The Automotive Crystal Ball: MINI to make Cooper SUV?

The biggest shock is that the rear doors utilize a rear-hinged system. Like the Rolls Royce Phantom or the Mazda RX-8, this

With a four-door wagon, two-seat speedster and the possibility of a pickup truck all in the loop, an SUV doesn't seem too far-fetched of a proposal. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

adventurous MINI would seemingly receive these doors to better aid access to the rear portions of the vehicle. While costly, the vehicle would most likely be marketed as a premium product, allowing for a slightly higher price tag. Another feature visible from the side is the car's angled tailgate, very different from the traditional upright tail. Black stripes as well as plastic cladding around the sides and front end add to the off-roading theme.

As crazy as it sounds, the whole idea makes perfect sense, as it works in conjunction with my previous report on the inner workings at MINI. My semi-serious April Fools story (see automotive news section for April 1, 2005: Skunk Works MINI Cooper Boasts V8 Power and 7-Speed SMG Gearbox) unveiled potential models which insiders suggest are on their way. The new models would point MINI in an entirely new direction, expanding from the current three-door hatchback and two-door

While the MINI and a few of its potential derivatives would reflect upon short-lived models of the past, a modern SUV would be groundbreaking stuff. (Photo: BMW DesignWorks)

convertible of the current generation. With a four-door wagon, two-seat speedster and the possibility of a pickup truck all in the loop, an SUV doesn't seem too far-fetched of a proposal.

But as with all foreshadowed models, there are issues which must be faced. The idea of a MINI SUV is very radical; corporate bosses aren't quite convinced that people would take to such a non-traditional vehicle. While the MINI and a few of its potential derivatives, such as a two-seat speedster or a wagon, would reflect upon short-lived models of the past, a modern SUV is groundbreaking stuff.