(December 22, 2010) In a never ending way to maximize the MINI, the brand is set to show the Paceman Concept at the Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show). 

It was 10 years ago that BMW re-launched the brand at NAIAS. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS – taking place January 10 -23, 2011 — with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept.

The MINI Paceman Concept combines a sporty, masculine appearance and two-door coupe styling with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who relish the MINI go-kart feeling, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos.

The four-seater with two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate sits on the platform of the MINI Countryman, with its increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defining the compact dimensions.

MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the most powerful drive unit currently available for a MINI to be fitted under the bonnet. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 192 lb-ft, which can be increased to as much as 207 lb-ft in brief bursts thanks to MINI’s Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give the MINI concept for the optionally available MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. This features an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent of the torque can be transferred.