MINI to Debut...Mini Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Carscoop has learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini's study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

MINI to Debut...Mini Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Carscoop has learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini's study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

MINI Core Design Concept Shows what a Non-Retro Cooper could Look Like

Niels Steinhoff, a student at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, clearly envisions the next Mini as sleeker, more rounded, and less retro. His concept is called the Mini Core and comes off more as a shooting brake than a typical hatch. Much like a Mini, the Core is still meant to provide "reasonable functionality, driving pleasure, the possibility of individualization".

Apparently all the general dimensions are identical to the R56 Mini, but the Core incorporates a much more rakish profile. In front, the face of BMW's throwback hatch is cuter and integrates the fog lights into the grille insert.

Behind those frog-eye headlights, the tops of the shock towers protrude through the fender for a nice, sporty effect (the same applies for the rear shock towers).

In between those towers is a neat door system that's strictly concept. For a closer look at the Core's nifty door concept, check out the sketches in our gallery below. They appear to kick out like a Koenigsegg and then swing forward.

Overall, this is a nice look at where Mini could go in the future: distinctly Mini, but no longer retro.

By Phil Alex

Designer: Niels Steinhoff , Via: Cardesign