Car Brief: Mini Concept Detroit

In its second press conference on the second day of the 2006 North American International Auto Show, BMW drew an enthusiastic crowd to its stand to see the unveiling of the Mini Concept Detroit. Based on the Mini Traveller concept that made its worldwide debut in Tokyo last fall, the new small car concept with a "Go Sports!" motto was designed specifically for its North American premiere at the Detroit show. The important news, however, was delivered by Dr. Michael Ganal, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, who announced that a new production model based on this concept will come to market in the U.S. and "be on the road in three years."

The Mini Concept Detroit, detailed in Satellite Silver Metallic paintwork and neoprene contours with special highlights in red and blue, is not simply a reincarnation of the present-day Mini. Sales success of the Mini Cooper, which has established a new segment for young professionals and the young-at-heart, "are a clear indicator of this brand's strength, which is definitely different in every way." The design study drops the B-pillar, making it appear coupe-like, but highlights the stretched length, the wheel arches, the shoulder line, and the "power-dome hood." In fact, the Mini Concept Detroit's front styling is entirely new and reinterprets the basic idea of the 1960 Mini Traveller, adding cues that speak to elegance and muscle.

Crafted to be an interpretation of a "winter sports" theme, the Mini Concept Detroit experiments with storage space for leisure-oriented activities, illustrated by features such innovative roof carriers - in this case accommodating skis - and doors that come with parallelogram joints and springs that swivel to the side and front at the same time. The back windows slide open electronically, along with the rear section of the roof, to bring more fresh air into the Mini. The Concept Detroit's extended wheelbase allows for more gear stowage inside and provides space for the cargo box that is usually mounted at the rear.

The Mini Concept Detroit, equipped with hovering seats for the driver and front passenger, also honors the "inventor" of the "classic" Mini, Alexander Issigonis (knighted "Sir Alec" by the Queen of England, in 1969) by celebrating the 100th birthday of the one of the most successful automotive designers and engineers in Great Britain.

Photos courtesy of Mini