Photo: MINI
After the internet got all riled up yesterday, believing an early report from CAR Magazine saying that the Superleggera-based roadster will be going into production soon, the company’s top executive, Peter Schwarzenbauer was quick to dismiss such allegations.
In a sitdown with Automotive News Europe, the official said that he is trying his best to convince the high-wigs in Munich to approve the project but can’t confirm anything yet. Furthermore, he said that a smaller MINI, the rumored Rocketman, is also still under heavy fire, the BMW Group decision makers still being on the fence regarding it.
“I don’t see a smaller car than the current one,” Schwartzenbauer was quoted as saying. That’s too bad, as the MINI fan base was really looking towards such a model that would take the brand back to its roots.
That’s something they are currently looking into as per his own statement. Unfortunately, he can’t confirm or tell us exactly on what car the first electrified powertrain will be used or introduced. However, our spyshots caught a Countryman testing plug-in hybrid technology a while back and it makes sense from certain points of view.
The biggest car in the range could use an electric motor to drive down emissions and fuel consumption. If it turns out ok, others could then pick it up as well, as we suppose it’s going to happen too. For now, though, Schwartzenbauer probably isn’t allowed to say anything. Good thing we have our carparazzi working out there, day and night!
“I don’t see a smaller car than the current one,” Schwartzenbauer was quoted as saying. That’s too bad, as the MINI fan base was really looking towards such a model that would take the brand back to its roots.
There’s still hope for a new model though
During the same interview, the CEO confirmed that the brand he’s currently heading is looking more and more into an electric vehicle. Since MINIs are supposed to be city dwellers and behave at their best inside big metropolitan areas, an electric alternative only makes sense.That’s something they are currently looking into as per his own statement. Unfortunately, he can’t confirm or tell us exactly on what car the first electrified powertrain will be used or introduced. However, our spyshots caught a Countryman testing plug-in hybrid technology a while back and it makes sense from certain points of view.
The biggest car in the range could use an electric motor to drive down emissions and fuel consumption. If it turns out ok, others could then pick it up as well, as we suppose it’s going to happen too. For now, though, Schwartzenbauer probably isn’t allowed to say anything. Good thing we have our carparazzi working out there, day and night!
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