BMW BLOG

A coupe version of the Mini brand? Yes, according to sources close to BMW, it's definitely a possibility. Apparently, MINI is thinking about roducing a low-slung and sleek small coupe not unlike the ACV 30 concept car from 1997.

The ACV 30 (Anniversary Concept Vehicle 30) that was built in 1997, was originally based off of a concept (designed by the current BMW head of design Adrian Van Hooydonk) proposed as the new MINI in the mid-90s.

Once it was out of the running (with Frank Stephenson’s design wining out and going on to become the R50) it was refitted and rolled out as a bit of a stop gap measure to show the public that a new MINI was indeed coming and the brand was still well alive. What it showed was that distinctive futuristic retro interior (similar to what eventually showed up in the R50) mated with a sleek, rally inspired exterior that traded some interior space for looks. Could that same formula work on a production car?

But one particularly noteworthy aspect of the ACV 30 is that it was mid-engined and rear-wheel drive since it was based off of the MGF roadster. While we doubt that that part of the concept would ever transfer to production (due to brand values, space efficiencies and cost), it would make for a very interesting concept.

Another thing to keep in mind – if MINI goes this route we don’t expect the eventual production car to look much like the ACV 30.

[source MotoringFile]