2011 MINI Adds Paceman Review

Although no decision has been made about a future production version, Paceman could form yet another building block in the development of the MINI brand. MINI Paceman video :

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 Coupe 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 Coupe - urban and masculine.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance 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 grille is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman barring additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

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 that rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. 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 color. This is known as the `helmet' roof. The coupe-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 rather more to underline the powerful appearance of the study," explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

A new interpretation of the classic coupe design has given the MINI Paceman Concept a distinctive coupe tail that complements the athletic character of the car Loading .... 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 apron 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 4,110 millimeters in length, 1,789 millimeters in width and 1,541 millimeters in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has extremely short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go kart driving responses.

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 still further.

The slim center console, which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger, coalesces into the Center Rail pioneered by the MINI Countryman, thereby creating 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 in the main element of this ellipse.

Behind the front sports seats are two comfortably-shaped individual rear seats designed with backrests that merge distinctively into the seat sides in order to create fully contoured passenger support. The "club lounge" character thus created 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 palette. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre 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 develops 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 up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, but in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent can be directed to the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept is, of course, also available in two wheel drive form but harnessing the power of the punchy four-cylinder engine in all-wheel-drive form offers an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporting expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.

MINI chassis technology has been especially 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 and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

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.

"With the MINI Countryman having already opened up a fascinating new avenue in the expansion of the brand family, the designers are now tapping into the potential of its state-of-the-art drive technology and flexible space concept to develop additional market opportunities in a coupe sibling," explained Jochen Goller.

"The MINI Paceman Concept aims to deliver a particularly emotional driving experience and demonstrates this ability in a style typical of the brand. I believe we are offering clear evidence of how totally new vehicle concepts can still be developed through unconventional creativity," he concluded.

World premiere of the new MINI Paceman Concept.

MINI is marking an important milestone in its history by once again presenting a fascinating new vehicle concept for the MINI family - the MINI Paceman Concept. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signaled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS - taking place from 10-23 January 2011 - with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept could become another building block in the ongoing development of the brand and its product portfolio.

The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI - its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design - and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI with visual "muscle car" design cues, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos. They are confident types, who live according to their own style and express their distinctive individuality in a MINI, who use the big-city mobility the MINI provides to embark on voyages of discovery through the urban jungle, and who experience driving fun in its most concentrated form thanks to the excellent ride comfort of the MINI both in everyday driving and over long journeys.

The masculine design language of the MINI Paceman Concept spotlights both the stand-alone identity of the concept and its membership of the MINI family. The four-seater study, whose two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate mark it out unmistakably as a MINI, imbues the sporty, cutting-edge Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) category with undeniable appeal. The platform of the MINI Countryman, with its hallmark MINI proportions, increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defines the study's compact dimensions.

Exterior: Sports Activity Coupe - urban and masculine.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family front end, but adds its own distinctive flavor. The large headlights with chrome surrounds extend far into the front wings and, together with the strikingly contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing front end. The MINI Paceman Concept largely replicates the front grille design of the MINI Cooper S Countryman. However, additional intakes in the lower section of the front bumper ensure improved brake ventilation and combine with the study's deep-set foglamps to sharpen its sporting edge. The MINI Paceman Concept's fresh interpretation of the side scuttle at the transition from front wing to door houses both the side direction indicator and an air outlet. The side scuttle has a broad, sturdy-looking design and leads the eye from the A-pillar down towards the front wheel, making it an unmistakable, sporty, wheel-accentuating feature.

Large 19-inch wheels designed exclusively for the study car and dark wheel arch borders with side skirts highlighted in the same color team up with the familiar MINI shoulder line rising up slightly towards the rear to underline the car's sporty and powerful appearance. The MINI Paceman Concept shows off its roof contours particularly effectively. The flat roofline runs horizontally from front to rear, where it flows into a wide, transparent-looking C-pillar. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass, with the "helmet roof" - in a strikingly contrasting color - suspended on top. The coupe-specific windows taper as they extend to the rear, and combine with the slightly rising waistline to create a prominently dynamic wedge shape when viewed from the side. The classic MINI three-level split of roof, greenhouse and body is again clearly recognizable in this study vehicle.

"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 rather more," explains Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design, to underline the powerful appearance of the study. The new interpretation of the traditional coupe values (the word "coupe" comes from the French "couper" meaning "to cut off") produces a new homogeneous coupe tail which retains the unique MINI charm. Powerful proportions and the muscular design of the vehicle flanks, with their broad rear wings, reinforce its unconventional, athletic impression.

The newly interpreted rear lights are positioned at the outer edges of the rear and 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 apron of the MINI Paceman Concept has a diffuser design. The airflow is channeled between the twin-tailpipe exhaust on the underbody section, further optimizing the car's aerodynamic properties. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the air intake in the front bumper, forging a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The four-seater car measures 4,110 millimeters in length, 1,789 millimeters in width and 1,541 millimeters in height. In telltale family style, the
MINI Paceman Concept has extremely short overhangs, which lend particular emphasis to the car's athletic stature.

Interior: a blend of modern functionality and luxurious character.

The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws from the MINI design language, yet also comes across as refreshingly new. Behind the study's masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty core imbued with a premium sense of quality. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporty but functional impression it creates. Particularly large side air vents underline the character of the interior, which is defined by cutting-edge functionality. The central air vents, Center Speedo and gearshift lever are given broad surrounds in a contrasting color.

The slim center console, which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger, melts between the seats into the Center Rail familiar from the MINI Countryman, creating a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs through the middle of the passenger compartment back as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather pervade the interior of the MINI Paceman Concept and lend it an expressive, luxurious allure. The 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. At the same time, the communicative and communal character of MINI cars is clearly highlighted. Embedded in the elliptical main element are the shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system. Behind the sports seats are two comfortable individual seats, whose backrests merge boldly into side sections to create fully contoured supports. The "lounge" character that this creates underlines the individual, unconventional appearance of the study car and turns every journey into an experience for the rear passengers, as well as those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.

Both from a space point of view and in its chassis set-up, the
MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the most powerful drive unit currently available for a MINI to be fitted under the bonnet. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the means to achieve top-class levels of sports performance. The four-cylinder unit develops 155 kW/211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), which can be increased to as much as 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give the MINI concept study an ideal platform for the optionally available MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. This 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 up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. Harnessing the power of the brawny four-cylinder engines, in all-wheel-drive form the
MINI Paceman Concept would offer an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporty expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.

MINI chassis technology has been further developed for the
MINI Paceman Concept to turn the potential of the extremely powerful engines - safely and with impressive poise - into inspiring agility. Precise, sporty handling and excellent ride comfort set the MINI Paceman Concept apart. That is down not least to the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms, while Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance plays a major role in giving the SAC the agility customers expect of the brand. The multi-link rear axle was developed on the back of BMW Group chassis expertise and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

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 a modern, lifestyle-oriented target group but also stays true to the character of the brand.

With the MINI Countryman having already opened up a fascinating new avenue in the expansion of the brand family, the designers are now tapping into the potential of its state-of-the-art drive technology and flexible space concept once again to develop additional usage options in a coupe sibling. The
MINI Paceman Concept prioritizes a particularly emotional driving experience and demonstrates this ability in a style typical of the brand. Here you can find clear evidence of how totally new vehicle concepts can still be developed today through unconventional creativity.