MINI Paceman Concept for Detroit

MINI's Paceman concept is set to meet the crowds at the North American International Auto Show around the end of January next year. Based on the MINI Countryman, but with two side doors, not four, the MINI Paceman resembles a pre-shrunk version of the Range Rover Evoque -- somewhat ironically, since some believe that the Evoque is Land Rover's response to the MINI.

The debut of the Paceman concept marks a new milestone for the BMW-owned MINI brand. It will go on display in time for the 10th anniversary of the MINI concept car introduced to adoring throngs at the same venue in Detroit. That concept subsequently went into production as the R50 model MINI Cooper.

While the Paceman concept may not achieve the status of that first (BMW-owned) MINI, it may take the brand in a new direction, should it enter production. According to the company, the concept has been developed to appeal to "young, modern, extrovert urbanites" who are individuals with a feel for the brand's image.

"In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we've given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more," Head of MINI Exterior Design, Marcus Syring, was quoted as saying.

The four-seater rides on 19-inch wheels in a design developed exclusively for the concept. Peak power of 155kW is generated by the JCW-tweaked (John Cooper Works) 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder, which produces maximum torque of 260Nm. MINI claims that the engine can develop as much as 280Nm for short periods, thanks to an overboost facility.

Sharing the MINI Countryman's 'ALL4' permanent all-wheel drive system, the MINI Paceman's final drive features a centre differential that can channel as much as 100 per cent of the available torque to the rear wheels, although in typical driving situations the torque is split 50/50 front and rear.

MINI will gauge public response to the concept before deciding whether it will go into volume production.

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