MINI’s Chief of Design Explains the Superleggera Vision Concept

In case of the Brits, the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept is a successful experiment using British DNA in conjunction with Italian flair. It’s both an evolution and a step into the future as well as a confession to the past.

Anders Warming, the Chief of the MINI Design Team, was involved from the get go in the making of this car, in collaboration with Italian coachbuilders, Superleggera, that have been around for over 80 years.

Talking about this new creation is something the Dane really likes to do and you can always see his face light up when he does. It’s rare that you such a close bond between a designer and his creation. According to the latest rumors, the Superleggera might not be only an imagination exercise but it could represent the forefather of a completely new model to soon come out from the Island.

Until then, the concept will have to do. Speaking of which, as Anders clearly puts it, the car is instantly recognizable, the front fascia borrowing elements from the current MINI models. The headlamps and hexagonal grille up front are borrowed from the regular models but that’s about it.

The bonnet has 3D stripes on it, going back towards the windshield that reveals the roadster character of the car. The aim was to create a concept that is as clean as possible and they succeeded. Inside, the dash is made up of a huge aluminum piece that was done by hand by the master crafters at Superleggera.

The dash is also wearing the futuristic instrument panel we saw on the Clubman Concept earlier this year. Even so, a piece of retro styling was kept in the shape of the analog MINI watch. Round the back, the taillights with their Union Jack motif also remind you of the British heritage, as a small detail that makes a huge difference. We talked enough about it already, we’ll let Anders do his thing from now on.