New Mini Crossover Concept

kabootist · Post by **kabootist** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:08 am

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/pics ... r-concept/

Discuss!

saturn · Post by **saturn** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:07 pm

Lovin the grill, taillights, and overall design.

Hating the roofline, rear quarter windows (too FJ Cruiser-ish)

Mini took a big chance with the Clubman, paid off so far.

Dunno about this one tho!

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:46 pm

It's not very MINI anymore, is it? Perhaps I'm slow to love new things, but this seems like the ugly cousin to a beloved small car. Is this a car that really wants to grow up? Isn't the fact that a MINI is...mini...part of the reason I love it?

DDodge · Post by **DDodge** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:38 pm

I'm wichu, Claire.

JRutherford · Post by **JRutherford** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:50 pm

In the latest Autoweek... http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... /809099981

Suppose this really shouldn't come as too much of a surprise as the company has been talking about expanding the product line for some time. Certainly not for me, but then it wouldn't be the first successful manufacturer to expand into to new territory that doesn't necessarily align with its traditional image or core product competencies (Porsche certainly springs to mind as a relatively recent example). Then again, I can't think of any other examples whose name was so closely associated with its image in the marketplace

Big Papi · Post by **Big Papi** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:01 pm

Well guys I have to say that I really like the concepts and where they want to go. I see a lot of my R56 in this and other than laws of physics and size ditating that it will be of SUV size, I like the direction they are going.

I say let's move to a initial production conceptulization.

DDodge · Post by **DDodge** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 9:19 am

Just to keep the discussion going - I don't like it at all. I agree, it's as silly as a Porsche Cayenne. Too big and too dumb looking.

Contrary to popular opinion, putting googly eyes on something does not make it look better:

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:44 pm

Why can't they make a new Mini look more like a classic Mini?? Make a Mini Pickup or something.

saturn · Post by **saturn** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:55 am

Counterfit_Mini wrote:Why can't they make a new Mini look more like a classic Mini?? Make a Mini Pickup or something.

IMO, the grill looks more like a classic grill than the current grill on the R56's. I'm with you on the pick-up idea! How sweet is this!

dimini · Post by **dimini** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:23 am

MINI goes BIGGIE. Just like everything else in the auto industry. Building bigger for a flabby, huge America.

Big Papi · Post by **Big Papi** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:42 am

I am gonna throw support for the Mini SUV. The picture shown does not have any real reference point to determine its size, it could be as big as a Tahoe (doubtful) or the size of a BMW X3 (realistic). If it is the later I would consider buying a MINI SUV since my wife wants a X3.

It is all based on perception of what is large to you, I use to think my wifes Explorer was small compared to other SUV's, but now I think they are all big since I drive the MINI. There will be a market for them and like all companies they are in the business of making money, they will not pass up the opportunity to jump in and get a piece of a market when they are trying to become a mainstream distributor of vehicles.

Sorry folks but that is a fact, otherwise BMW would not have bought them. Frankly, the more MINI I see on the road in any form is better.

JRutherford · Post by **JRutherford** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 2:44 pm

Interesting thing is the shift in market positioning/strategy relative to when I ordered and purchased my R53 5 years ago now. At that time, BMW enjoyed a certain sense of exclusivity with the Mini and while the dealer doesn't always speak for corporate strategy, part of my MA's sales pitch was that the company never intended for one to "be seen on every street corner". Personally, I'm not typically an suv fan; however, if it provides a means for the company to drive more margin and strengthen the brand, so be it.

Ian McMini · Post by **Ian McMini** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:02 pm

Right on, Claire.

I think it is a shame to destroy the uniqueness of the MINI product, brand and panache.

Perhaps they could brand it as the MAXI for differentiation.

Big Papi · Post by **Big Papi** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:37 am

While several of you may think that it serves as a truely unique vehicle, remember that it is sold in 54 different countries. It is one of the most widely known and distributed brand of vehicles on the planet.

They are unique and not seen much in the states but my daughter who lives in Milano, Italy sees them on every corner everyday along with Citrons and Fords.

Don't hate the player (MINI), hate the game (car industry) people.

Ian McMini · Post by **Ian McMini** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:53 am

Saturn,

Did you create the pick up rendering? Whoever did, did a great job!

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:52 am

Of course! I simply hate the idea that making something bigger is actually making it better. It's still uglified, especially now that it's more ''Americanized''; sadly, that doesn't mean there won't be a market for it.

saturn · Post by **saturn** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:13 pm

Ian McMini wrote:Saturn,

Did you create the pick up rendering? Whoever did, did a great job!

Noper. Found it on the internet. If I did, it would have been yellow!!

dimini · Post by **dimini** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:31 pm

Upon second look, it reminds me of an ugly-eyed cross between a Cayenne and whatever Lexus calls their guzzler.

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