[Pritch]

Who remembers these cars:



My Mini dealer didn't see a Mini Cabrio when she was in Munich last week, but she did see a new Mini Pick-up there - now that would be something fun

(She didn't get any details about it though - production plans etc.)

[cooper4us]

It would be fun for sure, but rather than the pick-up, I would love to see the return of the more practical Traveller Clubman "Estate".

More useful for me.

[DUCTTAPE]

I WANT ONE!

[TINMAN]

ME TOO!

[Manx Bean]

I'd love to see how they'd go about making the estate like version of the mini. Don't know if it would suit being lengthened, although the Pug 206sw has shifted well since it was brought in.

[Pritch]

Quote:

Originally posted by Manx Bean
I'd love to see how they'd go about making the estate like version of the mini. Don't know if it would suit being lengthened, although the Pug 206sw has shifted well since it was brought in.

An estate, as the pick-up above, would just have a squared off rear and a longer rear overhang - i.e. going away from the pure wheel on each corner principle in order to gain space.

I guess the roof could also be slightly higher, but that would lose the Mini proportions then?

[leonksj]

I would like to add my two cents worth... I love the MINI Cooper, but it is just too small for my needs. I agree that an estate would be perfect. To be practical, it would need a wheel base stretch (maybe 6"). Then, together with a slightly longer overhang (another 6"), there would be a lot more practical room. I also think it needs two additional half doors like the extended cab US pickup trucks. These can be rear hinged, flush and nicely integrated.

[stryder]

Quote:

Originally posted by leonksj
I would like to add my two cents worth... I love the MINI Cooper, but it is just too small for my needs. I agree that an estate would be perfect. To be practical, it would need a wheel base stretch (maybe 6"). Then, together with a slightly longer overhang (another 6"), there would be a lot more practical room. I also think it needs two additional half doors like the extended cab US pickup trucks. These can be rear hinged, flush and nicely integrated.

Did you just describe the RX-8, or am I just drawing odd conclusions. (Well, except the RX-8 has a slanted back, but still, its pretty close to what you were describing)

Anyway, a MINI pickup seems like a good idea, but eek, the wind noise! Given the amount of noise the current design does, I couldn't even think of going 75 or more in the pickup. Having the back closed in just seems a more practical model, even if it doesn't look as cool. Maybe pickups could be used for garbage collection in small towns, then it wouldn't stink up the inside of the car. Though I think that's degrading....

[AprilWhine]

The hubby says he needs a truck, I think a MINI truck would make him happy.

[leonksj]

I think that MINI pickup would be a low volume product as opposed to the estate. At least in the US, small car-based pickups are not popular. Small station wagons, are rising in popularity, and I plan to buy one.

Rather that RX-8, I was thinking of a Honda Element. I believe RX-8 is a mistake. I bought a sports car to say I am single and looking for fun, not to tell people I am practical. Honda Element is neat idea, but the styling is not for me. MINI estate would be perfect.

[stryder]

I agree on the Honda Element, though its so insanely ugly (and I'm not a Honda fan myself) I never actually thought of it, but if MINI copied it, then I might.

On the RX-8 issue, actually I think it'll be a success, its not for single people, it should be quite popular for married people with young kids, you ocasionally need to use the backseat, but want a car that is fun and only remotely practical. Besides, if Mazda can get a rotary out and working, they can easily make a real sports car again using the same platform, bigger engine and no back seat.