MINI says
its new Electric Concept is designed for urban areas, where short driving
distances and congested streets are ideal for a small car with batteries
instead of a fuel tank. Of course, such vehicles already exist, but Mini
promises this foray into the electric realm will bring “the iconic design,
city-dwelling heritage, and customary go-kart feeling” into the modern motoring
era.
From the
outside, there’s absolutely no mistaking this car for anything other than a
three-door Mini. It borrows the color scheme we saw on the Mini E some time
ago, contrasting the silver finish with yellow trim. The closed-off grille and
simulated air intakes plus the aerodynamic tweaks are also said to increase
operating range. No gasoline engine allows this design modification.
Since there
are no exhaust outlets, the Mini Electric Concept also gets a tweaked rear clip
with a rear. The look is enhanced
by bolt-on side panels, all of which Mini says are made of fiberglass in
order to keep weight gain under control. The British tail light treatment is
unique with each half representing the Union Jack.
MINI is shaping the future
of urban mobility by providing driving fun in increasing diversity. At this
2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the British premium brand shows how the MINI feeling will develop in future to
cover a broader range beyond the current model program.
The MINI Electric Concept showcased in Frankfurt for the first time embodies a whole new dimension of the brand's characteristic go-kart feeling. The concept vehicle conveys a message of sustainable urban transportation in MINI style while at the same time previewing a volume production model that will follow soon. The first purely electrically powered MINI to be manufactured in large-scale production will go on the road in 2019 – 60 years after the classic Mini was first launched.
Lots of driving fun on a small surface area – this traditional principle will remain an integral part of MINI in the future, too. It is a fundamental element of its character that is derived from spectacular motor racing success. 50 years ago the classic Mini achieved its third outright victory at the Monte Carlo Rally. The MINI ACV 30 concept study presented 20 years ago, demonstrated just how much the model's racing career influenced not only the history of the classic Mini but also the development of the modern MINI. The Anniversary Concept Vehicle that came out right on time to mark the 30th anniversary of the car's third triumph at the "Monte" showed how the classic Mini's characteristic design features – such as the hexagon radiator grille and the large circular headlamps – could be transferred to a modern vehicle concept. The foundation stone was laid for a new era full of driving fun and individual style in a variety of forms..
The MINI Electric Concept is
modern, purist and efficiently dynamic, providing a look ahead to a new form of
urban mobility free of local emissions that still guarantees unmistakable
driving fun. The spontaneous response of the electric motor to every movement
of the accelerator adds a whole new dimension to hallmark brand agility. The
powerful drive of the MINI Electric Concept draws its energy from a lithium-ion
battery, ensuring maximum range and typical MINI agility combined with
emission-
free mobility.The MINI Electric Concept not only stands for increased driving fun, it also adds a touch more style in local emission-free city traffic. Its design combines hallmark brand proportions and design features with specific details reflecting the fact that is purely electrically powered. Since the electric motor does not require cooling air, the hexagonal front grille is closed in order to enhance the car's aerodynamic properties. There are also fiber glass attachment parts that reduce aerodynamic drag. The paint finish in Reflection Silver and Interchange Yellow is reminiscent of the MINI E presented in 2008. Produced in a small series of some 600, the latter was subjected to field tests in everyday driving conditions, thereby providing key insights for the development of the purely electrically powered BMW i3.
The BMW Group announced in
July 2017 that the expansion of its model range to include electrically powered
vehicles was to be a central pillar of its corporate strategy. In this
connection, start of production of the first purely electric MINI was announced
for 2019. Based on the MINI 3 door, the electric vehicle will be manufactured
at the MINI plant in Oxford. Its drivetrain will be produced at the Dingolfing
and Landshut sites – the competence centers for e-mobility within the BMW Group
production network.
The world premiere of the MINI Electric Concept comes just a few months after the launch of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 – 13.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions from fuel: 52 – 49 g/km). The first plug-in hybrid model of the British brand is already paving the way for purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving fun. Thanks to its battery range of up to 42 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 effortlessly overcomes the limits of urban mobility without producing any CO2 emissions at all. And sustainable MINI feeling is ensured beyond city limits, too: a top speed of 125 km/h is possible in electric driving mode.
The world premiere of the MINI Electric Concept comes just a few months after the launch of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 – 13.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions from fuel: 52 – 49 g/km). The first plug-in hybrid model of the British brand is already paving the way for purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving fun. Thanks to its battery range of up to 42 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 effortlessly overcomes the limits of urban mobility without producing any CO2 emissions at all. And sustainable MINI feeling is ensured beyond city limits, too: a top speed of 125 km/h is possible in electric driving mode.
This means that pure electric power is already sufficient to take care of most everyday driving. The combustion engine comes into play if a higher level of performance is required. Together the two power units produce a system output of 165 kW/224 hp.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
with precisely controlled interplay between the combustion engine driving the
front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear wheels makes for an
intelligent all-wheel drive system that guarantees supreme driving fun in all
weather conditions and on all road surfaces.
