It’s been a full 50 years since the classic Mini first debuted on 26 August 1959. To celebrate, Mini today unveiled the stunning Mini Coupe concept. The concept of course, aims to capture its heritage and its present, and it does that beautifully. This “most dynamic and agile MINI ever built” is a compact two seater with a low roof line that points towards its sporting appeal.
The design has a number of new and interesting components to speak of, though it is a Mini to the core, the concept has gone through quite a few transitions. For a design like this, it is almost inevitable that power come from the most powerful motor in the automakers stable. The coupe is powered by a 211hp, 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged engine that has CO2 emissions at 165g/km and a combined fuel efficiency of 40.9 mpg. The concept will have an official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Scroll down for the gallery and the press release.
Via: Mini/ BMW
Mini Coupe Concept Picture Gallery
Press Release:
MINI Coupe Concept to star at Frankfurt Show
The first classic Mini was presented to the public on 26 August 1959. Exactly fifty years on and nearly a decade into the life of new MINI, images of the stunning new MINI Coupe Concept are today released. Capturing the essence of MINI’s sporting appeal, the global press and public will see the MINI Coupe Concept in the metal for the first time when it is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 17-27 September 2009.
The MINI Coupe Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.
A number of design icons feature on the MINI Coupe Concept. Large round headlights inclusive of black internal reflectors, a hexagonal radiator grille and low front spoiler mark the newcomer out as a true MINI. Unique exterior design cues include a bespoke rear spoiler, bonnet stripes extending to include the radiator grille and an entirely revised front air dam.
The muscular stance of the car is a result of carefully calculated exterior dimensions. The MINI Coupe Concept is 1,356 mm high and the steep rake of the A-pillars is accentuated by the high waistline common to every MINI. Sat on attractive 18” triple-tone finish light alloy wheels, the concept is 3,714mm in length and 1,683mm wide.
For the first time on a MINI, the weight-saving aluminium roof is an unbroken bridge shape and flows smoothly from A to C-pillars. The steep front rake stops above the heads of driver and front passenger and descends gently to the rear of the car, emphasising the wedge shape of the car and its sporty poise. The low rear end of the car ensures optimum air flow across the vehicle when in motion and in combination with the roof spoiler, minimises any aerodynamic interruption.
Inside, sports seats with strongly contoured side supports feature, as does a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multi-function controls. Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by MINI, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of new MINI. One acts as a stop watch and the other a standard timepiece.
A luggage capacity of 250 litres is offered and can be accessed at the rear by a tailgate which is hinged above the roof spoiler, meaning easy access to goods stowed in the rear. The bulkhead between the passenger and luggage compartments comes with a lockable opening, giving passengers access to the rear section at any time.
The MINI Coupe Concept is engineered to receive the most powerful engine in the current MINI line-up. The highly-acclaimed 211hp, 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged power unit found in current John Cooper Works models offers CO2 emissions of just 165g/km and fuel efficiency of 40.9mpg (combined).
MINI’s revered handling dynamics will be a highlight of the MINI Coupe Concept. Front wheel drive, powerful disc brakes on all four wheels, the front axle with McPherson spring struts and a centrally guided rear axle with aluminium longitudinal arms and anti-roll bars guarantee a safe, yet grin-inducing drive every time.
