MINI is now demonstrating its potential for further enhancement of driving pleasure and diversity through another spectacular concept car, just a few months prior to the launch of the brand's fourth model announced for autumn 2010. The MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed consistently for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced options of the new MINI and combining these potentials with the vision of a radically open body concept. The concept of a brand-new type of vehicle proudly presented by MINI at the North American International Auto Show (16–24 January 2010) in Detroit.
MINI designers were inspired by the new MINI crossover production model, which they enhanced beyond the realms of urban mobility to create the MINI Beachcomber Concept. In creating this concept, they utilized the technical qualities of the production crossover model, and made adaptations to offer the ultimate expression of freedom. The result is a new open concept driving experience for all your senses, plus a greater degree of versatility than ever experienced before in a MINI. Unique, typical of MINI, and with a great role model from way back when.
With its robust structure and the drivetrain technology carried over from the Mini, this four-seater fun car became a great success particularly in the sunny regions of the USA and Australia. Production of the Mini Moke in Great Britain continued until 1968 with a production volume of some 14,500 units, following which production was continued in Australia and Portugal.
Even ALL4 all-wheel drive goes back to a role model from the past, to be precise a prototype Mini Moke fitted by Alec Issigonis with two engines in 1963. On this test car appropriately referred to as the 'Twini', the front and rear wheels were driven in each case by a four-cylinder from the Mini range of engines.
Modern and up-to-date from A–Z, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a wide range of innovations for consistent driving pleasure in the 21st century. The outstanding know-how in automotive development of a premium car maker in the areas of design, drivetrain, safety and production technology brings together the undiluted character of the concept car with a wide range of solutions most convincing in practice.
Following the MINI Crossover Concept opening up fascinating new options through the further extension of the brand family, the potential of the MINI's modern drivetrain technology and its flexible space concept is now being used consistently to offer additional driving opportunities in a new dimension. Indeed, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a particularly emotional driving experience, demonstrating these qualities once again in that unique style so typical of the brand. Clear proof, therefore, that unconventional creativity still serves today to open up the door to brand-new vehicle concepts pointing into a future bound to offer even more fascinating renditions of that unique feeling so characteristic of MINI.
