By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 28,2013) Let’s not beat around the bush. This Mini Vision concept is a stylized look at what the next production Mini will look like. There will be no disco interior lighting on the floor, the side trim will be less effusive, and also less well integrated. Up front, the LED halos around the headlights will remain (a design motif first seen on the Rocketman concept), but the grille and bumper beam will not be as subtle due to the bumper beam’s intended function; it must be prominent to ward off low-speed accident damage.

And while the rear spoiler will be smaller (perhaps the JCW model will have a spoiler like the concept’s), the chrome trim around the bottom edge of the glass, blacked out pillars and contrasting roof will continue as before. One more thing. The new Mini will have real door handles, and the contrasting fender arches won’t be quite so… whimsical.

As for the interior, this is one case where the details don’t count, but shapes do. You may see something like the “click system” that allows owners to attach or remove telephone holders, a storage box, cup holder or small lockable compartment to the center console as needed. However, the elastic Union Jack-themed restraining straps built into the doors are as likely to make it to production as the “Mini Disco floor."

Also, you can expect both the speedometer and tachometer to be moved to a place atop the steering column on all models. This will leave the large, circular screen in the center of the instrument panel open for other items. No longer will Mini owners have to rely on the digital speedo in the tach because the version around the circumference of the center stack is too difficult to read on the run.

The new Mini, which will share its mechanicals with BMW’s new front-drive 1 Series, will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Power will be supplied by a new family of modular three-cylinder engines in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form. And while it would be nice if the ride and handling engineers could tune the suspension around the standard run-flat tires and eliminate the more egregious ride harshness, most Mini fans will be happy if the car can rediscover the 2003-2007 model’s hyperactive puppy/go kart handling, and not feel like a BMW.

The Virtual Driver