MINI unveils Superleggera Vision concept

MINIMINI (BMW)Germany, 2000 > present15 models
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will be represented at this year's Concorso d' Eleganza Villa d'Este by a unique roadster. The MINI Superleggera VisionMINI (BMW) Superleggera V...Germany, 2014 > present is a unique vehicle that was developed in collaboration with the Italian design firm Touring Superleggera.

The vehicle can be a decisive factor in ensuring a step towards a future model to compete with the Mazda MX-5, an old dream of MINI. The Superleggera Vision will represent the BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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Group alongside the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé WaterspeedRolls-Royce Phantom Droph...United Kingdom, 2014 > present and the BMW Vision Future LuxuryBMW Vision Future LuxuryGermany, 2014 > 2014.

A mixture of modern British design and traditional Italian style, the Superleggera Vision is a strong indication of a convertible model to replace the roadster and coupé models of the MINI range that will become the new flagship model.

With this partnership with Touring Superleggera, MINI continues the link between BMW and Italian design companies, which have been responsible for producing concepts for the Concorso d'Eleganza.

While MINI was responsible for the exterior design of the two-seater, the Touring Superleggera was in charge of molding the body.

"The Superleggera perpetuates what the classic Mini started 55 years ago: reduction to the essentials. Its minimalistic design embodies the dynamic essence of an automobile. It combines the past and future with traditional coachwork craftsmanship and modern styling," says Anders Warming, head of Mini design.

Apart from indicating a possible new roadster model, the Superleggera Vision also points to a new design approach which may appear in future models of the brand, without leaving aside MINI's retro style.

Many of the features of classic vehicle design were brought from the current third generation modelMINI (BMW) MINI 3Germany, 2014 > present24 versions
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, including the hexagonal shaped grille, oval headlights, the lines on the bonnet and the multi-spoke rims. These features are blended with traditional elements of vehicles created and produced by Touring Superleggera.

The Vision Superleggera is longer and wider than the current MINI Roadster. The vehicle has a long nose, a cabin thrown to the back and short rear overhangs, the tradiitional features of a roadster. In general the concept is more structured than the range of the models of MINI, with bulker edges on the cover and wider wheel arches. The back has a style that reminds most Italian sports cars.

MINI preferred to give more focus to the design of the Superleggera Vision, so little or nothing was revealed about the mechanics. The brand suggested, however, that the vehicle is powered by an electric engine.