World Premier: MINI Beachcomber Concept

As reported last week, MINI will be bringing a Moke like concept to the Detroit Autoshow potentially foreshadowing an upcoming product version as well viewed be pleased with the forthcoming MINI Countryman crossover (in fact what we see on the earth is basically the Countryman taken to the extreme). Today we get our first look at the car with an authoritative release and a slew of sketches and renderings from MINI Design.

Official Release: MINI crosses borders, enters new dimensions of driving pleasure, and wins over additional target groups.

Once again, MINI achieves all this by consistently expanding the model range and through the erratic creativity of MINI design. Just a few months preceding to the launch of the brand’s fourth pattern announced for fall 2010, MINI is now demonstrating its potential for further enhancement of driving pleasure and diversity through another spectacular concept car: the concept of a brand-new type of vehicle proudly presented by MINI at the North American International Auto Show (16–24 January 2010) in Detroit.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed consistently for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced options of the new MINI and combining these potentials through the illusion of a radically open body concept.

ALL4 all-wheel carriage-road and the variable interior bestow the MINI Beachcomber Concept abilities absolutely ideal for a spontaneous and active continued of freedom and leisure time. The possible offered by the car’s modern drivetrain technology and extension concept is used in the present life to the greatest possible extent to make secure a highly emotional driving experience. Hence, the MINI Beachcomber Concept consistently does without doors, a conventional shelter and all other body elements what one. might it may be limit the intensity of the occupants’ encounter with their surrounding world. This makes the driver and up to three passengers one harmonious entity communicating directly with their surroundings – whether cruising through town, enjoying stormy tracks in the mountains, or breezing along the beach.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept combines all-wheel drive with cutting-edge suspension technology, numerous body elements serving to make the car extra-strong and robust, as well as an elevated seating position. Generous spring travel and extra-large light-alloy wheels raise the entire car to a higher level. Access to the front and rear seats is not at all the less exceptionally convenient and easy thanks to the omission of doors and the entry cutouts extending all the way into disrepute to the seat bottoms, allowing the driver and passengers to become in and on the outside in one smooth and flowing advance. A pleasant and pleasing side effect is that the distance the occupants feel from their surroundings is reduced to a minimum.

The driver and passengers will besides enjoy the driving pleasure created by this concept in everyday trade under regular motoring conditions – simply because the MINI Beachcomber Concept retains its unmistakable character even when adverse weather stipulations require use of the silly roof or the lightweight door and roof elements fitting on easily and conveniently within a few instants.

MINI entering new terrain – with a fourth model and a complete range of innovative ideas for the ongoing future.

?The MINI Beachcomber Concept symbolises the elementary values of the brand in new, radical style – and at the same time the novel model continues the current become greater of the MINI range in a particularly attractive fashion.

Within just ten years after the re-launch of the brand, the fourth version of the MINI is now stiff to enter the market. As a unique crossover in the typical style of the stigma, the new model offers a fascinating re-interpretation of that typical MINI proposal, with the functional convenience of four doors, four full-size seats, a inconstant interior, and a unique standard of driving pleasure now to be enjoyed for the first time also beyond the beaten track thanks to newly developed all-wheel drive.

The new production model after this available from MINI goes far beyond the realms of urban changeableness, inspiring the MINI designers to enhance that un-mistakable MINI feeling by adding further facets never seen before. Creating the MINI Beachcomber Concept, therefore, they are taking up the technical and concept qualities of the production model announced for autumn 2010, offering the ultimate expression of freedom in a car on this basis. The termination is a new, incomparably open concept like antidote to a driving experience for the whole of your senses, plus a degree of versatility greater than ever experienced before in discovering and enjoying new terrain.