MINI stated that the launch of a model variant with plug-in hybrid drive once again makes the MINI Countryman the pioneer of a whole new dimension of the typical go-kart feeling. The current generation of the MINI Countryman offers even more space than previous models for passengers and luggage plus a noticeable increase in ride comfort and functionality, as well as further advancements in the areas of sporty flair, efficiency and premium characteristics. In addition to the plug-in hybrid drive, there are three petrol engines and three diesel engines to choose from for the all-rounder, and the all-wheel drive system ALL4 is available for four of these models.
The success of the MINI Clubman shows just how well the British brand has now become established in the premium compact segment. In this hotly competed vehicle category, its unique body concept already sets it apart from the rest. With its strikingly long roof line, four side doors and the two split doors at the rear, the MINI Clubman is the modern interpretation of a classic shooting brake. Five fully-fledged seats, a large luggage compartment and a diverse range of options in terms of space distribution means the model perfectly meets mobility needs that go far beyond those of purely urban mobility. The MINI Clubman is likewise available with three petrol engines and three diesel engines. The two most powerful engines can be combined with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 on request.
MINI stated that the launch of a model variant with plug-in hybrid drive once again makes the MINI Countryman the pioneer of a whole new dimension of the typical go-kart feeling. The current generation of the MINI Countryman offers even more space than previous models for passengers and luggage plus a noticeable increase in ride comfort and functionality, as well as further advancements in the areas of sporty flair, efficiency and premium characteristics. In addition to the plug-in hybrid drive, there are three petrol engines and three diesel engines to choose from for the all-rounder, and the all-wheel drive system ALL4 is available for four of these models.
The success of the MINI Clubman shows just how well the British brand has now become established in the premium compact segment. In this hotly competed vehicle category, its unique body concept already sets it apart from the rest. With its strikingly long roof line, four side doors and the two split doors at the rear, the MINI Clubman is the modern interpretation of a classic shooting brake. Five fully-fledged seats, a large luggage compartment and a diverse range of options in terms of space distribution means the model perfectly meets mobility needs that go far beyond those of purely urban mobility. The MINI Clubman is likewise available with three petrol engines and three diesel engines. The two most powerful engines can be combined with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 on request.
The concept study of a MINI
Cooper for the 21st century was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 20 years
ago. A unique success story began shortly afterwards: the relaunch of the
British brand offered a new interpretation of its underlying principle – namely
maximum interior space and functionality within the smallest possible surface
area. The result was the first small car in the premium segment and a new
original. The MINI instantly aroused enthusiasm with its agile driving
properties, powerfully expressive design, fascinating tradition and individual
style.
The brand's classic body concept is also embodied in the latest generation of the MINI 3 door. With the very finest drive and chassis technology, progressive driver assistance systems and intelligent connectivity, it meets the needs of modern target groups who attach importance to driving fun, innovative technology, quality and character. The new MINI 5 door demonstrates how the tradition-steeped principle of the clever use of space can be advanced with a further increase in functionality that results from a body extended in length by 161 millimeters, two additional doors and three seats at the rear. The trio of small car originals is rounded off with the MINI Convertible. In its role as the sole premium convertible in the small car segment, the four-seater is still unrivalled in the current model generation.
Four gas engines and three diesel engines are available for the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door. The MINI Convertible is available in three petrol engine and two diesel engine variants.
The John Cooper Works models arouse passion for motor racing. The model selection currently encompasses four distinctive characters that all have one thing in common: an overall package – comprising engine, suspension and both exterior and interior design – which was developed on the basis of sound racing experience and fine-tuned on the race track. This makes MINI John Cooper Works the epitome of maximum performance in a premium small car.
The brand's classic body concept is also embodied in the latest generation of the MINI 3 door. With the very finest drive and chassis technology, progressive driver assistance systems and intelligent connectivity, it meets the needs of modern target groups who attach importance to driving fun, innovative technology, quality and character. The new MINI 5 door demonstrates how the tradition-steeped principle of the clever use of space can be advanced with a further increase in functionality that results from a body extended in length by 161 millimeters, two additional doors and three seats at the rear. The trio of small car originals is rounded off with the MINI Convertible. In its role as the sole premium convertible in the small car segment, the four-seater is still unrivalled in the current model generation.
Four gas engines and three diesel engines are available for the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door. The MINI Convertible is available in three petrol engine and two diesel engine variants.
The John Cooper Works models arouse passion for motor racing. The model selection currently encompasses four distinctive characters that all have one thing in common: an overall package – comprising engine, suspension and both exterior and interior design – which was developed on the basis of sound racing experience and fine-tuned on the race track. This makes MINI John Cooper Works the epitome of maximum performance in a premium small car.
The MINI John Cooper Works
Clubman and the
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman convey
intense race-track feeling combined with unlimited everyday practicality. Both
models put the power of their turbo engine on the road via the standard all-wheel
drive system ALL4.
PRESS RELEASES AND DATA FROM
MINI AND NOT VERIFIED
BRUCE HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
MOTORING TIMES
BEST DRIVES
No comments:
Post a Comment