MINI SUV coming

Based on MINI Clubman wagon

BMW is about to release this year the wagon version of the new MINI named, Clubman. Rumors say that parent company BMW has already given the approval to produce yet another derivative to be added to the MINI model range. It will be a compact SUV reminiscent of the very first MINI off-roaders, Austin Ant and MINI Moke. BMW marketers would most likely re-use the iconic name of the latter which saw 50,000 units built back in the Sixties.

Since an SUV will be of particular interest for the U.S. market, BMW’s California based Designworks Studios have already given the variant some thought. Exploiting the flexible production line capabilities of BMW's U.S. Spartanburg plant, the MINI Moke could possibly be built alongside the BMW X5 and Z4 Roadster. However, the Moke's release is not expected until the end of the decade.
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Monk - 6/6/2007 11:06:32 PM

+2 Boost

is this excessive? mabye/maybe not

lexusis350 - 6/6/2007 11:06:39 PM

+2 Boost

It's alright, but there's something weird looking about it.

vcowman - 6/7/2007 12:04:40 AM

+4 Boost

MINI SUV? Its an Oxymoron!

dumpsty - 6/7/2007 7:59:46 AM

0 Boost

Who said an SUV had to be a big vehicle?

All these smaller "wagons" (Matrix/Vibe, PT Cruiser, HHR, Caliber, Rondo, xB, etc.) could be catagorized as mini- or compact-SUVs. The Mini SUV would be small, but really stylish...it'll basically redefine the term "Cute-Ute".

S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2007 12:49:57 AM

-1 Boost

The lights are weird. This shouldn't happen; it would clearly be a ploy for more profits, devised by BMW. Keep Mini as simple as possible.

matt635 - 6/7/2007 4:17:27 AM

+1 Boost

"it would clearly be a ploy for more profits"

Isn't that the idea of being in business? You could say the same of any new model!

"Audi A5, Clearly a ploy for more profits!"
"Porsche Panamera, Clearly a ploy for more profits!"
"Lexus LS600h, Clearly a ploy for more profits!"
"Mercedes SLR Mclaren 722, Clearly a ploy for more profits!"

See it works with almost anything!

I do agree though that the Photochop above is f-ugly, look at how small the rear doors are!

JUGNU - 6/7/2007 6:50:38 AM

+2 Boost

A MINI SUV will be a mistake.

JUGNU

dumpsty - 6/7/2007 8:03:46 AM

0 Boost

I think BMW is being careful in building the Mini brand name. Mini itself must have a couple variants to continue to be profitable in the future. The Clubman and a possible SUV is just enough for the "boutique" type brand.

Caddyman07 - 6/7/2007 1:04:59 PM

0 Boost

Cooper, Clubman, and Moke...
I guess...

Colmfarl - 6/7/2007 4:26:48 PM

0 Boost

Isn't there a hint of the Porsche Cayenne about it? Nevertheless, it's a great brand to build on and many people just love it's 'cuteness' and fun experience associated with the image.

M53R - 6/8/2007 12:22:58 PM

0 Boost

It looks like a bug.... somehow..