FIRST SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPÉ IN THE SMALL PREMIUM SEGMENT.
The MINI design concept made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 10 2011. The MINI Paceman Concept was the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small segment of the market.
The MINI Paceman Concept study established a new category of car combining the fundamental MINI DNA - dynamic capability, individual design – and gave them a fresh twist with the help of cutting edge technology and an innovative new body concept. The Paceman combines the classical MINI concept with the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupé. The result is a MINI with visual 'muscle car' design cues, displaying its dynamic capability from every angle.
"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."
A MINI SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPÉ URBAN AND MASCULINE.
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.
The familiar MINI shoulder line rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept and as the waistline rises the flat roofline flows into a wide 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 colour. 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.
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 emphasise the wide track of the rear axle.
As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear apron of the MINI Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has extremely short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go kart driving responses.
All figures are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.