2006 Mini Concept Detroit

MINI announces the North American debut of the MINI Traveller Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The MINI Traveller Concept - the third appearance for this design study - will be transformed into unique a sport oriented theme that will be seen only in Detroit.
The Traveller concept made its debut in Frankfurt with a 'Traveling in Style' theme befitting the beginning of the 21st century. The Tokyo concept focused on the 'British-ness' of MINI. Each theme is a unique translation of the Traveller.

The sporty theme of MINI Concept Detroit is striking in its appearance and demonstrates a flexible and intelligent use of space. The car is inviting to passengers and features plenty of space for sports equipment. Innovative roof carriers and cargo box systems offer additional storage space.

Coupe-Like Look Without a B-Pillar.

MINI Concept Detroit places an emphasis on features such as the wheel arches, the shoulder line and the power dome of the car, making a clear visual statement that it is full of class, muscle, and elegance all in one. Dropping the usual B-pillar, MINI Concept Detroit has an openness usually only found in a coupe or convertible.

The Overall Concept - Clever MINI Style All the Way

The fundamental idea in developing MINI Concept Detroit is to make loading and passenger access as simple and convenient as possible. The driver/front passenger and rear doors come with parallelogram kinematic joints and springs: To allow optimum access and entry into the car, the doors swivel to the side and at the same time to the front in one single movement, ensuring maximum opening space leading into the interior. The rear sliding windows open electrically.

Cargo box in the Luggage Compartment, Large Loading Area in the Roof.

MINI Concept Detroit comes with an adjustable Cargobox in the luggage compartment with its loading cover moving out to the rear for convenient loading. Another convenient feature is the transparent cover on the Cargobox that moves up and serves as a partition between the passenger area and the luggage compartment. The rear section of the roof opens up just as conveniently for easy loading.

Sports Utility Box and Roof Box with Interchangeable Flexibility

The Sports Utility Box is a multifunctional, additional interchangeable storage box hooked into position behind the open rear side window. This unique box features flaps on either side for convenient loading and unloading from both outside and from the passenger compartment, and for handing through objects just as easily and conveniently.

Satellite Silver Metallic Paintwork and Neoprene Contours.

MINI Concept Detroit stands out in the light through its beautiful silver paintwork. Parts of the car not directly in a person's line of vision are viewed in a more discreet gray. Special highlights in red and blue give this outstanding concept car a particularly dynamic touch. Soft, resilient neoprene is featured on the black side band so characteristic of the car, extending along the side-sills and wheel cutouts.

Interior Design Characterized by 'Floating Elements'

The 'Floating Elements' concept offers a surprisingly generous and open impression right from the start when the driver and passengers get into the car. The seats are suspended in position, and the free-hovering dashboard with its Center Speedo, a revolving central dashboard with both a digital and analogue display, enhances and upgrades the feeling of space and style.

MINI Concept Detroit offers adequate space for four. The front seats swivel to the side for easy and convenient access to the rear. When tilted down, the rear seats form a flat surface flush with the floor of the luggage compartment.

Leather, Chrome and Aluminum as the Principal Materials.

Throughout the interior, white leather underlines the impression of modern style and generous space, adding a strong touch of sophisticated class and stylish flair. An aluminum-coated glass-fiber structure accentuates the door panels and linings inside the car, while a special carbon-fiber look highlights the foot area in combination with nylon texture in powerful blue that is also on the seat inserts and armrests.

source: Mini