Mini's model line is expanding at an exponential rate, and according to BMW's smallest division, the Paceman Concept will form the basis of its eighth production vehicle. Even if that's the case, nothing resembling the Paceman is going to beat either the Mini Coupe or Roadster to market, which are expected to hit dealers in late 2011 and 2012, respectively.
The MINI Paceman Concept is the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small segment of the market. The Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept study establishes a new category of car combining the fundamental MINI DNA - dynamic capability, individual design - and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting edge technology and an innovative new body concept. The MINI Paceman combines the classical MINI concept car with the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe. The result is a MINI with visual 'muscle car' design cues, displaying its dynamic capability from every angle.
A new MINI design concept will make its debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held between January 10 and 23, 2011. The Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavour. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings and, together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasise 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 Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars 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 Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars 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 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.
The Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept measures 4,110 millimetres in length, 1,789 millimetres in width and 1,541 millimetres in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has extremely short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go kart driving responses.
The Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars 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 centre 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 Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars 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.
Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept