Following the report on a potential Mini sedan model, the company is also looking into ways of bringing into production concepts like the Rocketman and the Superleggera roadster.
Despite already saying that adding a sedan model would make sense to markets like the US and Asia, Mini’s Product Chief Ralph Mahler also said to Autocar that the company had ‘nothing against’ making a smaller model like the Rocketman in the future.
Back in 2011, Mini showcased the Rocketman as a smaller 3.2-meter-long model, but eventually the lack of a suitable platform for its transition to production meant that the project was shelved.
Mini hasn’t forgot the Rocketman though as the development of the EV technology could allow the production of a ‘mini Mini’ as an electric model only.
“It was something that was ahead of its time but is still inspiring,” he said. “With a smaller car, it’s a bigger challenge. With Rocketman, and talking EV in the future, as the EV engine gets more portable, it’s give and take (as to whether it is possible to make such a small car).”
As for the gorgeous Superleggera Vision concept, the company is looking into ways of putting into production, albeit no decisions have been taken yet.
“The roadster segment is small and demand is going down, with new markets opening up,” Mahler said. “The growth is not there, so it’s always a challenge”. “It fits perfectly into the brand, but we’re a small car brand and have to be focused and know what we want to have. The Superleggera is playing a role but no decisions.”
Mini has been teasing us for a long time with this one and people will not get the Miata rival they ask for until it makes financial sense for the company. A new concept car is expected to bow on June as part of the celebrations for the 100 years of BMW, but no details have been shared yet by the company.
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