Further info on the MINI Rocketman and its journey from concept to reality has emerged in recent days. Scott26, the BMW insider with the growing reputation across internet car forums, tells us the carbon fibre body won’t make it to production, despite earlier rumours to the contrary. Cost factors cam be blamed for that, instead, the Rocketman will use a mix of aluminium and pressed steel to help remain true to the concept’s lightweight.
The slide out bootlid that you see above is hoped to be maintained, but hasn’t been locked in just yet. The hoop-style brake lights won’t find their way on to the final car, but MINI will try and find a way to honour the concept.
To aid structural rigidity a proper B-pillar will be added, along with a more conventional roof design. Apparently a full-size sunroof will be an option.
Some features set to remain, and these may also apply to the third generation MINI, are the halos around the front headlights and the raked centre dash console. Turns out the Coupé might give us a clue what to expect interior-wise for the next-gen MINI as well.
MINI also plans to further develop the lighting themes introduced with the current R56 MINI and if you look at the photos of the concept again you begin to see what form this may take. While originally intended to brand the concept car only the model name Rocketman is actually firming as the final name, too.
The concept is certainly a great looking car and it captured people’s imaginations. Just a shame we will probably have to wait until 2015 before we can buy one.
[Source: bimmerpost | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]
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[…] was previously understood to be on target for a launch around 2015, but reports now suggest the Rocketman has been scrapped because it will be too expensive to […]