Mini has unveiled a coupé/Sports Activity Vehicle-flavoured version of the Countryman ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show. Dubbed the Paceman, this coupé spin-off boasts some neat detailing and could form the foundations of a production model as part of the marque’s plan to expand its future line-up.
Although the general body shape roughly mirrors that of the Cooper, the Paceman’s overall dimensions are larger than those of the Countryman. The canted roof and Countryman-inspired nose give the car a slightly more aggressive appearance. The flanks sport more prominent indicators famed with a bronze-coloured accent that sweeps down from the base of the A-Pillar (and also features on the alloys, fuel filler cap and door handles), while the rear features chrome-beveled brake-lamps that flow slightly into the rear arches.
Although there aren’t any official pictures of the Paceman’s cabin, the U-rail centre console running the length of the passenger compartment has been lifted from the Countryman. Re-sculpted seats upholstered in quilted tan leather are among the luxurious items on board and contribute to what the car’s designers have called a “club lounge” feel.
Power is provided by the same turbocharged 1,6-litre engine currently doing service in the company’s JCW-badged models. Mated with a six-speed manual box, this unit develops 155 kW and 260 N.m of torque which can overboost to 280 N.m for short, aggressive bursts of driving. This model also features the Countryman’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which uses an electromagnetic centre differential to channel as much as 100 percent of the available drive to the rear wheels. A two-wheel drive version has also been developed, further hinting at this model’s production-ready nature.
Although Mini has not officially given the Paceman the green light for production, we wouldn’t be surprised if plans for a showroom-ready version are announced at Detroit.
Click on the video tab to the top right of the above images to see the Paceman in more detail