3,2,1 We have Lift Off! All Systems go for the MINI Rocketman.


SCOTT27

Drift Dynamo
3,2,1 We have Lift Off!
All Systems go for the MINI Rocketman.

dae698244b5910c5ee00c34081286644.webp


After a well received reception for the MINI Rocketman at The Geneva and Shanghai Autoshows respectively and appreciation from a different crowd of enthusiasts at Villa D'Este.
The MINI Rocketman is rapidly progressing through development from idea to concept to a production reality.

When you look at the Rocketman Concept you do see vast expense especially in the genetic make up in the car with it's complete carbon fibre structure MINI Rocketman as you see it is a true concept car in the traditional fashion. It is how the transition from concept to production reality that the showcar that people loved can make it through development carrying those same cheeky looks and compact proportions.
But it is correct that there will be additional revisions to the original Concept Car. For example as reported the Carbon Fibre structure is out due to the costs involved. Maybe in the second generation of Rocketman but for now it is not possible, that is not to say , however that additional options are on the table.

But they are working on other parts of the concept to see if they are feasible , for example the rear bootlid could retain the split hatch , drawer which could be used to form a link with the original mini and it's drop down trunk lid. And add a more adaptable approach to the storage capacity.

The overall look of the car will be identifiable between Concept , and even the next MINI as the Rocketman preludes a new look especially with the light ring halos around the lighting units.
The rear handle bar lights are not feasable in their three-dimensional form, But could be applied across the rear in a direction similar to the upcoming Paceman Production car or in typical MINI trapezoid shape. The Proprtions and size will stay true to the concept car.

The Production Rocketman for structural integrity would inherit a B-Pillar and a full roof , although a full-length sunroof would find it's way as optional equipment.
Whilst Carbon Fibre is out of the question , other materials such as Aluminium and press-hardened steels along with fabricated components from lighter materials would make sure the car retains a signifcant weight for it's size.

The interior with it's more set-back central speedometer/screen is something that is coming with the next MINI , the dash will be more raked instead of being upright. In the production small MINI the dash design is expected to be carried over but be less visual concept and more mainstream materials.
The interior of the next MINI also brings some interesting ideas in order to make the car more personal.
Whilst some manufacturers have gone for the removable plastic components. MINI want to make a statement and allow more personalisation via lighting.
The 2+1 seating arrangement will stay.

What's in the name? Well MINI are actually considering calling the car the Rocketman now , designers and trim and materials have actually designed some funky motiff's using the retro-rocket image displayed by the cars central screen. Including rocketship upholstery designs , Roof graphics , even a little rocket insignia for the bootlid . MINI Rocketman is actually letting creativity flow in order how to appeal the new small MINI to the general public.
The Concepts flick switch starter or booster is expected to be a standard feature.

Of course BMW see the MINI Rocketman following the MINI and be offered in respondent
Entry models , a mid-level Cooper and an even spicier Cooper S which could be a very exciting proposition. John Cooper Works could follow.

A new MINI E? Yes an Electric model is more than likely possible. Rocket Fuel powered - Rocketman's are out of reach sadly.

What is even more interesting is that there is discussion in relation to powerplants - With the upcoming Three Cylinder being the definitive choice , but there is other avenues being explored such as a- developed from the three from PSA - Two Cylinder. One car seen at MINI's engineering HQ in Munich is the Fiat 500 with Twin Air technology. Small powerplants would help keep the MINI's weight down and provide ample power.

One particular interesting idea which shows how BMW investigate all solutions in engineering. Is an option BMW have tested on a skeleton car chassis and proved to offer great efficiency , weight balance and power on a compact chassis. Given that it was the modular platform found on the upcoming F20/F30 1er/3er, integration into a smaller car's chassis would be prefectly feasible. And the engine?

It came from BMW Motorrad's Division.

