Mini has confirmed that it will add a 7th model to its ever-expanding family based on the Mini Paceman Concept first seen as a production-intent design exercise at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The announcement — as well as official word the vehicle will be called the Mini Paceman — came as part of the kickoff for the annual “Mini Takes the States” rally, an 11-day/3,909-mile cross-country drive for members of the Mini community that began at the firm’s U.S. headquarters outside of New York City and will end in Los Angeles.
While offering no specific information about this upcoming addition to the clan, Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President Mini Brand Management, indicated the 3-door Paceman will establish “a new vehicle segment with the aim of giving more new target groups a taste of the excitement and allure of the brand.” Spengler went on to describe the Paceman as “the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium compact segment,” claiming that it will foster “a clear appetite for extravagance and infectious driving fun in a style that only a Mini could pull off with such authenticity.”
Like other Mini models, the new Paceman is expected to be available in Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works configurations. Mini’s ALL4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system will be offered as an option. Spengler said that additional information on the Mini Paceman will be released sometime within the next few months.
