The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33538
Paceman Concept Makes Detroit Debut In what has become something of a tradition for MINI, the company introduced their latest design study, previously called the “Canyon Concept” at the North American International Auto Show this past January. The “Canyon Concept,” now named Paceman, is essentially a two-door Countryman and has been quietly talked about for the past year as the next addi- tion to the MINI lineup. center pod instrumentation and other essential MINI cues in place. Under the hood there are certainly no surprises. Power train choices for Paceman remain the same as with other MINI models – a choice between a transversely mounted 1.6L I-4 or an optional turbocharged version of the same. And like the Countryman, the Paceman two-door will also be available with the optional all-wheel drive system available on Countryman models. As for pricing… who knows? However, we would bet on a starting MSRP somewhere in the mid- to high twenties for a base model. More information and photos are located at: www.mc2magazine.com/News.cfm. Warming Takes The Reins At MINI Design By now, most MINIistas have Even though the company doesn’t mention it anywhere, we have to believe the Paceman showcases the last “official” design work to come from the pen of Gert Hildebrand, the styling guru behind the Countryman and other MINI models. Hildebrand left MINI at the end of 2010 and was replaced by Anders Warming (formerly head of BMW Exterior Design), so it is understandable that his efforts on this design will understand- heard that Anders Warming has been named to replace Gert Hildebrand as head of MINI Design as of the first of this year. Prior to his appointment to MINI, Warming was head of Exterior Design for BMW. The Danish-born Warm- ing is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design and began his career with BMW in 1997, when he went to work for the company’s Designwork- sUSA (Newbury Park, California). In 2005 he became a Team Leader for Advanced Design, BMW Group, and in 2007 was appointed head of Exterior Design for BMW Automobiles. Notable designs created under his stewardship include the Z4, 5-Series, Concept 6-Series Coupé. What Warming’s effect on the direction of MINI styling will ably be downplayed. But although Hildebrand is officially in semi-retirement, rumors are currently circulating that he been offered a design post with either Lotus or GM Europe. In the meantime, the Paceman Concept is making the rounds of the International Auto Shows. It debuted in Detroit and will be shown in Geneva and other big shows around the world. In keeping with BMW/MINI’s usual actions regarding concept vehicles, we think that the odds are good that the Paceman will see production starting late in 2012, although 2013 seems a little more likely, as the Coupé and Roadster models are set to debut first. One thing is sure, the Paceman promises to be at least as controversial as the Countryman has been, if only because it is the first two-door compact SUV in the marketplace and it could compete directly against the MINI hatchback, but with the advantages of optional all-wheel drive, a larger rear seating area, plus slightly more luggage space and a beefier all- around stance. (MINI purists will no doubt scream about this!) Before we see this model hit the streets, there is still some solidifying of the Countryman niche within the MINI brand to do and the building and marketing of the two new models to come. The company is going to be very busy over the next few years just trying to keep up with it all. Certainly, marketing the new models will be a challenge for the MINIUSA, which has seen drastic staff cutbacks over the past 18 months. Styling wise, this newest effort offers some interesting cues. The front clip is virtually unchanged from the Countryman, but the two-door body is all new and the rear “helmet” roof line is borrowed from the new Coupé. The inside hasn’t been shown yet, but he artist drawings indicate a further move forward for the MINI interior, but still keeping the oval door furniture, 14 www.mc2magazine.com be remains unclear at the moment, but this hands-on designer has shown that he as a great eye for stylistic lines, as is evi- denced by the graceful lines of both the Z4 and the 5-Series cars. Like his predecessor, Warming is known to be both a pas- sionate and prolific designer of cars, and if you don’t believe us, just check out his exceptionally futuristic and slinky GINA Concept (www.bmwusa.com). One thing is sure, with Warmer in charge of MINI Design, the look of MINIs as we know them is going to change. No doubt it will be an evolutionary change at first, but ultimately MINIs are going to look a lot different than they do now. Sordo Joins MINI WRC Team The 27-year old Spanish driver Daniel “Dani” Sordo will has signed on to join the MINI WRC Team in the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship and will team up with Kris Meeke (GB) this coming season. “There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding MINI’s return to the WRC, so to be part of this new team is a fantastic opportunity for me,” says Sordo. “I’m sure MINI has a big future in the sport. I’m looking forward to working with Kris Meeke, having completed a very successful test with him in Sardinia last November.” Sordo is an experienced and successful WRC contender, having participated in the championship since 2003 and driv- ing in the same team as Sébastien Loeb – a seven time World Rally Champion (2004-2010) – for several seasons. He is a former Junior World Rally Champion, and to date in the WRC has mini news