According to Auto Motor and Sport, MINI has found a new chief designer: Frank Stephenson returns from McLaren to the BMW Group and assumes the lead of the MINI design, which was last led, until recently, by Anders Warming. Since Warming switched to the Chinese-German newcomer Borgward at the beginning of the year, the English have been looking for a new head for the design department, and they have now apparently found it.
Frank Stephenson was already involved in the repositioning of the MINI brand under the leadership of the BMW Group and could now again play an important role for the English tradition brand. Up to now, the BMW Group has not confirmed the personnel change, but this should only be a matter of a few days.
Stephenson, in his eleven years at BMW Group, was responsible for the BMW X5 E53.
After his time at the BMW Group, Frank Stephenson initially worked for Fiat and, in addition to the new Fiat 500, drew mainly various models from the Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia and Maserati brands. Among other things, the Ferrari F430, FXX, 590 GTB, 612 Scaglietti and Maserati MC 12 sports cars were built under his management.
In 2010, Stephenson joined McLaren and headed the design development of the MP4-12C and McLaren P1, which is undoubtedly one of the fastest cars of our time.
If you want to learn more about Frank Stephenson, this two-year-old Car and Driver interview should not be missed.
Mini is on a good design drive at the moment. I hope this change is for the better.
I think it is good news. Original design creator of the BMW MINI is back. Go back to the roots. He has an exceptional CV. Although I agree MINI has been on a good run lately some models are hit & miss. Clubman & Countryman are good but 5-door MINI is a packaging mess & the 3-door has lost some of its simplicity/purity.
Plus MINI need a proper small FIAT 500 rival & I hope this designers experience with the design of thd FIAT 500 pays dividends. MINI has great potential – I hope we get to see it in future years.
*the
Break out the Bud, bud!
Why is it mentioned that English have been looking for a head of design? I think everybody realizes that bmw is directly responsible for day to say affairs of mini in Munich.
To imply a fool such as yourself could do a better job is laughable.
Thats your class, boooohooooo!
Yaaawwwn yet another blabbering jerk
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. He’s […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. He’s […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. He’s […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. He’s […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. […]
[…] of the best and most famous modern automotive designers is Frank Stephenson, who’s designed several iconic cars for brands ranging from BMW to McLaren to Ferrari. […]