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Mini teases one-box concept — a Mini-van

Mini appears poised to unveil its first van concept if this just-released teaser image is anything to go by. The brand showed a teaser image for the Vision Urbanaut on Twitter, calling the vehicle "an urban oasis." https://twitter.com/MINI/status/1328352146224418816?s=20 Mini previously offered a panel-van version of the Clubman, but the Urbanaut concept appears to be a much differerent one-box design. Its ultra-short frontal area suggests it does not utilize the current Mini platform. Instead, this is likely an EV, with its batteries packaged under the floor. The concept, then, could also debut a new dedicated EV platform for Mini. (Mini's current electric car, the Cooper SE, is a battery-powered version of the standard Mini hardtop.) Based on its profile, the Urbanaut concept does not appear to be a preview of any of the future models the brand has recently discussed. Those include two new crossovers, a BMW X1–sized model that revives the Paceman nameplate and a second entry built on BMW's RWD platform and possibly called Traveler. However, the brand also mentioned adding more EVs, and that could be where the Urbanaut fits in. Of course, the Urbanaut also could end up going nowhere, like the Rocketman concept that failed to launch. Still, a tiny-sized van does strike us as an intriguing and brand-correct new model for Mini — certainly more so than another large-ish crossover. We'll be interested to learn more about the Urbanaut. Related Video:

Mini Superleggera patent renderings suggest production prospects

Mini impressed us all when it revealed the Superleggera Vision concept at the Paris Motor Show a couple of months ago. But even before the little roadster concept debuted, there were already rumors of its production potential. And those rumors are only being further entrenched by the emergence of a series of patent renderings. Bearing much more than a passing resemblance to the concept, these images show what could be a revised, production version of the Superleggera, though not without its concessions to reality. For one thing, it looks like it's got a proper framed windshield, but it's hard to tell with the roof in place – something we never saw on the concept, either. It's also got more substantial wing mirrors, but the fin on the rear deck is still there, as are the extractor vents on the hood. We also note that the grille openings are the same shape as the concept's. Of course, the emergence of these images and their filing with the relevant authorities doesn't necessarily mean that Mini is moving ahead with the roadster's production. But if it did, it would likely ditch the concept's electric powertrain, and could stand to fill the void left by the discontinuation of the maligned, outgoing Mini Roadster that was essentially a scrunched Cabriolet with a cowling where the rear seats and stacked roof would be. Parent company BMW is likely taking into account that its rival Daimler didn't have much luck when it slotted a unique roadster of its own into the Smart lineup, so here's hoping that if it does give the Superleggera the green light, it'll have more success in the marketplace.

2014 Mini Cooper interior spied uncovered in China

As we approach the November 18 debut of the new Mini Hardtop, the trickle of news is starting to increase. We've already shown you the exterior of the new hatchback, and now we can show you the interior. These images, captured by Car News China, show a cabin that maintains a few key Mini styling items, but is a fairly progressive evolution of the current R56 model.
Mini's most iconic interior treatment, its center-mounted speedometer, is now gone. The new speedo sits atop the steering column, flanked by a (too tiny, in our opinion) tachometer. In the speedometer's former position are the radio controls. Our friends in China put it best when they say, "The large dial is much uglier than before." There's a mass of buttons and unfriendly black plastic that, at first glance, look far cheaper than the rest of the cabin. Of course, we'll wait to see how this is all ironed out for the production-spec car.
The other parts of the interior, however, look quite good. There's a small bank of toggle buttons at the bottom of the center stack, and the checkerboard dash insert looks clean as well. The seats sport extensions for the bottom cushions, meaning there'll be the option of more support for drivers with longer legs. GTI fans might also notice the plaid bolsters on the seats. Mini's treatment is a bit more subtle than what you'd see on a Volkswagen, though.