In marketing the car it will be identified as a MINI allbeit the baby MINI but will continue the focus with the character and culture that makes the brand what it is today.
MINI Rocketman - If it is called this. Will be the entry MINI model so car would have to appeal to those who are buying their first car and mainly a very young demographic but of course there will be that nostaligia and the customers who are very much "Young in heart" in the market for the baby MINI. If identified as the Rocketman the retro culture could very much associate it with the new car.

The questions we are looking at now involve the future of the Rocketman within the MINI brand. And although this is hypothetical and not confirmed it is something we are investigating as we already have one MINI family. Where would the Rocketman fit in with the current family? To which under discussion is the possibility of whether the MINI brand is established and sustainable to support a sub-brand or sub-line for the small MINI?

It is hoped that the MINI Rocketman could again prove the lightning rod which came with the first generation (developed under BMW) MINI. That has so far evaded the MINI's nearest competitors showing that MINI was one of a kind and has lasted the pace for such products that are considered as lifestyle , culture and fashion that has a short shelf life.

MINI Rocketman should arrive in the market in 2015. Providing someone's Lawyers do not become involved. :D
 

Attachments

Nothing new here, we all knew the Rocketman was going for production.

Nothing new, unless that lawyer happens to be Dunkel!!
 
Mini-Mini-c890x594-ffffff-C-9d5b5888-506462.webp


AutoMotor Und Sport have done a render showcasing how the MINI Rocketman would look when reconfigured for production , which means making the car more feasable and less concept car.
Of course the car in it's original CFRP genetic make up will be too expensive for production so this is a look to suggest how the production car would look.

Of course covered previously is the introduction of greater safety and rigidity progress such as a full solid bodyshell complete with B and C-pillars and a proper roof structure which is indicated in the render.

Whilst the genetics will change one thing that wont change as much is the look of the car.
The design will very much be carried over but some more adventurous elements such as the rear taillamps become more more simpler and purposeful.

The ideas for Personalisation are also progressing quite quickly, the front of the car which incorporates the MINI signature grille which is shown here in possible Cooper S mesh honeycomb.
Will for the best part of Cooper and entry models receive the typical MINI 3-bar grille.
The outline that surrounds the grille could become available in standard chrome , body color, contrasting color , shadow chrome or even carbon fibre for the faster orientated models.
This could also spread to the trim surrounding the front lights and additional trim piece at the rear.

The interior also suggests some new ideas - One which is to have the cars basic floor pressed in an additional lighter material and placed over the exposed chassis so that the car could have a body colored floor - But this is one idea that could prove to be too heavy and not to mention expensive.

If the MINI "Rocketman" name is used as it certainly has it's admirers - The car's signature retro-rocket motiff could become the car's signature and be available as upholstery , roof graphics even insignias on the bootlid or front wing. The key fob could even be a small rocket that gets inserted into the dash before you flick the start engine booster rocker switch. Or the transmission could be the shape of a rocket- Another suggestion is a Rocket shaped storage area - which the cylinder part ejects from the centre console with the top part with a lid for the ashtray or coin box , a port for USB or SD Card and even a slide out drawer cupholder. The ideas and possibilities are endless but are put forward in order to sell the possibilities of the Rocketman to BMW's board of managment.

BMW are hoping that the MINI Rocketman could actually repeat the success of the first MINI and bacome an icon in it's own time by introducing another city car that is great looking and great to drive with a great dose of desirability for a new generation of MINI customer.
 

MINI

Mini (stylized as MINI) is a British automotive brand founded in 1969, owned by German BMW since 2000, and used by them for a range of small cars assembled in the United Kingdom, Austria, and the Netherlands. The word Mini has been used in car model names since 1959, and in 1969 it became a brand in its own right when the name "Mini" replaced the separate "Austin Mini" and "Morris Mini" car model names.
Official website: MINI

Thread statistics

Created
SCOTT27,
Last reply from
klier,
Replies
6
Views
2,363

Trending content


Back
Top