Mini Rocketman: Small Popular Figure

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Mini goes back to its roots. At the Geneva Motor Show, BMW presented the Rocketman study. A car that is only slightly larger than the original Mini.

The British BMW subsidiary Mini is going back to its roots with the Rocketman study shown at the Geneva Motor Show (March 3 to 13). With a length of 3.42 meters, the concept is only slightly larger than the original Mini and also knows how to delight optically with the classic, large googly-eye headlights. Despite a lot of retro, the mini-makers believe that the vehicle should also be a "vision for the urban mobility of tomorrow".

Mini Rocketman with a short bonnet

The Rocketman - in German "rocket man" - appears muscular but by no means unfriendly. With the oval-shaped grille mouth in conjunction with the round headlight eyes, it shows its smiling face. The short bonnet is framed by the exhibited wheel arches that house the 18-inch wheels. Carbon elements are visible on the fenders and doors, the use of which has resulted in a vehicle that weighs well under 1,000 kilograms. The glass surfaces that can be found all around and in the illuminated panoramic roof are generously dimensioned.

The designers paid particular attention to the rear. The taillights protrude in a bow shape, while LED lights project corresponding signals onto the body when braking and flashing. If you want to get to the trunk of the 3 + 1-seater, you first have to overcome the two-part tailgate. When opened, the upper part swings upwards, which can also be used as a rear rack for bulky items such as bicycles or skis. The lower area is pulled out of the body like a drawer by 35 centimeters. This means that there is a luggage volume suitable for everyday use, which can be expanded if necessary using the rear area.

Slidable single seat in the rear

The occupants can get onto the seats through the two wide-opening doors, which also open to the front thanks to the double joint hinges. The driver and front passenger have plenty of space as standard, and a single seat that can be adjusted in length is available as standard in the rear. Another seat can be folded out so that up to four people can be in the vehicle if necessary. Purists get their money's worth in the clearly arranged cockpit: behind the multifunction steering wheel there is only a tachometer and an on-board computer display. The large round speed display is located in the middle. Leather upholstery and high-gloss lacquered surfaces alternate, and the carbon structure of the body frame can occasionally be seen in the footwell and on the center console.

Mini is a small car brand, this car underscores its claim, "said Mini boss Wolfgang Armbrecht to the" Handelsblatt " So far, the Rocketman has been a study, "said the manager." We will test the reaction and then, if necessary, will make further thoughts. " Series production is considered likely. The British BMW subsidiary is expected to grow vigorously in the next few years. "We consider a production of 300,000 units to be possible in the medium term," said Armbrecht.

Last year, Mini set a sales record with 234,000 cars sold. The group does not show separately how much profit the British subsidiary generates. "We make good money with Mini," said the Mini boss. The cooperation with the French partner PSA Peugeot Citroen, with whom not only engines but also components for hybrid technology are to be jointly developed and built, promises further increases in efficiency. (mid / dpa)