Mini Superleggera

[SVT666]

The Mini Superleggera Vision has reportedly received an official green light for production.

BMW Group has promised to continue thinning the Mini lineup to focus on high-volume models, discontinuing the Coupe and Roadster variants, but unnamed sources have told CAR that the convertible Superleggera will be added as a halo model to help revitalize the brand.

Jointly designed by Mini and Milan-based coachbuilder Touring Superleggera, the Vision concept diverges from the traditional Mini design with its low profile and long hood.

A patent filing later showed what appeared to be a production-ready design, complete with Mini's iconic headlights and conventional door handles and mirrors. The unique Union Jack taillights and finned trunk-lid remained in the rendered images, consistent with the concept.

The original concept was previewed with an electric drivetrain, but the Superleggera production car is expected to borrow three- and four-cylinder engines from Mini's existing lineup. A John Cooper Works range topper is also rumored, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged mill.

The latest sources claim the convertible will be rolling off assembly lines by 2018.

[FoMoJo]

I saw it awhile ago.  It reminded me of my old bug-eyed Sprite.

[Payman]

What platform? RWD or {fail} FWD?

[68_427]

Oh no god forbid it handles like a mini

[hotrodalex]

Whoa, I want that.

[12,000 RPM]

What platform? RWD or {fail} FWD?

At this size/weight/power not sure it matters

[Payman]

At this size/weight/power not sure it matters

I'm sure it'll be a great handling little car, but I want my summer toy to be RWD.

[MX793]

It's like a baby Aston.  A bit cartoonish, but I like it anyway.  Much better than the current Roadster.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Man, that would be bad ass if it were mid engined.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

At this size/weight/power not sure it matters

[2o6]

It's still going to be a sharp driver, yeah, but as a FWD thing it's not quite as exciting.


But I don't picture it being RWD either

[FlatBlackCaddy]

I'd rather it be a rwd electric with mid mounted battery packs than fwd gas.

[Laconian]

Oh, thank gawd, they're finally doing thinking outside the Cooper mold.

This looks really nice. FWD's a shame, but , the Cooper's FWD and a ball to drive.

Competition for the next MX-5. Me gusta.

[Xer0]

Wow this thing looks fantastic.  But if your typical MINI pricing is anything to go by, a JCW top of the line model will be like 50k or more.  That's a lot of money.  I'm thinking this thing would start at like 35k and go up.


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[68_427]

I'm thinking this is going to base around $25K for a 3 cyl justaSuperleggera

[Xer0]

I'm thinking this is going to base around $25K for a 3 cyl justaSuperleggera

The mini convertible already starts at 26K according to the mini site and with this being a halo product, I don't really see it costing a similar amount.  It looks amazing so they can probably get away with a steep price anyway since MINI is a style brand as much as it is about fun.


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[r0tor]

Looks cool

[Galaxy]

It does have the looks of a small British roadster, despite the name.

[BimmerM3]

At this size/weight/power not sure it matters

Yeah, I'm sure RWD has nothing to do with the MX-5's success.

[hotrodalex]

Yeah, I'm sure RWD has nothing to do with the MX-5's success.

Mini Coopers are also fantastic to drive.

[Cookie Monster]

Mini Coopers are also fantastic to drive.

Can't compete with a Miata.

[hotrodalex]

Better power to weight though.

[Cookie Monster]

Enjoy your torque steer.

[Laconian]

Turbo 3, what torque?

[68_427]

The mini convertible already starts at 26K according to the mini site and with this being a halo product, I don't really see it costing a similar amount.  It looks amazing so they can probably get away with a steep price anyway since MINI is a style brand as much as it is about fun.


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Didn't realise they were so pricey

[2o6]

I picture this akin to a Mini version of a Fiat Barchetta

[Payman]

I picture this akin to a Mini version of a Fiat Barchetta

Was thinking the same thing, but this looks much better.

[hotrodalex]

Looks like a modern Porsche 356.

[Rich]

I don't think they'll be able to get the hood that low unless they switch the front suspension.  I don't know how they can build this on the UKL architecture if they switch the front suspension. 

I'm interested to see how the production version turns out.

[Madman]

I don't think they'll be able to get the hood that low unless they switch the front suspension.  I don't know how they can build this on the UKL architecture if they switch the front suspension. 

I'm interested to see how the production version turns out.

As I've observed before on another thread, I suspect this car will be based on the BMW 1 Series platform.  Why?  Well, the proportions just look all wrong for a front driver.  The front wheels are too far forward of the bulkhead for this to be based on MINI's F56 architecture.  Likewise, the lack of cooling and extraction ducts on the rear of the car rule out a mid-engine arrangement reminiscent of the MG F/MG TF.  This leaves a front engine/rear-drive configuration as the most likely scenario.  Peel away the MINI-esque bodywork and I'm sure you'll find a BMW 1 Series chassis under there.