Concept cars give manufacturers a blank canvas with which to let their imaginations run wild, but are also seen as a good way of testing public opinion towards potential future models, features or styling themes.
There have been several concept versions of the MINI, some of which have led to production models such as the new MINI Electric.
Here are five that have yet to see production, but are all the more fascinating for it.
MINI ACV 30
Revealed in 1997 when MINI was still part of the Rover Group, the ACV 30 provided some bold clues as to how the new MINI would look when it appeared four years later. Unlike the BMW MINI, though, it was based on the platform of the MGF and powered by Rover’s K-Series engine.
It was the work of Dutch stylist Adrain van Hooydonk, and was a tribute to the MINI’s historic rallying success.
MINI Red Plugger Concept
Created by Canadian fashion designers and identical twins, Dean and Dan Caten (or DSQUARED, as they prefer to be known), the one-off Red Plugger was based on a Cooper S but with rugged off-road features, knobbly tyres and raised suspension.
It was created as a fundraiser for the annual Life Ball, Europe’s biggest annual AIDS charity event, in 2011.
MINI Rocketman
It may share its name with an Elton John hit single, but the Rocketman is far less well-known, despite being just as flamboyant. It was first shown in 2011 as a 3.2-metre long mini-MINI, designed to compete against microcars such as the Toyota iQ.
It never saw production, but MINI revisited the idea in 2016 with a newer Rocketman based on the next generation car. It could yet see the light of day as new addition to the MINI range.
MINI Superleggera
Making a surprise appearance at the 2014 Villa d’Este Concours, the MINI Superleggra (meaning super-light) was a striking Roadster concept, which hinted at a future MINI-based sports car.
Rumours have circulated ever since its appearance about a production version becoming a reality, but as yet it hasn’t been seen.
MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept
The John Cooper Works GP Concept was revealed earlier this year and takes MINI to the max. Developed as a track car concept, the GP features huge fibreglass spoilers and splitters and a stripped-out interior with a roll cage.
While a production model hasn’t been confirmed, it could be the focus of a future MINI-based race series.
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