MINI Preps for a Massive LA Show

Officially the news is that LA will see the US debut of the MINI five door and Superleggera concept. Unofficially we hear that MINI will be showing something else. Whether it’s a surprise new concept or a variation of a current model we don’t know. But we have our hunches it’s the former. Nevertheless here’s the official company line on what’s coming to LA. As you can see it’s impressive even without this latest rumor. Full official details of the show after the break.
Official Release: With its characteristic driving fun and individual style, the British premium brand MINI has now enthralled discerning and trend-conscious target groups in the American automotive market for 12 years. The new generation of MINI interprets this successful vehicle concept more impressively than ever before, providing high-end technology, premium quality, expressive design and innovative equipment features to create a driving experience that is unique in the small car and compact segment. The fact that the latest generation of the original offers a whole new range of possibilities when it to comes the creative use of space is demonstrated with the US premiere of the MINI 5 door at the 2014 LA Auto Show. The second body version of the new MINI has two additional doors as well as expanded space for both occupants and luggage. This means that for the first time in the brand’s 55-year history, MINI is now represented in the small car category with a 5-door model.
The new MINI 5 door is the latest addition to a model family which currently comprises seven members and will be presented to visitors at the LA Auto Show from November 21st – 30th 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center along with current new products in the areas of equipment, accessories and MINI Connected. What is more, the design and entertainment Mecca in sunny California provides the ideal stage on which to showcase an exceptional concept vehicle. The MINI Superleggera Vision on show at the 2014 LA Auto Show embodies a pioneering version of the tradition-steeped roadster concept – blending British style, Italian flair, purist design, consistent lightweight construction and purely electric power.
US premiere in Los Angeles: the new MINI 5 door.
An individual character with versatile qualities and yet still a genuine MINI: such is the MINI 5 door, presented for its US premiere at the 2014 LA Auto Show. Two additional doors facilitate entry to the rear, where three seats are available. The MINI 5 door has a wheelbase that has been extended by 72 millimetres, providing increased space – not just for occupants. The luggage compartment is now also around 30 per cent larger than that of the 3-door model, with a volume of 278 litres. The rear backrest with a 60 :40 folding split enables expansion of the luggage compartment volume to as much as 941 litres.
In the US automotive market, the new model will be available in the form of the MINI Cooper 5 door and the MINI Cooper S 5 door. Powerful yet outstandingly efficient engines of the new generation with either three or four cylinders along with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are combined with modern, model-specific suspension technology to ensure unique driving fun. Authentic MINI feeling in state-of-the-art form is also provided by the optimised display and operating concept as well as a large selection of innovative driver assistance systems.
MINI Superleggera Vision: British style meets Italian flair.
A collaborative venture between MINI and the Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera has produced the study of a compact roadster whose design and concept focuses entirely on the essentials: driving fun and aesthetic appeal. Elaborately crafted by hand, the MINI Superleggera Vision presents a modern interpretation of a classic open-top two-seater. Its minimalist yet highly emotional design combines British style and Italian flair.
The roadster’s characteristic MINI proportions derive a fascinating charismatic touch from being synthesised with the lines and surface finish that are typical of Touring Superleggera. The tradition-steeped art of lightweight construction applied to the manufacture of the body and the study’s modern electric drive both contribute to pure driving fun with enthralling agility not to mention groundbreaking efficiency. In the interior of the MINI SuperleggeraVision, purist and therefore timeless aesthetic appeal is created by means of generous surfaces and high-quality materials which are especially authentic since they have largely been left in their original state.
15 Comments
<p>Who wrote that? Talk about laying it on thick.</p>
<p>I am The Car Expert.</p>
<p>Who wrote that comment?
Are you trying to convince yourself, others, or both that you are a car expert?</p>
<p>Technically I am not “a” car expert, I am “The” Car Expert.</p>
<p>note to self: great observation and clarification</p>
<p>Don’t feed the trolls.</p>
<p>The troll gets uglier & more ridiculous with each of his comments.</p>
<p>It seems to me that some of the replies are the ones that are ugly and ridiculous, replies to original posts that are</p>
<ul>
<li>thoughtful</li>
<li>accurate</li>
<li>insightful</li>
<li>polite</li>
<li>articulate</li>
</ul>
<p>note to self: superb post.</p>
<p>Oh come on, where else can you get such a great laugh. I would just like to know what qualifies him to be the great car expert he thinks he is</p>
<p>Agreed. But we’ve had more than enough complaints to stricken him from the official records.</p>
<p>Even REAL car experts, most times are positive. Has the Car Expert ever come out with anything positive on this site? No, didn’t think so.</p>
<p>Darn, I got in trouble again.</p>
<p>You’ve got to admit the irony was ripe for reply.</p>
<p>I used to enjoy the comment sections, but the troll has ruined it for me. I am out of here.</p>
<p>I may be following you per the troll, but I’m eventually going to change from my current SPICYJCWCOUPE to my now in production F55S 4 door hatch (GrayGhost) in Thunder Gray. The build is to be completed Nov 14), I’ll move on to those of us who have sensible responsible comments about our MINI (and Mini) brand, unlike that of the gutter troll.</p>
<p>That’s next week!! I can’t wait!! PLEASE let the unofficial rumor be the Rocketman!!</p>
<p>Gabe…..is there a specific launch/release date for the F55 here in the U.S. other than the generalized month of January???? Reason I ask, my ordered F55S will complete its build at Oxford this Fri Nov 14 & possible it could be over here at the POE by early Dec. But it could be held there at the POE awaiting release.</p>
<p>The convertible looks great, sadly cars are too small.</p>