Mini Rocketman Concept Car

Discussion in 'The MINI Lounge' started by SCOTT27, Feb 22, 2011.

Page 4 of 4

  1. SKYSONY Well-Known Member

    When you see this car´s proportions you realise how MINI this is, and how wrong the current MINI ones are. Fantastic.
    SKYSONY, Apr 18, 2011
    #61

  2. Human BMW's my Brand

    Costs put Rocketman at risk

    BMW execs fear the Mini Rocketman would not be profitable.

    June 20, 2011

    MUNICH -- BMW is not ready to commit to building the Mini Rocketman, a minicar concept that debuted in March at the Geneva auto show.

    The reason? Executives say privately that they fear that the Smart competitor would not be profitable.

    The Rocketman is barely longer than the original 1959 Mini. It measures just 132 inches, about 12 inches shorter than the current Mini and just 26 inches longer than the tiny Smart ForTwo.

    As a production vehicle, the Rocketman would have to be considerably more affordable than the standard Mini. But the shortened version would cost nearly as much to produce, company sources said.

    "It is not going to be easy to make a profitable business case out of the Rocketman," a BMW executive said. Another consideration is that "we currently don't have any free capacity in our Oxford plant."

    Mini's new Countryman crossover is being produced in Graz, Austria, by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr. Production of the Paceman two-door crossover is expected to be launched in Graz in late 2012.

    BMW is spending $814 million on its British production complex to prepare the facility for the next generation of the Mini.



    Read more: Automotive News
    Human, Jun 21, 2011
    #62
    • Like Like x 2

  3. SKYSONY Well-Known Member

    SKYSONY, Jan 23, 2012
    #63
    • Like Like x 6

  4. klier Member

    OMG, the best mini concept ever is cancelled?

    Really, really, really bad news. And with the Mini Cooper mrk III growing even bigger, I don't understand why they don't make it ;/

    Oh wait I just read the above post by Human.....that all makes it perfectly clear, it's way too expensive to produce. The sad part is, that they must have known this ever since day one....So the Rocketman was cool because it was freaking expensive. I see no point in this at all. Every car maker can do this.
    klier, Jan 23, 2012
    #64

  5. SKYSONY Well-Known Member

    The Rocketman has the perfect proportions, is the best look a MINI could get. I wouldn´t even look at a MINI (and now even more, as the mkII is growing and growing) with that tiny hottie on the market.
    SKYSONY, Jan 23, 2012
    #65

  6. SCOTT27 Contributing Member

    I do not think it is cancelled , all I have heard is that it is on hiatus until a solution is found. There is a saving grace for the MINI Rocketman in the guise of BMW and it's new partnership with Toyota and existing partnership with Peugeot-Citroen PSA. Who are working on a small platform to replace their city cars such as the Aygo, 107 and C1.
    BMW could come in and use that initiative to bring the Rocketman on that platform as they will be of the same dimensions.
    Another option is using the platform from Toyota being developed for the next generation IQ which is more equipped for hybrid powertrains.

    MINI Rocketman has huge support especially from the designers and the BMW Board to hopefully see it become a reality , and Toyota could help BMW do it.

    Rumor points to further deals with Toyota and Geneva could be the venue.
    SCOTT27, Jan 23, 2012
    #66

  7. braaf Active Member

    ^I had high hopes for this new partnership with Toyota, so I hope you're right Scott cos I really loved the concept. By the way, why did you leave BMW, who will be our new insider.:)
    braaf, Jan 24, 2012
    #67

  8. martinbo Global Moderator / Editor

    Hey Braaf, long time no post - where you been man? :)
    martinbo, Jan 24, 2012
    #68

  9. braaf Active Member

    Hey Martin. Been busy hey. Got married, moved, went on holiday and had no internet access for a while. But I'm back now and have been busy catching up.
    braaf, Jan 24, 2012
    #69

  10. martinbo Global Moderator / Editor

    Bliksem! Congrats man - wish you everything of the best for many many years to come!

    It's good to see you posting again. GCF needs to chivvy up some love for poor ol' BMW of late. ;) Too many naysayers looking to talk smack about your favourite brand. :D

    So, good to see that it starts back here in the Rocketman thread - welcome back.
    martinbo, Jan 24, 2012
    #70

  11. braaf Active Member

    Lol, thanks Martin. I sure have mised this forum. I see even the fans are giving them stick, I'll try my best.(y)
    braaf, Jan 24, 2012
    #71
    • Like Like x 2

  12. martinbo Global Moderator / Editor

    More on the MINI Rocketman being axed by BMW AG:

    Sourced from PistonHeads:
    BMW AXES MINI ROCKETMAN PROJECT

    From Car Magazine: Mini cancels Rocketman according to Car UK

    martinbo, Jan 24, 2012
    #72
    • Like Like x 4

  13. mini_cooper4 Well-Known Member

    God bless BMW !!!! I so much needed a MINI truck they might build one now :bowdown: :eusa_clap(y):icondrool:t-drive:
    mini_cooper4, Jan 24, 2012
    #73

  14. EnI Contributing Member

    EnI, Jun 14, 2012
    #74
    • Like Like x 2

  15. Betty Swollocks Well-Known Member

    That's a huge, huge relief.
    Betty Swollocks, Jun 14, 2012
    #75
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