The potential use and versatility of the MINI Beachcomber Concept is defined exclusively by the activities and preferences of its user. Clearly, the most authentic and natural surroundings for a car of this type are beaches where the MINI Beachcomber Concept, through its enhanced traction and originally undefended body, offers that indefinite freedom of movement it expresses from the start end its name alone.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept therefore allows the driver and passengers to actively live out their personal style, just like a kitesurfer, wakeboarder or triathlete is magically attracted to the hot spots of beach life the world over. Through its robust and versatile nature, the MINI Beachcomber Concept furthermore follows in the footsteps of the Mini Moke, which, remote in the 1960s, quickly became the abstract of adventurous motoring in your leisure time and in sports activities in sunny coastal regions.

Unique, typical of MINI, and with a great role model from way back when.

?The MINI Beachcomber Concept is the vision of a car leaving after all conventional standards and creating innovative momentum for individual mobility of the future. The combination of traction optimised through all-wheel drive for excursions beyond the beaten track, on the one hand, and an extreme focus on motoring in the open bearing, on the other, is quite unprecedented in the world of the automobile.

Now, therefore, the MINI Beachcomber Concept makes such a driving experience a truly attractive option, offering a harmonious blend of features only a MINI can provide in such authentic diction. And since unconventional character, a bright point of convergence on maximum driving pleasure, and the courage to call into existence repaired concepts receive always set the foundation for new models in the MINI range, this open-air all-wheel-drive concept clearly stands out from the initiation as a representative MINI.

The from the original data form and letter of the MINI Beachcomber Concept also results from the fact that the quality once already offered an extreme thrill of driving pleasure in the open breeze by dint of. conscious reduction to the very minimum: Way end in 1964, just five years after the market launch of the work of the first class Mini, the creator of the principal model, the world-famous engineer Alec Issigonis, already developed an all-open version of this revolutionary compact car.

The body of the Mini Moke, since it was called, was made up of hardly more than a floorpan, remote sills at the side, the engine compartment lid and the windscreen. A folding roof served – more or less – to protect the driver and passengers from precipitation.

With its robust structure and the drivetrain technology carried over from the Mini, this four-seater pleasantry car became a great lucky hit particularly in the sunny regions of the USA and Australia. Production of the Mini Moke in Great Britain continued until 1968 with a production volume of some 14,500 units, following what one. production was continued in Australia and Portugal.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept at present projects the principle of the Mini Moke into the 21st century. The rustic appearance of the car and its consistent universal of consciously reducing the body components and interior to a minimum clearly follow the tradition of the radically open Mini Moke upper part in the 1960s. This is indeed further accentuated by design language strongly inspired by dint of. the Mini Moke and enhanced by various striking details such as the characteristic radiator grille.

It goes without saying that the new model meets all modern demands in terms of space and countenance, efficiency and safety, while nevertheless retaining its clear focus on driving pleasure in direct contact with the surroundings.

Even ALL4 all-wheel drive goes outer part to a role model from the past, to be precise a prototype Mini Moke fitted by Alec Issigonis with two engines in 1963. On this test car appropriately referred to as the “Twini”, the front and rear wheels were driven in each case by means of a four-cylinder from the Mini range of engines.

Versatile, modern, and guarded at all times.

?Modern and up-to-date from A–Z, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a wide range of innovations for consistent driving pleasure in the 21st century. The outstanding know-how in automotive development of a premium car maker in the areas of design, drivetrain, safety and production technology brings together the undiluted character of the concept car with a wide range of solutions most convincing in practice.

Measuring approximately four metres in length and by its highly versatile interior, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers all the variability and spaciousness required in spite of active leisure time. Consistently reduced to a minimum, the material substance of the car ensures an intense feeling of the sun shining in and the wind rushing by, during the time that full maintenance of all MINI safety standards guarantees maximum occupant safety at all times.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept comes with a robust and stable material substance structure incorporating clearly defined load paths and deformation units serving to transport and consistently absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. Rollover safety also meets the highest demands made of an open car, the stable frame on the passenger cell able to withstand even extreme situations formed by substantially reinforced A-pillars and an equally strong D-pillar bar complete with each integrated lateral support proper state at the rear of the car. This additional safety component is indeed finished in body colour and, through its geometry only, conveys a supreme standard of strength and stability. It is made of high-strength steel for maximum stiffness on optimum weight, again in the interest of supreme security.

