MINI Countryman; Paceman in 2012, WRC Edition

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When I opened this thread I couldn't stop stuttering for the next 30-40 seconds.

THAT was how ugly it was.
 
New Photos Of Countryman Dakar Racer

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More pictures via MotoringFile

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And the new press release: Link

Some highlights:

Driver: Guerlain Chicherit
Co-driver: Michel Périn
Output: 315 hp
Torque: ~ 700 Nm (516 ft. lbs.)
Displacement: 3.0L
Length/Width/Height in mm: 4,377 / 1,994 / 1,966
Fuel capacity: 420L
 
The more they try to milk it, the uglier it gets.

The New Mini was great, the Cabrio not so much, the van-like thing is worse, the Coutryman is hideous, and now this thing is not only absolutely awful from every angle, it can also be labeled as plain stupid. 👎
 
More MINI news, and a bit sudden too.

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MotoringFile
World Debut: The MINI Paceman (Crossover Coupe)

Today MINI takes the virtual wraps off of their latest concept vehicle: the Pacemen. The crossover coupe is based on a shortened Countryman (R60) platform and borrows a few prominent exterior elements as well. But there are also many new elements seen here for the first time that could give us a sneak peak at a future production MINI. The Paceman; lowered 20 mm in the roof and shod with 19″ wheels is the picture of British dynamic elegance. Think of it as a smaller Range Rover Evoq that doesn’t take itself quite as seriously. Or you could also consider it the Countryman version of the upcoming MINI Coupe; focused more on performance and style while eschewing some versatility.

Our sources at MINI tell us that no official production plans have been made for the Paceman, but MINI is already making plans early plans to do so. MINI would ideally like to do a three and five door version (with rear hinged doors chafed with the next Clubman) that both share the lower roofline. The platform is proven, and the production facility in Austria has room to grow so it’s all possible within the next few years. Beyond that, wouldn’t the Paceman be a great starting platform for a future WRC car?

The concept will debut at the Detroit International Auto Show in early January and we’ll be there to cover it all.
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MINI Press Release via MotoringFile
A MINI Crossover Coupé – urban and masculine.

Official Release: The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI face but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings, and together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation. The front bumper also includes new, deep-set fog lights. (Full gallery after the jump)

From the side, the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19-inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept and also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises, the flat roofline flows into a wider C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof ‘suspended’ on top and painted in a striking, contrasting white. This is known as the ‘helmet’ roof. The coupé-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.

“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

A new interpretation of the classic coupé design has given the MINI Paceman Concept a distinctive coupé tail that complements the athletic character of the car. New rear lights positioned at the outer edges of the broad, muscular rear wings underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasize the wide track of the rear axle.

As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear bumper of the MINI Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts and further enhances the car’s aerodynamic properties. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the front air intake in order to forge a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The MINI Paceman Concept measures 161.8″ in length, 70.4″ in width and 60.6″ in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go-kart responsiveness.

The interior: a blend of modern function and luxurious character.

The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws on MINI’s unique and distinctive design language, yet it also imparts a refreshing new look. Behind the study’s masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty interior environment that exudes premium quality and funky design. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporting yet functional impression it creates. The central air vents, central speedo and gearshift lever feature outer rings in a contrasting color, while large side air vents underline the MINI character further.

The slim center console — which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger — merges into the Center Rail pioneered by the MINI Countryman. This creates a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs along the centerline of the passenger compartment as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather lend an expression of luxurious allure to the interior of the MINI Paceman, while a new interpretation of the brand’s familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasizing the length of the interior. Shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system are embedded into the main element of this ellipse.

Behind the front sports seats are two contoured, individual rear seats are designed with backrests that merge distinctively into the seat sides in order to create fully contoured passenger support. The “club lounge” character underlines the individual and unconventional nature of the MINI Paceman Concept and helps turn every journey into an experience for the rear passengers every bit as much as it is for those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.
The MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the deployment of the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI range. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16-valve, four cylinder unit produces 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give this new MINI concept study an ideal platform for the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. ALL4 features an electromagnetic center differential positioned directly on the final drive, which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions 100 percent of the drive is sent to the front wheels, and in extreme situations as much as 50 percent can be directed to the rear.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.
MINI chassis technology has been specially developed for the MINI Paceman Concept to transform the potential of its potent engine into a driving experience that offers inspiring agility, impressive poise and always in complete safety. While it delivers precise and sporting handling it is the high standard of compliant ride comfort that truly sets the MINI Paceman Concept apart.

The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms which, combined with Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance, plays a major role in delivering the response and agility customers expect from a MINI. The Paceman’s multi-link rear axle was developed using proven BMW Group chassis expertise.

MINI Paceman Concept: an idea ahead of the game, once again.
The MINI Paceman Concept embodies the idea of an incomparable driving experience in a way that meets the needs of modern lifestyle-oriented customers, but it also remains true to the character of the MINI brand.
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More pictures: LINK
 
I love the MINI brand, but now they're just running out of ideas. Maybe they should bring back a REAL Mini, like the original or something. Who would've thought we'd have a Maxi-d Mini?
 
