Mini isn’t the first car brand that pops into the heads of most beachgoers, but the BMW subsidiary is seeking to change that during this year’s autoshow season. It might look like the love child of a Jeep Wrangler and a Cooper S, but the Mini Beachcomber Concept is geared up extensively for fun in the sun.
The concept, which was just shown to NAIAS showgoers, features an open body concept, a new ‘ALL4’ All Wheel Drive system, and a high body and seating position. The idea was to create a capable SUV-like vehicle that could be enjoyed by up to 4 people looking to take in their surroundings.
Production likelihood of this doorless concept Cooper is near nil-- though the Beachcomber does show off the possibilities of expanding the Mini line to reach a wider range of shoppers. In fact, the Beachcomber is based on a production Mini SUV model scheduled for sale outside of North America later this year.
Though unmistakably a concept, Mini officials say the Beachcomber would work just fine as an everyday vehicle. Advanced drivetrain technology and a crash-optimized body structure are on board, and lightweight fabric covers can seal up the door and roof openings in bad weather. There’s a hard-top cover available, and
Mini says the Beachcomber’s interior is surprisingly roomy, thanks partly to an exterior-mounted spare tire.
photo:Matthieu Lambert-Auto123.com
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The concept, which was just shown to NAIAS showgoers, features an open body concept, a new ‘ALL4’ All Wheel Drive system, and a high body and seating position. The idea was to create a capable SUV-like vehicle that could be enjoyed by up to 4 people looking to take in their surroundings.
Production likelihood of this doorless concept Cooper is near nil-- though the Beachcomber does show off the possibilities of expanding the Mini line to reach a wider range of shoppers. In fact, the Beachcomber is based on a production Mini SUV model scheduled for sale outside of North America later this year.
Though unmistakably a concept, Mini officials say the Beachcomber would work just fine as an everyday vehicle. Advanced drivetrain technology and a crash-optimized body structure are on board, and lightweight fabric covers can seal up the door and roof openings in bad weather. There’s a hard-top cover available, and
Mini says the Beachcomber’s interior is surprisingly roomy, thanks partly to an exterior-mounted spare tire.
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photo:Matthieu Lambert-Auto123.com
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