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      05-27-2014, 03:34 PM   #20
SCOTT26
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The Concorso d'eleganza is a highlight on any automobile enthusiasts calendar.

What did you think of Vision Future Luxury or the 9er?

The MINI Concept portrays the thinking behind the replacements for the MINI Coupe and Roadster.


Its a Vision... But it does conform to some of the creative ideas that are in motion in regards to a singular replacement for the MINI Coupe & Roadster using a design language that is completely individual but very brand familiar.

There is ongoing work on the Coupe/Roadster replacements using MINI F56 Mechanicals and drivetrain - the whole UKL structure basically but not using the body of a MINI as last time. We will see some elements of CFRP used not only in detailing but also underneath.
The replacement Coupe and Roadster will bring more beauty and tradition to offer something truly individual and evoke the appearance of classic British road cars.

Although perceived as a vision there are key elements that virtually show ideas that are work-in-progress.
Especially the proportions embodying classic british sports car design which was the main appeal to the BMW board of management to re-introduce that classic , design-led , fun , open air sporty feeling and a good philosophy for its "British" brand MINI.

The new interpretation has also been conceived as a Coupe as well. But relates to the current MINI with its "reverse cap" roof. The new twins will of course feature BMW twins as BMW plan a Z1 Roadster and Z2 Coupe although they will be clothed in modern post-futuristic progressive clothes heavily influenced by The BMW Vision ConnectDrive concept car.

The current MINI Coupe and Roadster are niche models so it is easy to forget they were not expected to sell in high numbers as a volume MINI model in which the media occasionally writes off as sales failures.
However the cars between them have sold around 20,000 units a piece so it has its owners and customers who like the sporting proportions. Of course moving forward the new F56 is in much better position to offer customers more features and technology than the outgoing Coupe/Roadster.

BMW put forward a brief to capture a concept that is familiar but can be much,much more competitive in the segment. The new car can be perceived as a budget Porsche Boxster/Cayman but in the Miata/ MX-5 segment. Yet still be a MINI and a re-interpretation of traditional British sports car to offer customers of all ages a very exciting and different sports car concept.
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The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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