| Make
|
MINI |
| Model |
Paceman |
| Concept
year |
2011 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
1.6
litre turbocharged 4-cylinder |
The MINI Paceman concept is scheduled to be unveiled at
the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The event was chosen to also highlight the fact it has
been 10 years since the new MINI first arrived on US shores.
The MINI Paceman is being billed as the first Sports Activity
Coupe in the premium small segment of the market - but
with vehicle segments getting more and more tightly defined
that's not too much to shout about. Additionally, calling
the Paceman a coupe is quite misleading.
Currently MINI's management haven't decided on whether
to make the Paceman concept into a production model. Although
they have made it clear that it is being carefully considered.
Jochen Goller, MINI Director for BMW UK said of the Paceman
concept and its predecessors: "Following last
year's launch of the MINI
Countryman and the forthcoming launches of the MINI
Coupé and Roadster,
the Paceman Concept shows once again not only the innovative
spirit and adventure among its design team, but also the
potential breadth of the MINI brand as it grows and develops."
Styling
The design of the MINI Paceman concept draws inspiration
from two of the company's most recent vehicles. The Paceman
is based on the MINI Countryman's architecture - but with
only two doors, and the styling - especially the roof
- is inspired by the sleek looks of the MINI
Coupe Concept.
The roof is painted in a contrasting color and designed
to appear as if it is floating on an uninterrupted band
of glass which wraps around the car. MINI have achieved
this sleek look by painting all the pillars in gloss black
to match the darkened windows.
The radiator grille of the MINI Paceman is essentially
the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman barring additional
air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation
and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.
"In contrast to the more vertical design of the
MINI Countryman, we've given the MINI Paceman Concept
a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the
car rather more to underline the powerful appearance of
the study," explained Marcus Syring, Head of
MINI Exterior Design.
The rear apron of the MINI Paceman concept features a
diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts
for better aerodynamics.
Interior
The interior of the MINI Paceman concept is designed to
have a more masculine feel than some of the other models
in the current lineup. The instrument panel of the Paceman
is defined by its distinctive, concave forms, central
speedometer and gearshift lever which features outer rings
in a contrasting color.
The slim centre console, which maximizes legroom for the
driver and front passenger, blends into the Centre Rail
structure which is a feature from the MINI Countryman.
Behind the front sports seats are two individual rear
seats. All the seats are trimmed in a light shade of leather
which MINI's designers hope lend the interior a "club
lounge" feel.
Drivetrain
Powering the MINI Paceman concept is MINI's most potent
engine option, a John Cooper Works tuned 1.6-litre twin-scroll
turbocharged 4-cylinder. This unit develops 211 hp and
generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter
value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.
Because the MINI Paceman concept is based on the Countryman,
that means it also gets the option of MINI's ALL4 permanent
all-wheel-drive system.
Similar and related vehicles:
MINI Beachcomber Concept
MINI Roadster Concept
MINI Coupe Concept
MINI Crossover Concept
MINI Traveller
MINI Concept Geneva
MINI BioMoke
MINI ACV 30
MINI Spiritual
MINI Scooter E Concept
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