Tag: Rocketman

The little Rocketman concept is the coolest thing MINI has made in recent memory and it’s a real shame we’ve not really had much to report on in the last couple of years. That’s all changed in the last few days, thanks to a report from Auto Express.

We were big fans when the original Rocketman concept was shown back in 2011 and talk of it becoming a production model put a broad smile on our faces. That was soon taken away when production costs for the small city car were deemed too high to turn the plucky concept into a shiny reality.

However, MINI head of design, Anders Warming, is erm, warming to the idea of putting the Rocketman back on the agenda.

“For sure, a MINI should always be a small car, so [a new city car] would be appropriate for the brand,” Warming told Auto Express. “At the moment, we don’t have the right tech solutions, but we are working on it. We don’t yet have a final solution, you could say.”

Warming has also hinted at the direction some of those solutions may take, saying carbon fibre is not the way forward for the Rocketman.

“I don’t believe carbon fibre is the route to a superlight MINI,” Warming added. “Our concepts have had carbon parts, but aluminium is more likely. We want to reduce parts, to do more with less.”

The funky and minimal interior of the show car should remain if the production model gets approved.

“To have a great cabin, all you need is a great steering wheel, a seat and a great user interface. We want no superfluous parts. Driving in the city is stressful enough, so we need a reduction in the number of elements… True luxury is now simplicity.”

It would make sense for the Rocketman to be made as part of the BMW-Toyota agreement and we’re told to cross our fingers for a 2016 launch date.

[Source: Auto Express]

This funky little thing is a revival of the MINI Rocketman Concept, first seen in Geneva last year. Turns out we got a sneak peek at this London 2012 themed Rocketman early last month, complete in the colours of the British flag.

BMW has paid a lot of money to be an official sponsor of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. So it’s not really a surprise that they’re going to milk every marketing opportunity they can. We’re just thankful, or should that be hopeful, that their latest gimmick will breath new life into the future of the MINI Rocketman.

The London 2012-inspired Rocketman will be on display in the BMW Group Pavilion during the Games. They say it pays tribute to the heritage of the classic Mini. The Rocketman itself does, yes, with its small dimensions and sure-to-be go-kart handling. But some of the styling features of this new-look Rocketman are a bit questionable.

For some reason MINI thought it would be a good idea to include a handful of small sports-themed figurines. Being inspired by all things British it makes perfect sense, to someone, that these figurines be basketball players. Golfers, perhaps. Cricketers, definitely. But basketball? Honestly! Never mind the fact the car is left-hand drive.

Still, we can forgive these minor gripes so long as MINI stops messing about with the brand by making upsized models and introducing a five-door option to the regular hatch layout. In general terms the Rocketman represents all the good things about the classic Mini while indulging BMW in the 21st century MINI.

Just make it, please!

This MINI Rocketman was recently seen on the streets of inner London. Hang on a sec, hasn’t MINI put the Rocketman on the backburner; why is it out and about in public like this?

Turns out the Rocketman will feature in a short film, which could have a bearing on its longer-term future. Details of the web-based film state:

The 2 minute product film is part of a social media campaign across YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. The car itself will go into production based on the response from MINI fans.

We love the Rocketman concept and wish filmmaker Mischa Rozema all the best for this project.

[Source: MotoringFile | Pic: Conallmahon]

The pint-sized MINI Rocketman, which debuted in concept form at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, will not go into final production, Car reports.

At around 300mm shorter than the current R56 MINI hatch, the Rocketman would need to undergo a stringent program to offer stable handling, stability and crash performance.

It 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 develop.

We reckon that’s a loss to the micro-car segment. The Rocketman could have offered a fun, stylish and premium product.

[Source: Car]

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]

It appears the funky little MINI Rocketman concept is set for production. The news follows comments from Ian Robertson, BMW’s sales and marketing chief, who said, “We are good at looking at history and interpreting a future for it.” Further reminding that most MINI concept cars do find a way down the production line at some stage.

Robertson also claimed, “The themes in the car are not just about a smaller Mini. Lightweight construction, and new types of components will go on to Minis. The BMW i-concept will be available to all members of the group.”

So, while the regular three-door MINI in hardtop and convertible form will remain MINI’s bread and butter, the future looks bright for a smaller city-car model line to further expand the range as the larger four-door Countryman has done.

[Source: Autocar]