- With the Rocketman, Mini returns to its roots in terms of size, style and clever packaging, but offers some modern twists on technology.
- The Rocketman features 3+1 seating and a carbon-fiber space frame.
- It has a flexible rear storage compartment with a unique sliding rear drawer.
GENEVA — Judging from the new Mini Rocketman concept for the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, the future of BMW's small-car brand won't stray far from the British company's roots in terms of size, style and clever packaging.
A three-door hatchback like the original Mini, the Rocketman measures less than 135 inches long overall, but manages to accommodate up to four passengers with its 3+1 seating configuration.
The concept's rear storage compartment is flexible, too, with a two-piece tailgate that includes a lower drawer that pulls out from the body.
Likewise, the Rocketman's two doors are both distinctive and functional, with integrated sills and external carbon-fiber double hinges that enable the doors to pivot out and away from the body, providing easy access to all seats, even in tight spaces.
A full-surface glass roof incorporates optical fibers that can be illuminated to re-create the iconic Union Jack flag. Otherwise, the roof braces glow Porcelain White, in marked contrast to the Bermuda Gray body. Sections of the carbon-fiber space frame also are visible alongside the painted and chromed surfaces of the front end.
Mini didn't specify what sort of powertrain might be installed in the Rocketman, other than to observe that "it is designed to allow the integration of a drive system" with average fuel economy of 78 mpg.
While the Rocketman's instrument cluster houses the traditional oversize center dial, it also departs from tradition in adding a removable control unit that can be programmed at home before any journey, updating everything from music and personal e-mails to navigation destination details.
Many of the car's controls can be accessed from multifunction buttons on the left-hand steering-wheel spoke and a trackball integrated into the right-hand spoke.
Inside Line says: "And I think it's gonna be a long, long time..." — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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k55 says:
10:05 AM, 02/26/2011
I like everything except the doors and taillights. Put "normal" taillights in the rear metal or C pillars and the doors just seem complex (ie Costly). Cant wait for the "S" version. I have a 11 Cooper S on order arriving 3/31............The 11 will be my second MINI. I previously went upmarket to Porsche, Audi and BMW but now feel its just not worth it .This could be a next step a few years from now as I just like someting small and quick and economical to commute in. Yes, lose the "Rocketman" name too and just make it a 3 seater with the backseat set sideways ........The name has no connection with the MINI lineage at all ...........and not sure how something like that was picked to begin with.........What about MINI "Micro" or "Minimal" or "Small" or "MUV" or "Moke" or "CITY" ( CITI?)or "Urban".............
i_love_cars_06 says:
08:42 AM, 02/24/2011
Thank god its a real nimble Mini
subafly says:
11:27 PM, 02/23/2011
One of BMW's uses for their CF factory in WA state?
jscion says:
04:20 PM, 02/23/2011
Amazing concept and lots of idea's Mini could certainly pioneer using in the mainstream, especially the doors. Making a car that only weighs 1500 lbs will blow away in the wind!!! That part's a bad idea!!!
delraylocal says:
08:19 AM, 02/23/2011
Definately some cool ideas going on here.
If it ever makes it to market though it will be a diluted version of this.
The doors are awesome, kinda reminds me of a transformer.
a1c_scg says:
07:05 AM, 02/23/2011
I love it. Very faithful to the original. Name is ridiculous, though.
And to whoever said it, no way could they make this car less than 1,500lbs. Are you crazy??
And +5 pts to IL for their clever 'IL says-' pun.
tdiluv says:
06:46 AM, 02/23/2011
Nice design but if I were a female I wouldn't buy a car called "ROCKETMAN" ! Miscue by BMW !
mklrivowner says:
06:15 AM, 02/23/2011
@guitarheroe66 -
Did you see the width on those tires?! Sorry, no AWD here. And what good would AWD be with weight probably south of 1,500lbs? It would be like taking a Dodge Rampage to the tractor pull.
mklrivowner says:
05:48 AM, 02/23/2011
Perhaps the rear seat ought to swivel into a 'jump seat' position so the rear passenger can stretch his/her legs behind the driver.
sprocketboy says:
04:48 AM, 02/23/2011
After a brief Internet search, I have discovered what "3+1" seating is. Rather than 3-abreast McLaren-type, it is merely that rather than having a bench rear seat, there is a bucket-type seat behind the front passenger seat and a sort-of parcel shelf/seat thing behind the driver's seat. I am not sure of the point of this since it assumes your front seat passenger is not going to move the seat back, or something. Maybe it should just be a 2 seater with lots of luggage space.