The latest concept from MINI, Rocketman, makes its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The urban-oriented vehicle builds atop the idea of the upcoming Megacity vehicle.
The study car brings back the exterior dimensions of the classic MINI, but with an infusion of new ideas and design language. The unique 3+1 seater features three doors and has length just over 3 meters, cater to the urban lifestyle in big cities.
MINI Rocketman makes use of lightweight design principles and an interior geared to maximum driving fun and unbeatable variability. 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-minimizing construction. Wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry into the MINI Rocketman Concept.
The MINI Rocketman Concept measures 3.419 meters (approx. 11 ft. 3 in.) in length, adding just a few extra centimeters to the front and rear of the brand’s founding father born in 1959. The new study is 1.907 meters. In person, the car resembles the classic Mini more than the official photos reveal and the obvious question arises: who can fit in the car? Wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry into the MINI Rocketman Concept, making it easier even for 6″2 tall people to slide in.
The roof of the MINI Rocketman Concept also puts on an extraordinary light show. The full-surface glass roof is segmented by illuminated braces to recreate the look of Britain’s Union Jack flag. When not illuminated, the longitudinal, horizontal and diagonal braces glow a bright Porcelain White.
The MINI Rocketman Concept also uses creative design and innovative technical solutions to open up new layout options for the luggage area. This enhances the versatility of the existing space and means it can be used more efficiently. The split two-part tailgate consists of one section which is attached to the roof and opens extremely high and a lower section which extends out 350 millimeters from the body in the form of a drawer unit.
Stay tuned for more news from Geneva!
