockquote>
<p>But recently the Audi A1 has even higher standards in terms of chassis, so the successor of the R56 has work to do !</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I haven’t driven it but from reports I’ve read in the press that’s the opposite of what automotive writers have found.</p>