2014 MINI Superleggera Vision Concept

This exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan. The MINI Superleggera™ Vision is on the one hand a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. In collaboration wîth MINI, Touring Superleggera™ has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction wîth the MINI's authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal. (conceptcarz.com)

The cabin is awash in aluminum and leather trim, but it's a generally minimalist design. The overall theme blends more classic roadster characteristics with traditional Mini touches, and is most notable when looking at the large, thin-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel harkens back to old British roadsters. That's accented by the centrally mounted speedometer and the column-mounted tachometer, both classic Mini features. Under hood, there's an electric drivetrain, although completely absent of any details on it. (autoblog.com)

Update March 2015: According to Car magazine in the UK, the droptop has a green light for production from the BMW board and could arrive in showrooms by 2018. However, the company’s top executive, Peter Schwarzenbauer was quick to dismiss such allegations. (autoevolution.com)

(Photos from conceptcarz.com & classicdriver.com)

2011 MINI Rocketman Concept

The study car, which made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, harked back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions, while its technology points to the future of automotive design. A 3+1-seater with 3 doors and a length of just over 3 metres (approx. 10 ft.), the MINI Rocketman Concept responds to the fundamental requirements of mobile lifestyles in the big cities of the future. A carbon spaceframe construction, whose striking surface structure is visible at the front end of the car, around its doors and in the interior, forms the basis for a weight-minimising construction. Wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry into the MINI Rocketman Concept. The lightweight seats are contoured in customary MINI style and can be arranged in a variety of different positions. Large wheels and the three-level structural split of body, "wraparound" greenhouse and roof resting on top give the flanks the same appearance as the MINI models already in series production. The rear lights of the MINI Rocketman Concept have a trapezoidal stirrup design - into which all the light functions are integrated - and work using projector technology. Mini's new Connected infotainment system is displayed via three-dimensional graphics on the interactive speedometer screen, and there's even a steering wheel-mounted joystick to operate the whole slew of functions. (netcarshow.com & autoblog.com)

As reported in 2012, BMW, who owns the Mini brand, had shelved the plans to produce the Rocketman citing problems in stability, handling and crash performance of a baby Mini, and considerable amounts wold have to be invested to make a Mini Rocketman-sized city car meet current regulations. (carmagazine.co.uk)

A London and Team GB-inspired version of its Mini Rocketman Concept 

was designed for the London 2012 Olympic games.

(Photos from autoblog.com, netcarshow.com & pocket-lint.com)