New Mini Rocketman concept car

Even those who veered away from the original city car inevitably came back to what they knew and adored, the tiny stylings of a car that was instrumental in marking the contemporary movement from austere practicality to a rather more indulgent way of life. But there was a problem, because after that initial breakthrough in stylistic imagination, the Mini Cooper didn't really keep up with the times.

Certainly if any vehicle could rest on its laurels it would be the Mini, but the announcement of BMW's intention to update that most beloved of British cars could not have been more welcome. The revitalised Mini is a triumph of technology, the perfect blend of classic influence and modern design!

MINI describes the Rocketman Concept as a “3 + 1 seater” with exterior dimensions that closely emulate the original Mini of 1959. The one-off concept is 3,419 mm (11 ft. 3 in.) long, 1,907 mm (6 ft. 3 in.) wide and 1,398 mm(4 ft. 7 in.) tall. It sits on a carbon spaceframe underbody that is left visible in some parts of the exterior and cabin.

The Rocketman Concept’s exterior continues MINI’s current design language and incorporates features such as LED head- and taillights, 18-inch wheels, a split-tailgate and illuminated roof braces that imitate the Union Jack.