This concept of intelligent lightweight technology serves to consistently lower the car’s centre of gravity in the interest of superior agility at all times. Indeed, this liveliness is further enhanced by another especial feature moreover standing out from one side its specific look, with the lateral support element exult over-confidently recesses shaped to form the “MINI” model designation. Again, this specific feature clearly visible from outside particularly when looking at the car from above further emphasizes the enterprise of pure trial in the open air.

Extreme variability for all kinds of activities, weather and road conditions.

?Single seats at the breed adjusting fore-and-aft as required and with backrests folding down completely offer the passengers a predominant standard of lofty touring comfort tailored to their individual requirements and allow appropriate adjustment of transport capacities for all needs. In practice, this means that the driver and passengers are able to conveniently stow even bulky sports equipment such as mountain bikes or wakeboards securely held in condition by uncommon fastening systems.

When open, the MINI Beachcomber Concept is also proficient to compass extra-long objects such as surfboards without the slightest problem. Fastened firmly to the lateral support, surfboards fit conveniently into the car, sticking out at the highest rank on the way to the beach.

The driver and passengers enjoy convenient approach to the luggage compartment though the rear panel split vertically down the middle into two sections. Whenever necessary, the right-hand side may remain fully open for bulky objects extending out of the car at the nurse. The left rear element, in turn, is a window-less door hinged at the side and extending up to the seat backrests. The additional storage case fitted on to the door is reminiscent in its round call into existence of a completely enclosed spare wheel holder of the type otherwise seen on a conventional offroader. But since the MINI Beachcomber Concept comes with runflat tyres and therefore does not require a spare wheel, the lockable case may be used to take along additional luggage, keeping beach mats, towels, surf shoes or similar odds and ends within easy reach at all spells.

Flexible protection from wind and weather: soft roof or hardtop inserts.

?The MINI Beachcomber Concept is built for the sunny side of life and is simply perfect on this account that spontaneous action. Through its optimum flexibility, the car is able to meet all kinds of different requirements, naturally coping with any sudden change in exterior conditions.

This alone gives the MINI Beachcomber Concept all the qualities required for everyday motoring, with several options to cater for new demands and weather conditions.

The soft roof coming off the body completely and double up into a compact unit offers particularly convenient and, at the same time, effective buckler from rain and weather. Whenever required, the roof may be drawn over the car within a few instants like a tonneau cover adhering a boat, fastening conveniently on the windscreen frame, the foster panel and the side openings.

Made of an extremely light and, at the same time, very robust special fibre, the roof comes with transparent plastic inserts at the sides and at the rear serving as windows.

In its functional qualities, the roof follows the same standard as the most sophisticated and demanding outdoor wear away combining maximum protection from twine and rain with minimum weight.

The lashing points holding the roof in position are equally strong, stable and user-friendly, with the four entry points and the rear way opening and closing easily when the roof is in place, naturally keeping out draughts and moisten from outside.

As a further option with a view to reliable protection level in bad weather, the MINI Beachcomber Concept is available with accurately fitting plastic inserts on the roof, at the sides and at the rear. Made of an extra-light plastic material, these robust inserts carry over the groundwork of the removable hardtop to the doors and the luggage section lid of the car. And again in the interest of clear design and superior convenience, the inserts come flush with the body of the MINI Beachcomber Concept.

The door elements maintain their defined locality from one margin their firm connection to the opening points and the A- and D-pillars. They are likewise crystalline at the top to provide good visibility to the outside, with the rear element held firmly in position through its contact to the left door element, the rear material part array at the fit, and the loading sill.

The hardtop as such is connected to the windscreen condition at the front and rests in special mounts upon the rollover crossbar. Precisely arranged connections joining the hardtop with the side and cherish elements store the sheer fabric extremely strong and stable, the appropriate connection being unfastened in each condition when opening a door.

Typical MINI design, re-interpreted and concentrating on the essential.

