MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Introduced, Heading to Villa d’Este

 

According to the two companies, this car embodies the best of two worlds, it’s a hybrid of sorts, even though the powertrain doesn’t particularly fall within the definition of the word. Created in collaboration with famous Italian coach-builders Touring Superleggera, the concept embodies modern Britishness with a classic Italian body construction.
 

The car was actually built with hand-shaped metal sheeting, just like traditional coach-builders used to make back in the early days of the auto industry. Both on the inside and outside, the form was reduced to the maximum extent so as to achieve a clear focus on the driving experience.

 

Inside, tradition coachwork construction was combined with hints of MINI interior design. Of course, only the highest quality materials were used here, including leather, aluminum and black chrome highlights.

 

"Touring Superleggera and MINI have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day. What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions,” said Adrian von Hooydonk, Senior Vice President, BMW Group Design.
 

“These elements are merged in the MINI Superleggera Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship," he added about the concept.

The whole idea behind the concept was to bring the MINI back to its roots, as a car that offered you the minimum you needed to get around. Everything was approached from a minimalistic point of view.

With a stretched bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the aim was to project a feeling of agility and driving fun. Furthermore, the passenger cell was set back only slightly, to also add to this impression.

Up front, we have the traditional MINI headlights that are also used on the modern model, with the same hexagonal grille, two items that immediately let you know what brand this car is. Round the back, the taillights tell the story of the Union Jack flag with a unique design, divided in two.

From the side, you’ll start noticing the Superleggera influence. This is where proportions start to matter and you can see how the lines on the car describe a perfect shape from the front wheels to above the rear axle.

 

“MINI and Touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation” says Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera.

 

 “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline,” he added.