Mini design chief Oliver Heilmer said his team will investigate the scope for new models beyond the five so-called ‘superheroes’ that constitute today’s range, which will be completed in 2019 with the arrival of the Mini EV.
Although Mini is committed to this strategy for the medium term, Heilmer believes it is vital to explore other options: “I’m not saying it’s wrong, but it’s good to ask if it’s going to last.”
Heilmer is no stranger to exploring Mini variations, having helped produce the virtual body variations displayed at the 2000 Paris motor show (below), including a pickup, a cabriolet and the Clubman. For this exploration, Heilmer plans to use the same thought process that yielded the original 1959 Mini.
He said: “The first Mini was built out of a need. I would like to understand what the needs in the next five to six years will be. We want to look at customers who are 13, 14, 15 years old now. What is their aesthetic approach? It’s obviously influenced by smartphones. But if we understand it right, we can bring this into the future.”
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zzzzzz28
other style
It was like New Era's Mini Coupe and I liked it.
It is unfortunate that they are not currently offering that fun variation.
owenmahamilton
I hope they build
The Superleggera, it looked amazing.
Hiver747
Just make great design
Instead of talking to kids they should focus on making authentic and pretty designs that are true to the ethos of Mini. Simple, leightweight, fun, compact anda little cheeky.
Something that brings a smile to your face and your journey. The last Minis are all bloated, heavy, with to many creases and lines, and just somewhat fuzzy designs. Keep it simple please.
Cobnapint
How about going back to pre-2014 styles
The latest ones look hideous. In fact I'd go further than that, they are an embarrassment to the Mini marquee.
Ski Kid
agree with you pre 14 looks the best
The rear lights look horrendous on new model and the 4 door design around the windows looks as though it was designed with a meccano set mentality looks cheap and nasty compared to the frameless 2 door version.My daughter likes the pre 14 models put the petrol no good as too polluting hence the ved tax compared to her Yaris which is miniscule.will she go for a 14 diesel ?? probably FIAT 500.
Bob Cholmondeley
Cobnapint wrote:
Couldn't agree more.
TStag
Build a Mini Mini. Find a way
Build a Mini Mini. Find a way!
BertoniBertone
In a straight-jacket.....
Just looking at all the comments so far....'Keep it simple'....'Find a way'.....Admirable for their enthusiam but very thin of substance ...on the 'how'. Why ? Because BMW is stuck with Mini. Frank Stephenson et al 're-imagined' it a while back and we've had Alex Warmer and a host of other designers making heavy use of the photocopier 'enlarge' key ever since. If BMW doesn't go back to the first principles of Issigonis, then I can see no way other than maintaining the current (and sometimes borderline preposterous) "variations on a Mini G string"..... Let's face it: if BMW hadn't branched out into FWD and AWD at the lowest end of its range the development costs for the Mini would now be deeply uneconomic. At the moment, I see no other option than the "same old, same old" approach: ie. well-built, tech-laden and expensive alternatives for people who wouldn't be seen dead in the sham Fiat 500 (Panda in a party-frock), oddly proportioned and expensive 'new' Beetle or the endless cheapo run-arounds from PSA and Renaults.... Mini is, in effect, the 'bauble-end' of the BMW range: good marketing, cheeky style but, ultimately, not great design.
Hiver747
Alex Warmer?
I am sure you mean Anders Warming, the Danish designer?
MrJ
The latest Minis are bloated
The latest Minis are bloated and ugly. Back to the future please Mini, with a clean and taut lines.
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