Any (imagined) sound of frantic whirring underground has surely ceased today in Selly Oak, the final resting place of original Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis*.
Why? Because BMW/MINI has just released these pictures of the awesomely-named
Rocketman
Concept, its fascinating new take on the premium city car segment, and (almost!), a proper-sized new Mini.
Almost, because at 3419mm nose-to-tail the Rocketman is still a few cms longer than Issigonis's 1959 original, but it would seem churlish to quibble in the face of such a bold re-interpretation of a British classic.
The Rocketman isn't just the proper size, it's properly innovative too. MINI calls the three-door machine a 3-plus-1 seater, and as well as exploring new packaging ideas it introduces carbon spaceframe technology, as per the latest innovations showcased by the new BMW 'i' brand.
That carbon spaceframe is clearly visible around the nose, doors and interior, and is the key to the Rocketman's lightweight build. Without specifying the details, MINI says there's space for a drive system which 'combines enhanced sprinting ability with average fuel consumption of just three litres per 100 kilometres (94 mpg imp)'. We take that to mean the car is envisaged as an EV with an I/C range-extender option, which is pretty much where BMW is headed with the i3 (nee MegaCity) that's going into production in Leipzig soon. Hopefully we'll find out more at Geneva where the Rocketman is due to make its public debut.
Styling-wise, the classic Mini cues and proportions are obvious, but the innovations may be less so. Take the doors, for instance. The 'classic' external hinges are actually double pivots, allowing the doors to open wide in narrow spaces, while the rigid carbon spaceframe allows the doors to take the sills with as they open, further improving access. The rear door is split with a roof-hinged upper section and drawer-style lower part - designed to invoke memories of the downward-opening tailgate of the original.
Inside, the seating arrangement is novel in that the front seats can slide backwards - with the instrument cluster - to give a 'sporty' driving feel for two. When a third person gets in the back the front passenger can sit ahead of the driver, or the driver can move forward too, for the full four seat experience.
Other novelties on the Rocketman concept include a trackball on the right hand steering wheel spoke for navigating control menus (which, if you're steering at the same time, sounds as though it could be like trying to aim the gun on a moving tank), and a removable control system which you can plug into your PC at home to configure for your journey ahead. (Music tracks, navigation destinations, contact phone numbers and internet links are what MINI suggests.)
As the Rocketman is a BMW MINI, and therefore entirely German, the concept naturally doesn't escape the 'Union Flag on the roof' treatment. It seems cleverly done this time though, using a full glass roof segmented by illuminated braces. If only they wouldn't insist on calling it the Union Jack...
*Sir Alec was cremated. We know.