Superleggera Production and Longterm Model Lineup Decisions Months Away
The stunning Superleggera Vision concept which was originally unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este made its UK debut last week at Salon Privé, its second public appearance. According to Reuters, BMW board member Peter Schwarzenbauer stated the decision on whether to green light production of the Superleggera was still at least six months away and that there would need to be many questions answered in the meantime. However as we previously reported, there is a strong internal desire at MINI to bring the Superleggera to production.
Even more interesting than discussing production detail minutia for one specific model was a comment regarding the future of the overall model lineup. Keep in mind that the current MINI model lineup includes the three door hardtop, five door hardtop, Convertible, Coupe, Roadster, Paceman and Countryman. Although production only very recently ceased on the R55 Clubman, the F54 Clubman is estimated to start production in July 2015. But what about the Coupe, Roadster, Pacemen or other concepts as the Rocketman? According to Schwarzenbauer, the board is currently debating whether to shrink the product line to five “superhero” models or expand the line to ten models. What future models would you like to see MINI engineer and produce?
Read the full article at Reuters
<p>Rocketman all the way</p>
<p>They will ruin this car if they attach the fishmouth on it. Really hope they don’t do that and that they remove it from every MINI soon. They also have got to up the power of the S to match the Fiesta ST, GTI, etc… 189hp isn’t enough.</p>
<p>They shouldn’t be considering whether to shrink the product line, they should be considering whether to shrink the product! >>> Rocketman!</p>
<p>I’ve come to see the F56 as a fluffy, slow gateway BMW. The Coupé and Roadster are closer to my own preferences, but they’re obsolete. The rest of MINI’s lineup (the Fatmans) sell out to the Crossover fad. This Superleggera is the single beast that would bring me back to the fold. Not sure where it fits into a Coupé/Rocketman ecosystem. Does it replace those? If BMW are putting out feelers to gauge public interest, I’m happy that I’ve seen so much enthusiasm. Hope they’re listening.</p>
<p>Man, just give me an F56-based Roadster (with non-sport seats) and I’ll be happy. The Superleggera is really nice, but if it comes out as a production version, MINI’s going to jack the price sky-high.</p>
<p>Entirely agree. The Superleggera is the product that has me excited about the brand. I hope that in the not too distant future I have a very difficult choice to make between a Superleggera and a Tesla.</p>
<p>The F56 vs GTI – don’t care at all – they’re both fugly. Would also love to see a Rocketman and am optimistic about the Clubman. The F55, meh, but I think it will sell well and that’s good for the company. As for the new big-Countryman, I am not clamoring for bigger Mini products, but I really hope that for Mini’s sake, it does well, too.</p>
<p>I want this car so badly. I’m just so conflicted about whether I could give up my JCW Coupe. First world problem, I know but I love my coupe so much it would be really hard to part with it. Once the coupe’s paid off, that’s another story. :-)</p>
<p>The Supperleggera is a beautiful distraction.</p>
<p>Shed the fat (I’m looking directly at you Paceman, and I’m looking cross-eyed at the Twins). Focus on a sporty (sorry Toyota, that means you’re off this project) 4-seat Rocketman, and skip the design gymnastics, such as the sliding trunk.</p>