Could A MINI Superleggera Vision Coupe Be The Answer To The BRZ And FR-S?

By now, we’ve already told you all about the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept roadster that was presented at last week’s Concours d’Elegance at Villa d’Este in Italy. We also told you about MINI’s debate as to whether or not such a model would be feasible. But now, we have this stunning rendering of what a Superleggera coupe could look like, and we have to say that we think its design - courtesy of RM.Design - is undoubtedly worthy of a production green-light.

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MattDarringer - 6/2/2014 3:09:25 PM

+2 Boost

The simple answer is a resounding NO. Should they build the Superleggera? Yes. Will it sell? Yes. Is it a competitor to the BRZ? NOPE! The Superleggera is a front wheel drive architecture and would not have the same driving dynamics that the affordable RWD coupe segment (BRZ, FRS, Genesis Coupe, Mustang) can offer for the same price.

Mini's buyer demographics are a bit of good news and bad news. The good news is that middle-aged women are a strong part of the buyer demographic, but the bad news is that men who are car enthusiasts are not immediately drawn to Mini. The Superleggera would be an attempt to lure them.

A better idea would be for BMW to create a simple and inexpensive RWD platform to use to resurrect Triumph (which could be sold through Mini dealers) a Z2, and possibly a 2002.

Driver77 - 6/2/2014 4:15:50 PM

+1 Boost

Good point Matt. That said, I'm curious (question for Matt): have you ever worked as an automotive sales professional?

MattDarringer - 6/2/2014 5:57:47 PM

+1 Boost

The only place where I have actually sold cars to customers is via the internet (Jensen Interceptor redos, 2 Iso Grifos, TVR flips as track cars, 60s restomodded Chevy pickups, restored or restomodded Mustangs, and some Chargers). I recently got 2 Noble M400s to flip and sell as track cars. I honestly don't have the time in my schedule to be on a lot and the car part of my day is not even the main focus. I would find it quite interesting I'm sure to sell cars the the psych degree in my head LOL. I am VERY aware of the sales and the demographics of the buyers that the dealers we own interest in are targeting. For whatever season Mini has done incredibly well with middle aged women and divorcees. Wished we had our finger in a Mini dealer. Pure profit. Bakersfield does not have one and Mini does not see the potential of the market despite a plethora of Minis on the streets. For whatever reason the Fiat 500 has done very well with middle aged men. The 500 began as such a dud, but now it is selling nicely.

mini22 - 6/2/2014 3:26:50 PM

+2 Boost

Right on Matt-Start a Triumph petition!!

CarCrazedinCali - 6/2/2014 4:14:05 PM

+1 Boost

I have never seen a customer that cross shopped the Roadster/Coupe which the Concept would austensibly replace, but I suppose some people might and those people would probably care less if the car is FWD or RWD, they must simply want a fun to drive and stylish sports car... A RWD MINI would be so cool imo and so would an AWD, not to mention an electric or hybrid version which could also be coming...

40flash - 6/2/2014 10:16:15 PM

+1 Boost

As a BRZ owner, I think that the mini coupe is beautiful at least from that angle. With that said though, life is way too short to drive FWD. I've had a bunch of FWD drive cars in the past, both street and race cars. I don't care how good it looks, it can't possibly be as much fun to drive as a rear drive car.
Put that beautiful body on a 2 series or a Z4 platform and sell it! Think of the development costs it would save. They have 90% of the parts in their parts bin already.