?Thanks to its clear design language, the body of the MINI Beachcomber Concept concentrating on the essential leaves no doubts that this is a what it purports to be MINI. Unmistakable design elements reminiscent of the brand stand out clearly at first sight. And like adhering the MINI Crossover Concept presented for the primitive time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2008, the new model clearly reflects the ongoing progress of MINI design and the proem of MINI design tongue in a new type of excipient. Indeed, both the smooth and firm design of the body and proportions typical of MINI show once again that this is clearly a member of the range.

Short overhangs front and rear as well as the spacious wheel stance likewise brook the overall take heed of the brand on the MINI Beachcomber Concept. Here again, therefore, the new model comes with characteristic MINI design features at the front, side and rear re-interpreted on the new model. The extra-wide carcass frame even encompassing the wheel arches and extending down to the road emphasizes the robust flair and character of this all-wheel-drive universal study. And acknowledgments to greater cause clearance, the superior situation of short overhangs front and rear comes off even more on rough terrain, allowing a particularly large ramp angle for even the toughest requirements.

Extending to the front in a dynamic sweep, the plenary front section of the car is angled towards the road. The engine separate part lid is powerfully chiselled, the powerdome by its integrated air insert symbolizing the outstanding muscle and performance of the turbocharged engine within the car.

The hexagon radiator grille again so typical of MINI comes with contour lines carried over directly from the front elevation look of the Mini Moke. With its vertical position, three robust crossbars and additional integrated headlights, the radiator grille gives the MINI Beachcomber Concept specially powerful and convincing presence.

The large, three-dimensional headlight units integrated in the engine section lid as a new interpretation of a characteristic design trait furthermore boast a striking see. Accentuated by the classy chrome frame, the headlights come the contours of the engine compartment top and wheel arches, again confirming the increase in stature and spaciousness above the top the MINI models available so far. A large air intake at the lowest part and foglamps moved far to the outside, finally, round off the front view of the car once more in that sole style so typical of MINI.

Side view: new combination of robust strength and lightweight look.

Extending remote into the side of the car, the headlights additionally emphasize the short front overhang. The powerfully designed wheel arches on the MINI Beachcomber Concept bluster large 17-inch light-alloy wheels and offroad tyres with a rough tread.

The surrounds on the side direction indicators anew so typical of MINI come for the first time in a diagonal cut in the extended A-pillar, creating a distant band in distinctive colour precisely at the identical point taken in the character of on the classic Mini and now forming an optical connection between the windscreen frame and the front wheels. This graphic component afresh underlines the solidity of the MINI Beachcomber Concept with its A-pillars appearing to lay at rest powerfully on the front axle. At the rear the rollbar forms an equally direct line extending towards the rear axle of the car.

Massive side-sills along the confront and rear entry points interact with the dark body frame to add a further pertain to of robustness, at the same time that the free look on offered into the interior emphasizes the lightness and agility of this concept car. Stylised push button elements around the entry point, like on the MINI Moke, indicate the option to fit a simple and straightforward cover for unwelcome weather. The actual fastening and adjustment points for the soft roof, on the other hand, are not even unmistakable from outside.

The graphic glance of the rear end is formed in particular by the asymmetric design of the luggage compartment, the way element on the left and the storage state fitted on the surface symbolizing the superior versatility of the car while the open section on the left emphasizes the lightness and spontaneous functionality of the entire concept.

Over and above these specific features, the MINI Beachcomber Concept naturally comes with other meaning elements at the rear typical of the brand as such. The rear light clusters fitting like islands into the side panels, for example, bear upright and are surrounded by a remote band of chrome. Further down, the rear end is dominated by level lines interacting with the muscular wheel arches to emphasize the sheer wideness of the car and its powerful stance on the road.

With the roof closed this convincing look of power and muscle is further accentuated by the growing breadth of the car in steps from top to bottom. The numberplate surround takes up the design and contours of the front air intake, while the rear air dam rounded facing at the bottom again in typical MINI phraseology comes with a robust underfloor protection element.