They are bringing back a smaller city car type MINI, it'll be shown at the Geneva auto show in March.
 
Well that's good and all, I just wish they'd sell like a, special edition, one that really is the original Mini (albeit with updated parts) but keep the same look as the old Mini. That'd garner more sales then the Countryman and Clubman alone. Today's take on a Mini is just a BMW hatchback, given a little Mini look. I say bring back the original!
 
That paceman looks cool. The rally/raid car is an oxymoron.
 
*jawdrop*
beemer, don't you DARE change much, and I'll be waitin at the door with my checkbook...
 
Really? People actually like this Paceman concept?

I think it's the worst one yet. The colour doesn't help but it looks like a frog. The Countryman isn't pretty but at least it has some semblance of practicality, wheras this is Countryman ugly without the benefits.

I normally like crossovers but this thing is awful.

Stupidest name yet too. PacMan would have been more appropriate.
 
GT_Prologue5
Well that's good and all, I just wish they'd sell like a, special edition, one that really is the original Mini (albeit with updated parts) but keep the same look as the old Mini. That'd garner more sales then the Countryman and Clubman alone. Today's take on a Mini is just a BMW hatchback, given a little Mini look. I say bring back the original!
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It would never pass EU safety regulations for crash and pedestrian safety. They'd have to mess with the proportions a bit too much to get it to fit in and then it wouldn't look like a Mini. That's why my MINI looks so goofy, it's so when I hit someone with my car they have less of a chance of dying or something.

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On the Paceman, I was with it right up until they said All4. I want a full 50/50 AWD system all the time so I can tear it up rally style.
 
Home: the reason us yanks are drooling is because it actually looks big enough to sit in without being 5 mm from the passengers! i still believe we have a bigger sense of personal space over here than the rest of the world.
 
Sniffs
Home: the reason us yanks are drooling is because it actually looks big enough to sit in without being 5 mm from the passengers! i still believe we have a bigger sense of personal space over here than the rest of the world.
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It's nothing to do with that. The MINI Countryman already exists to serve the purpose of being a bigger MINI. The Paceman is just an even uglier and less practical version of the countryman.

And lets face it, if you don't want a small car, don't buy a MINI. Simple as. Unlike many other people I don't actually mind all the different MINI variants. BMW's car has never been a "successor" to the original MINI and was never meant to be, no more than the current Beetle is supposed to be a "peoples car" for today.

I just think the monstrosity above is a niche too far.

Production cars:
MINI - small, fun, retro
MINI Clubman - less small, fun, retro, flawed
MINI Convertible - small, fun, camp
MINI Countryman - bigger, fun-ish, practical, ugly

Concepts:
MINI e-scooter - clever, eco-friendly, tacky details
MINI Coupe concept - small, funky, odd
MINI Roadster concept - small, vaguely pointless
MINI Paceman - stupid, stupid, stupid

Of the production cars I think each variant has their merits, even the Clubman which many don't seem to like. It doesn't compromise on any of the normal MINI attributes, but does have a bit more useable trunk. The 'vert is a 'vert and so appeals to a certain audience, and it's still fun so that's fine by me, even though I'm not a fan. The Countryman is all kinds of ugly but from what I've heard it's still fun to drive and can seat four or five normal-sized people happily.

Of the concepts, the scooter is a new idea and quite shrewd too. It's going to get harder in future for people to drive around city centres and in places like London, 1 in 10 vehicles is already a motorcycle or scooter. That proportion is probably even more in Rome, Paris etc. Making it electric immediately exempts it from any pollution regulations, and making it a MINI gives it a good brand name and allows them to charge an extra 'x' amount than it would if it wasn't a MINI - so could be very profitable.

I'm not keen on the coupe and roadster concepts. The coupe is at least interesting but I can't see how it'd add to the MINI experience in any real way, and ditto the roadster which to me just looks like a pancaked MINI convertible which can only fit two college girls rather than four.

And as I've already remarked, the Paceman is just a badly-proportioned remake of the Countryman with two fewer doors, making it significantly more pointless, and since it's taller like the Countryman it's not going to handle as well as a normal MINI either (if the Countryman is anything to go by, it somehow manages to have a choppy ride in a straight line yet wallow in the corners, which is quite the feat of physics).

So yeah, if you've not guessed by now, I think it's stupid.
 
Well, what I'm thinking (and hoping) is that this'll be like a 22b or 2-door Impreza: the fast, rare one.
 
I think it's pretty cool, and it does make me wish that they'd do a Nissan Juke Coupe to go up against it.
 
Mini Beachcomber development stalled.

