When the BMW Group revived the Mini brand in 2001, it only offered one model series, the hatchback, but the Bavarian firm had much more in store for us in the future.
Today, Mini’s lineup consists of six separate models including the three door hatch, the soft-top Convertible, the Clubman estate, the Countryman crossover and the recently launched, two-seater Coupe and Roadster.
At last year’s North American International Auto Show, Mini previewed a seventh model with the Paceman Concept, which it confirmed for production. The Paceman is essentially a three-door version of the brand’s biggest model, the Countryman crossover, with a roofline that slopes downwards at the rear and redesigned rear quarters for a more sportier, coupe-like profile.
Our spy photos show the production version of the 2011 concept, which some sources suggest will carry the Countryman Coupe moniker, on test in Germany.
As you can see for yourself in the scoop pictures of the lightly camouflaged prototype, not much has changed from the concept model, with the only visible updates concerning the design of the upper and lower front grilles, and the absence of the leather trim accents on the exterior.
Like the concept, the Paceman or Countryman Coupe, will ride on the same wheelbase but will be about 13mm longer and stand 20mm lower than the five-door model.
Engine options will mirror those of the Countryman topping out with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four delivering 215bhp (218PS) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of peak torque in the all-wheel drive John Cooper Works model.
The three-door version of the Countryman is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2013.
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