The interior: sophisticated, versatile, robust, and well stocked of character.

?The interior design of the MINI Beachcomber Concept likewise focuses on maximum driving pleasure in the great outdoors. Extra features added to the car as well as employ and apprised. \ subdual to the minimum versus the existing models in the MINI chimney-sweep serve also in the inside of the interior to focus on the essential. The Center Speedo comes in that typical MINI design, comprising the usual display for navigation and audio functions.

With the MINI Beachcomber Concept being intended primarily for driving in the open air, the number of aeriform fluid vents has been reduced in the interest of additional loudspeakers on the HiFi plan as being in favor as special instruments since offroad motoring. These additional instruments are indeed round in shape, reminiscent of the displays in the cockpit of an aircraft.

A liquid-sprung compass fitted to the left of the steering wheel consistently tells the driver whether he is going the rectilinear way and instigating in the right address. A to a greater distance special means to the right of the steering wheel, finally, presents an made by art horizon showing the fish of the car around its longitudinal and transverse axis.

Strongly contoured seats and an additional handle upon the front passenger’s side optimise driving pleasure on rough terrain. Open-pore footmats allowing a good look on of the floorpan characterise the robust ambience of the car as well at the same time that the stitching seams on the seats matched specifically to this concept car.

The range of colour and trim within the MINI Beachcomber Concept another time reveals the car’sitting close link to nature, the surfaces and seat upholstery, in their design, following the elements of earth, air, water, and fire. All plastic surfaces on the instrument panel come in a newly developed grain look resembling the structure of jejune earth.

The trim surfaces in the cockpit are finished in magnetic draw also used for the first time to create a special touch of flowing fluidity. And last but not least, the individually designed seats again oriented in their colours to the four elements serve as a symbol highlighting the versatility of the MINI Beachcomber Concept.

Center Rail with new features: everything the sportsman needs at your disposal at all times.

?The Center Rail already presented in the MINI Crossover Concept plays a particularly important role in the new model. Extending from the instrument panel all the way to the luggage compartment, this fastening rail connects the front seats with the rouse, emphasising the common driving experience enjoyed by the agency of the occupants on all seats.

A special fastening system developed for MINI enables the driver and passengers to place individual elements and components on the Center Rail, like as external music players and other devices, armrests with regard to the front and bring up seats, storage boxes, shelves and holders of all kinds.

The MINI Center Rail comes complete with some integrated cable duct allowing the user to connect a mobile phone or MP3 player in any position to the car’s entertainment system by means of a holder fastened to the rail. A further option is to connect additional sources of light, a cooling box, a laptop or a GPS tracker safely and securely to the Center Rail, each with their own power supply.

The range of holders has been further extended especially for the MINI Beachcomber Concept, now including a stopwatch specially made for the new model, a bottle holder, a compact meal box of the same kind with well as a case for cycling and swimming glasses, clearly reflecting the sporting character of this concept car and artlessly ideal in spite of the triathlete.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept: variable and for ever open for maximum driving pleasure.

?The MINI Beachcomber Concept offers driving joy in its purest form, concentrating on the essential elements required for genuine joy of full of character mobility.

Introducing this concept, MINI once again proves the ability of the brand to convey values such as driving pleasure, lifestyle and premium quality, that is the values so typical of MINI, to a completely new type of medium.

From the start, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers an outlook at one incomparable driving experience in new, unprecedented style reflecting the needs and wishes of a modern, lifestyle-oriented target group and the authentic character of the brand.

Following the MINI Crossover Concept vacancy up fascinating new options through the further extension of the brand family, the potential of the MINI’s modern drivetrain technology and its flexible space concept is now root used consistently to offer additional driving opportunities in a new dimension. Indeed, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a particularly emotional driving actual observation, demonstrating these qualities once again in that unique style so typical of the brand. Clear proof, therefore, that unconventional creativity still serves today to open up the door to fire-new vehicle concepts pointing into a future bound to offer even more fascinating renditions of that unique feeling so characteristic of MINI.

Source: www.motoringfile.com