3:28 am, December 19, 2010
FURTHER proof that BMW is committed in developing the Mini brand comes with the news of a coupe SUV concept.
Called the Paceman, the concept showcases the firm’s interest in entering the fashionable coupe SUV market – arguably the domain of Range Rover’s Evoque.
The concept will debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January; and the timing is deliberate says BMW.
‘It is ten years exactly since the new Mini was launched to the US market so there is a happy symmetry in presenting an all-new concept at the Detroit Show,’ said Jochen Goller, Mini director for BMW UK Ltd.
‘Following last year’s launch of the Mini Countryman and the forthcoming launches of the Mini Coupé and Roadster, the Paceman Concept shows once again not only the innovative spirit and adventure among its design team, but also the potential breadth of the Mini brand as it grows and develops.’
‘Growth’ and ‘development’ are the right words as the Paceman builds on the Countryman. The four-door car’s grille is retained for the concept, as is the traditional Mini high shoulder line. But the roof and glass treatment is all new for the car and is referred to as a ‘helmet’ roof.
The firm says that the concept has been ‘designed’ for the 211bhp, John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine, coupled with permanent ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.
According to Auto Express if the Paceman became a production reality, the car would sit alongside the Countryman. However, BMW says there are no plans for the model’s production.
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