A series of leaked patent photos of what appears to be a production-viable version of Mini’s Superleggera Vision concept have emerged on the ‘web. Could we be close to seeing the spiritual successor to the soon-to-be-defunct Cooper Roadster?
When the Mini Superleggera Vision concept first bowed at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW was somewhat noncommittal regarding the possibility of a production version. But in a recent interview with Reuters BMW board member Peter Schwarzenbauer revealed that the company is seriously considering giving the Superleggera the green light for production.
The patents show a car with overall proportions and sheetmetal that aren’t that far removed from those of the concept, but the expediencies of production viability has ushered in conventional door handles, a more modest grille and headlamp treatment, and a rear spoiler.
Fortunately the patent also shows that key styling elements such as the rear fin and Union Jack-inspired taillamps have been retained.
There’s no word regarding the powerplant, although the 141 kW/300 N.m 2,0-litre turbopetrol is the most likely candidate. That said, the BMW Group’s recent EV drive in the guises of i3 and i8 could potentially bleed over to the Mini brand with the potential adoption of a modified i3 powerplant in keeping with the concept’s electric motor.
There has also been talk of BMW potentially reviving its Z1 roadster in the shape of a FWD-underpinned compact sportscar with a range of three- and four-cylinder motors in mind.
According to Schwarzenbauer, BMW is still around six months away from a final decision. But at least this clutch of patents shows that the company is serious about adding an eye-catching roadster to its stable.
Pictures via Jokeforblog
