LONDON – Mini unveils a futuristic electric-powered, self-driving concept car to celebrate the 100th anniversary of parent BMW.
Called the Vision Next 100, the compact 4-seater showcases a new design lineage for the brand that eschews the retro look of today’s Mini models for a more contemporary appearance with modern proportions. It was developed as a response to what the British automaker describes as an ever-more digitalized and interconnected world.
The new concept also highlights plans for autonomous driving and digital intelligence technology Mini says will ensure an improved personal mobility experience by offering greater personalization and additional services.
The Vision Next 100 has been conceived to pick up its driver from a desired location in fully automated fashion and adapt itself to pre-programmed personalized preferences before it arrives.
“Our latest concept looks to offer bespoke personal mobility. In the future you might not actually have to own a vehicle to enjoy the benefits,” BMW design boss Adrian von Hooydonk says, hinting at a broadening of the automaker’s short-term rental activities through the Drive Now program.
Mini says autonomous-driving technology will allow future models previewed by the Vision Next 100 to travel occupant-free to a charging station, car wash, garage or the next user.
The new Mini concept adopts a 1-box silhouette without a defined hood, but with an elongated windshield. The stubby front end is distinguished by Mini’s classic hexagonal grille and round headlamp treatment.
Further design elements include thin LED lamps positioned on the leading edge of the front fenders and across the full width of a subtle rear spoiler, plus prominent wheel houses, a high beltline and floating roof. Wide tracks and minimal overhangs accent the car’s aggressive wheels.
Despite a focus on digital virtues, von Hooydonk says analog qualities will become increasingly important in providing cars with a premium look in the future.
To this end, the concept incorporates 2-piece wheels in which the outer surface remains static and a disc behind it rotates with the tire. The idea, von Hooydonk says, is to make each wheel look like a piece of mechanical jewelry.
The Vision Next 100 holds true to the time-honored Mini maxim of providing the maximum possible space within the smallest possible footprint, though the design team provides the car with a body described as “not so far removed from the first Mini back in 1959” in terms of overall size.
At 142.5 ins. (3,620 mm), it is 22.0 ins. (560 mm) longer than the original Mini but 10.6 ins. (270 mm) shorter than the current Mini hatchback.
The length is significant, as it once again previews plans for a smaller Mini model positioned beneath the existing hatchback, following the earlier Rocketman concept.
The compact dimensions are a result of a reduced need for crash-zone deformation in future models owing to the adoption of a zero-emission drive system mounted at the rear, eliminating the bulky mechanical components of a conventional engine sitting up front.
Both Autonomous and Performance Modes
Mini makes no firm claims on the drivetrain used by the Vision Next 100, although officials at its unveiling here acknowledge the automaker is working on various electric solutions using the technical know-how of BMW.
No stranger to the electric-car ranks, Mini launched its first zero-emissions model, the 200-hp Mini-E, in 2009 as part of a developmental program that preceded the establishment of BMW’s i brand and the launch of the i3.
Fitted with a 35-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Mini-E provides a claimed zero emission range of up to 100 miles (161 km).
Despite the emphasis on autonomous-driving technology and personalization, Mini says future models will continue to provide the characteristic driving experience offered by today’s models, describing the Vision Next 100 as small and nimble.
“A Mini must still be fun, to the extent that drivers will prefer to drive themselves – as often as possible,” von Hooydonk says.
As part of the emphasis on manual driving, the concept car includes a John Cooper Works performance mode, which Mini says will see the handling characteristics of future models taken to a new level.
Inside, the Vision Next 100 previews a much cleaner and far more simple interior than the cabins of today. There’s an uncluttered look to the dashboard, which relies on augmented reality to display a range of different functions on a series of high-definition monitors set well back underneath the windshield, including information about the route and, when requested, the ideal driving line.
To enhance the feeling of width within the interior, the concept car adopts a front bench seat and a full-width footwell. According to Mini, this allows ease of access from both sides of the car and makes getting in and out in busy urban environments easier than today.
When autonomous mode is activated, the steering wheel slides across to a positon in the center of the dashboard. The pedals slide with the steering wheel to provide increased legroom for the driver. Despite the emergence of autonomous-driving technology, Mini says the steering wheel will remain an integral part of the interior in future models.
To switch from autonomous to manual driving, the driver moves the steering wheel from the central position to either the left- or right-hand side, depending on where he/she has chosen to sit.
The centerpiece of the interior is the so-called Cooperizer. Incorporated in large, centrally positioned circular instrument styled to resemble the central round dial of original Mini models, it allows the driver to choose differing setups for a range of functions, including the autonomous-driving, entertainment and communication systems, as part of efforts to provide greater personalization. Depending on the setup that is chosen, the Cooperizer then lights up in a range of different colors.
By pushing an “Inspire Me” button, the driver can access digital data relating to his or her location or route. When the Vision Next 100 detects a suitable driving road, it allows the driver to switch into John Cooper Works mode.
With car-sharing set to increase, Mini also says interiors will need to be more durable in the future. Its latest concept uses a combination of recycled plastic and aluminum in the floor, roof and side panels. Steering clear of traditional materials such as wood, leather and chrome, the interior of the Vision Next 100 includes brass, basalt and cellulose.
