MINI is a British brand owned by the Germans at BMW. Despite this ancestral dichotomy, MINI’s latest concept has an Italian word sandwiched in it: MINI Superleggera Vision. This has good reason, though, as the compact coupe was designed together by MINI and Milan-based coachbuilder Touring Superleggera.
Superleggera, if you weren’t aware, is Italian for “super light”. Although MINI doesn’t give any weight specs for the design concept, based upon its diminutive stature and EV powertrain, I’d wager it is.
In the words of Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design (and likely inventor of the Borkulator), the MINI Superleggera Vision is “an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship.”
To me, it looks like a budget Aston Martin designed by Volvo.
Will MINI ever build such a car? Yes with an “and”, no with a “but”. This car could – minus the EV powertrain – hint at the next-gen MINI Roadster. Though, given the current-gen Roadster’s poor sales performance, that’s unlikely.
Recent industry rumors suggest that BMW could be planning a Z2 Roadster based upon the new MINI Cooper Hardtop platform, though. This Superleggera could be a glimpse into that car. We’ll have to wait and see.
What do you think of the MINI Superleggera Vision? Tell us in the comments below.
