Frankfurt Motor Show: MINI Concept Frankfurt

[Overheat]

Not the most imaginative of names for what is, essentially, a MINI Traveller or MINI Countryman, reviving the memory of the load-lugging versions of the original Mini. Still, it's rather fun: a preview of the larger next-generation MINI range, due 2007, it shows that BMW is planning to stay true to the style of the current hatchback range but enhance the line-up with a number of different, new bodystyles. It's retro, nonetheless: instead of a top-hinged tailgate, it has vertically-split rear double doors, in a direct echo of the original, as well as only two side doors and split rear side windows, though these now open electrically with a sliding section. Advanced door hinges which open both sideways and forwards at once ("parallelogram kinematic joints and springs", since you asked) should make entry and exit a bit easier than in the old Mini Traveller, too, with the two rear seats relatively easy to reach.

Modern packaging technology has been applied to the interior, too, with an adjustable cargo box in the boot with a cover-cum-partition, an opening-out rear roof section to accommodate awkward loads and a slide-out tray. The rear seats fold completely flat, and the central armrest can fold down and provide extra storage.
The Concept Frankfurt is finished in two-tone silver metallic paint with neoprene trim detailing along the side sills and wheel arches; its interior is an impractical white leather, accessorised with metallic details, aluminium-coated fibreglass panels, carbonfibre-look sections and nylon carpets. The cabin has been designed to give an impression of spaciousness, with the footwells left open and floor kept clear apart from the central console.

The Concept Frankfurt also previews the styling changes which will feature on the next-generation hatchbacks and cabriolets. Check out the slightly elongated headlights and higher-set bonnet; this has an air scoop, suggesting that the supercharged Cooper S engine will be used.

more images here: http://www.channel4.com/4car/gallery/concepts/M/mini/countryman/countryman_page_6.html

 

[Overheat]

(from Mini Press Release) Exactly 45 years after the launch of the Mini Traveller in September 1960, MINI is presenting the MINI Concept Frankfurt at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show ? a design study re-interpreting the philosophy of the little Traveller from Great Britain through a new concept of ?Travelling in Style? befitting the beginning of the 21st century.

In its overall look and appearance, this concept car with numerous design features in the meantime acknowledged as genuine icons is typical of MINI all the way. And numerous innovations both inside and outside are equally typical of the brand: Wide-opening doors with parallelogram kinematics characterise this very special car in the same way as its coup?-like look without a B-pillar, the new silver metallic paintwork and exquisite materials within the interior.

The MINI Concept Frankfurt also quotes the classic Mini Traveller also through its elegant Estate design boasting a symmetrically split double door at the back as well as split rear side windows.

more here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2005-Mini-Concept-Frankfurt.htm

 

[jayjaya29]

I think this is definitely a repost, but I cannot find the thread.


If not, its a weird mini for sure. I don't like the proportions of it. Leave the mini alone!

 

[Kip_6666]

The thread b4 was of a spyshot, and that mini had suicide doors.

This is only a computer render though :/