Wednesday 23rd February 2011

MINI Rocketman: Has 'Cool' Got A New Daddy?

BMW (re-)re-invents the Mini. This time to scale...

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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.}

[Or888t]

Great stuff, a properly modern MINI, that is mini!

[Beyond Rational]

I hate the big MINI and all of it's iterations (and generally it's owners) but this is innovative, well proportioned, functional, airy and a brilliant reworking of the original (IMHO).

Only concern is the use of carbon fibre externally, what kind of city 'knock' would it take to write the thing off?

[P4ROT]

Beyond Rational said:

I hate the big MINI and all of it's iterations (and generally it's owners) but this is innovative, well proportioned, functional, airy and a brilliant reworking of the original (IMHO).

Only concern is the use of carbon fibre externally, what kind of city 'knock' would it take to write the thing off?

How can you say you hate MINI drivers generally? wat is it that they do?

[jains15]

What.

The.

fk?


BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Diesel Fury]

Well, at least its the right size. I guess the design is ok-ish, but it seems a bit fussy in some ways. I'd say over designed, but I hate that phrase.

[Egg Chaser]

I swear all of MINI's designs are getting progressively uglier.

The only redeeming feature is that it is actually mini.

[Republik]

Could be good if it handles like the original Mini.

[Fleckers]

looks funky, wonder how much will make it in to production

[[AJ]]

Love the innovation, but agree it looks too fussy.

[itiejim]

Great return to the original concept IMHO. Surely more relevant than the Countryman?

[davepoth]

Wing mirrors are the right size...it's not a pie in the sky concept.

[grahamw48]

A small turd certainly.

Please stop the marketing bullst BMW.

[muppet42]

Well, I'm thankful it's not some new and completely stupid iteration of the current MINI, by which I'm mainly referring to the Countryman of course

Quite a few elements in there - nice of them to pay homage to the old SportKa with the centre exhaust/reverse light arrangement. Also, I like the idea of the rear lights - great for passing skateboarders to have Marty McFly tag-along moments. And of course, once they're done they can safely stow their boards in the handy rear rack/compartment/thingamajig

[DrRazzle]

That is rocking. Me want.

[vit4]

1) It looks like a Suzuki Alto from the front.

2) At least it's the right size. Didn't warrant a thread of its own, but took this photo earlier of my Astra and a friend's 08 MINI. Bare in mind the Astra was a family sized car not even 20 years before the MINI was built, and they're virtually the same size. If anything the MINI dwarfs mine a bit.

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Yeah......

but.......


How much Gold can it carry !!!????

[will261058]

When I first looked at the pics I thought too busy, too fussy but after reading the script I can see why and I like it. Still prefer the look of the bigger one though.

[doublelink]

It is a mess, no other comment covers it quite frankly!

[JD]

With both doors, and cars getting wider

I'm surprised the double hinged doors haven't become more popular, I'm sure there are some cars with these already, but can't remember any off the top of my head

Seems like quite a clever little concept overall

[Hellbound]

I like it. JCW version under £16k and it'll be a winner.