Mini to unveil Clubman Concept at Geneva Auto Show

(February 26, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — Mini will present the Mini Clubman Concept next week at the Geneva Auto Show showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. Twenty-six centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current Mini Clubman, Mini says the concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant.

"The iconic design is supplemented by high-quality details, plenty of space for functional features and selected materials. Refinement of the hallmark Mini styling ensures instant recognition, both on the exterior and the interior. The extensive color and material concept redefines contemporary elegance and high-end quality in this segment."

"The Mini Clubman Concept shows how the Mini Clubman could be taken a step further: more interior space, a greater sense of high-end quality and yet still clever, bold and distinctive. In short: more car, more Mini," says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, explaining the approach to this model.

For over 50 years now, Mini has stood for maximum use of minimum space. 26 centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current Mini Clubman, the Mini Clubman Concept applies this aspiration to a new class of automobile.

As head of Mini Design Anders Warming explains: "With the Mini Clubman Concept we are presenting a car with space, flair and style in a segment where the focus is mainly on function and utility. With clever ideas, emotional design and a cool blend of colors and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date."

Even with larger exterior dimensions, the Mini Clubman Concept is instantly recognizable as a typical Mini. With the characteristic agility of the Mini proportions, the prolonged roof line clearly reflects the car's extensive utility space. It also gives the silhouette a distinctive elegance, underscored by generous surfaces. The powerful, warm Berry Red color shows surfaces and shapes to optimum effect. The roof in the color "Blade" — a metallic grey — creates an elegant contrast with the warm red of the corpus.

Classic Mini design icons such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, Black Band and the typical lights are designed in precise, high-end style. The modern, reduced interpretation of these features gives the Mini Clubman Concept a more sophisticated, charismatic look.

The themes of aerodynamics and air ducting are clearly highlighted in the exterior design. All openings and outlets are integrated in the geometry and elegantly shaped. Clearly defined wheel arches and the roof spoiler accentuate the car's dynamic appearance, underscoring the overall impression of sporty flair.

Seen from the front, the circular headlamps, hexagonal radiator grille and roof with add-on look clearly identify the Mini Clubman Concept as belonging to the Mini family. The radiator grille is strikingly elaborated and incorporates the bumper in the front section. The bumper is finished in black chrome, adding a touch of exclusive style to this functional element. Elaborate details such as the three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille further enhance the front section. The high quality standards of the Mini Clubman Concept even extend to the surface modeling. Fine edges add precision and presence to the generous surfaces.

Reduced to the essentials, the side view instantly conveys the qualities of the Mini Clubman Concept: a long wheelbase, flatly positioned windows and short overhangs reflect characteristic Mini agility.