The Mini
Beachcomber Concept is based on Mini's upcoming crossover SUV platform. With AWD, lots of ground clearance and suspension travel, and a flexible interior, it caters to active outdoors activities. Yes, there are both cloth and hard plastic detachable side panels and roof panels, so you won't get wet.
Mini is planning to launch a crossover SUV late next spring. Unfortunately, it isn't going to be available in the US market, and Mini isn't saying when or if it ever will be. What they will be showing us at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show is a concept based on the upcoming SUVs chassis and suspension. Like all proper crossovers, there's all-wheel-drive, which Mini has cleverly branded as "ALL4", combined with generous ground clearance and plenty of room for big, aggressive tires.
The serious fun starts when you remove the cloth doors and top, leaving you with a dune buggy-style off-roader, with room for four. There are hardtop inserts for the roof and doors, as well, making the vehicle more suitable in inclement weather. The rear cargo door is split vertically for easy access, and the right side door half can be locked open to accommodate longer items. There's even a clamp arrangement in the rollover bar that's designed to hold surfboards vertically. The rear seatbacks fold for stowage of such sundry as mountain bikes or camping equipment. Just to prove the Beachcomber's off-road capabilities, there's a compass and inclinometer mounted on the instrument panel.
The design is supposed to be reminiscent of the classic Mini-Moke, a similar design based on Alec Issigonis' original Mini sedan. Consisting of little more than a Mini floor pan and a minimal body, the Mini-Moke remained in production until the mid-70's, and was popular in warmer climates. The Beachcomber concept is somewhat more civilized, with functional rollover protection and load paths through the frame to absorb crash damage. If you're looking for the spare tire, relax, the Beachcomber uses run-flat tires.
The Mini Beachcomber Concept is based on Mini's upcoming crossover SUV platform. With AWD, lots of ground clearance and suspension travel, and a flexible interior, it caters to active outdoors activities. Yes, there are both cloth and hard plastic detachable side panels and roof panels, so you won't get wet.
Mini is planning to launch a crossover SUV late next spring. Unfortunately, it isn't going to be available in the US market, and Mini isn't saying when or if it ever will be. What they will be showing us at the 2010 Detroit AutoShow is a concept based on the upcoming SUVs chassis and suspension. Like all proper crossovers, there's all-wheel-drive, which Mini has cleverly branded as "ALL4", combined with generous ground clearance and plenty of room for big, aggressive tires.
The serious fun starts when you remove the cloth doors and top, leaving you with a dune buggy-style off-roader, with room for four. There are hardtop inserts for the roof and doors, as well, making the vehicle more suitable in inclement weather. The rear cargo door is split vertically for easy access, and the right side door half can be locked open to accommodate longer items. There's even a clamp arrangement in the rollover bar that's designed to hold surfboards vertically. The rear seatbacks fold for stowage of such sundry as mountain bikes or camping equipment. Just to prove the Beachcomber's off-road capabilities, there's a compass and inclinometer mounted on the instrument panel.
The design is supposed to be reminiscent of the classic Mini-Moke, a similar design based on Alec Issigonis' original Mini sedan. Consisting of little more than a Mini floor pan and a minimal body, the Mini-Moke remained in production until the mid-70's, and was popular in warmer climates. The Beachcomber concept is somewhat more civilized, with functional rollover protection and load paths through the frame to absorb crash damage. If you're looking for the spare tire, relax, the Beachcomber uses run-flat tires.
Mini is planning to launch a crossover SUV late next spring. Unfortunately, it isn't going to be available in the US market, and Mini isn't saying when or if it ever will be. What they will be showing us at the 2010 Detroit Auto
The serious fun starts when you remove the cloth doors and top, leaving you with a dune buggy-style off-roader, with room for four. There are hardtop inserts for the roof and doors, as well, making the vehicle more suitable in inclement weather. The rear cargo door is split vertically for easy access, and the right side door half can be locked open to accommodate longer items. There's even a clamp arrangement in the rollover bar that's designed to hold surfboards vertically. The rear seatbacks fold for stowage of such sundry as mountain bikes or camping equipment. Just to prove the Beachcomber's off-road capabilities, there's a compass and inclinometer mounted on the instrument panel.
The design is supposed to be reminiscent of the classic Mini-Moke, a similar design based on Alec Issigonis' original Mini sedan. Consisting of little more than a Mini floor pan and a minimal body, the Mini-Moke remained in production until the mid-70's, and was popular in warmer climates. The Beachcomber concept is somewhat more civilized, with functional rollover protection and load paths through the frame to absorb crash damage. If you're looking for the spare tire, relax, the Beachcomber uses run-flat tires.