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Autoblog
If you were hoping to be able to take to the sand in the production version of the Mini Beachcomber sometime soon, we may have some bad news for you. According to the minds at Autocar, the open-air Mini may have encountered some fatal trouble when it came to getting by crash standards. The report says that in order for the Beachcomber to get past government regulators, the company would have been forced to incorporate additional side bracing to protect occupants in the event of a collision. According to the UK, the decision makers at Mini have determined that doing so would have compromised the vehicle's styling too much to be worth it.

As you may recall, the Beachcomber was intended to be a modern interpretation of the old Mini Moke, a funky looking machine that seemed more at home on a golf course than a highway. Based on the Countryman architecture, the Beachcomber would have been a less hardcore alternative to the famously doorless Jeep Wrangler. Whether or not Mini finds a way to skirt these crash regulations remains to be seen, but we wouldn't be surprised if this particular concept is banished to realm of never-produced.
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This is what you get for valuing safety higher than being cool. Being cool is ALWAYS the most import consideration in any decision. Shame on the people of the world for being boring! I'll try not to disassemble this car's demise into a rant about people submitting to the wills of government, even though that is what this boils down to.

People, be brave. Be strong. Tell your country's transportation safety board to suck it so Mini can built this Beachcomber, we can all buy one, and we can all be too cool for school!
 
Sounds like they need to have a meeting with Jeep.


Conveniently enough, they just have to go to Italy.
 
Is the Wrangler still sold without doors though? If regs have changed so that even that car isn't allowed to be sold without side-impact braced doors any more then there's little hope for the MINI, which I expect is lower than the Jeep and therefore more vulnerable.

The last car I remember to be sold in the UK without "doors" as such was the Smart Crossblade.

I'm fairly sure those basic door bars were Smart's way of getting around the impact regulations. They opened upwards which was possible in the roofless Smart but I can't see a similar thing working in the MINI.
 
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Motoring file is reporting the MINI Countryman has crashed out of the Dakar. Fortunately the driver is OK, albeit a little banged up.

Motoring File
MINI X-raid Team Crashes out at Dakar

It’s over. MINI is out at Dakar thanks to a dramatic accident. Guerlain Chicherit had an accident behind the wheel of the MINI Countryman during a test drive he took on the rest day in Arica. The X-Raid Team driver suffered from a head trauma, which – fortunately – did not need for him to be taken to the Arica hospital; Chicherit was just kept under observation in the medical antenna of the rally organization on Saturday evening.

The Countryman on the other hand didn’t fare as well being terminally damaged in the accident. According to Sven Quandt, X-Raid Team Manager the car flipped end-over-end a couple of time before coming to rest. The team looked into repairing the Countryman but a lack of time and parts ruled that possibility.
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homeforsummer
Is the Wrangler still sold without doors though? If regs have changed so that even that car isn't allowed to be sold without side-impact braced doors any more then there's little hope for the MINI, which I expect is lower than the Jeep and therefore more vulnerable.
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The Wrangler has been granted special permission because Chrysler begged the government to leave it alone or they would go out of business and put billions of Americans out of work building Wranglers.

Wranglers have no side-impact safety to speak of. The doors are still 3 inches thick like they were back in the 70s and they're still removable too. This is most likely the reason Mini thought they could get away with it - because it doesn't even matter - but as usual our government likes to pick and choose who can do what.

Also, Dakar: Why didn't anybody tell me this was going on?
 
Paceman is a go for production:

Motoring File
The Paceman to Arrive in Late 2012
We’ve known for some time that the Paceman would be built and in Magna Steyr’s Austrian plant (along side the Countryman). But until today we didn’t know exactly when. The Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung is reporting that BMW development head Klaus Draeger expects the Paceman to hit dealer showrooms in late 2012 as a 2013 model.

BMW expects to move around 20,000 of the “sport activity coupes” or about 20% of what the Countryman does annually. What about changes to the car from the concept? The two big ones we know about will be two suicide doors giving rear passengers excellent access to the two seats in the back. Otherwise expect the Countryman based interior to be largely carried over.

But what about the name?

While nothing has been finalized we know one thing, it won’t be called the Paceman. But more on that later.
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And it looks like they might do a WRC edition of the Countryman, my only hope is that it's a street legal rally car and not just stickers.

Motoring File
Rumor: MINI to Release WRC Edition Countryman?

Rumors have been swirling for over a year now that MINI has something special planned for the Countryman. We’re hearing it’s a mix of the WRC race car with a dash of Cayenne Turbo thrown in for good measure. The result, while vague at the moment, sounds fantastic to us. Imagine a road going version of the wide-body MINI Countryman WRC with more power (something a little higher than the 211 on the current JCW MINI) and performance oriented all wheel drive. Oh and a wide body kit that will make you drool.

We’ve talked about this before as MINI’s next GP. Ideologically it would be quite different from the GP. But our sources have been telling us for quite awhile that MINI wants to create something very performance oriented to help sell the idea that the Countryman as a performance vehicle.

We’ll have more as the plot starts to thicken. Until then, sign us up.
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