The Mini, launched in 1959, remained in production for more than four decades, something that even Alec Issigonis would not have thought possible at the time. Despite numerous changes in detail, the basic shape of the classic Mini remained untouched for 41 years. The revolutionary small car became a classic in automotive history, a timeless vehicle that was voted "Car of the Century" by readers of the British magazine Autocar in 1995.
Just like its handling, the appearance of the classic Mini remained a reflection of its character for decades - and ultimately provided the template for the design of the modern Mini.
The new Mini is born - completely new, but with unmistakable roots
As early as the mid-1990s, soon after the takeover of the Rover Group by BMW, plans for a new edition of the unique small car began to take shape. A study of the Mini Cooper was presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1997. By this time at the latest, it was clear that this would not be a copy of the classic, but a modern interpretation of the traditional vehicle concept.
The study combined the classic values of the classic Mini with the requirements of a modern automobile on the threshold of the 21st century.
A spectacular sports car study was unveiled at the Monte Carlo Rally at the beginning of the year. 30 years after the last victory of the classic Mini at the Monte, the two-seater, right-hand drive, mid-engined ACV 30 (Anniversary Concept Vehicle) concept car caused quite a stir, and not just because of its extremely powerful proportions. It also showed how the characteristic design features of the classic Mini - such as the hexagonal radiator grille and the large round headlights - could be transferred to a modern vehicle concept.
Mini modernized
What would the ideal small car look like if the convictions of the designer Issigonis from the 1950s were implemented with the technical possibilities and customer wishes of the 21st century? Finding an answer to this question immediately seemed promising, especially as neither the drive concept of the classic Mini had lost any of its topicality over the past four decades, nor had its barely changed appearance lost any of its charm. The Mini project team, initially under the leadership of Frank Stephenson and later with Mini Design Director Gert Volker Hildebrand at the helm, therefore attached great importance to transferring not only design details, but above all the basic idea from the early years of the classic Mini into the modern automotive era.
The new Mini also had to be unique, provide enough space for four people and their luggage, offer the most economical drive concept possible and inspire with driving characteristics that no other model in its segment had previously been able to offer. In addition, the developers took into account current comfort requirements and the highest safety standards. The result was yet another revolutionary new small car - oriented to the requirements of its time in all criteria and this time also developed and manufactured according to the quality standards of a premium brand.
Recognizable features and design icons
The consistency of the developers' objectives and the fundamental values of the concept are reflected in a design that authentically visualizes the parallels in the character of the classic Mini and the new Mini and is based on a design language that is characterized by the interplay of lines and joints as well as circles and ellipses. With an exterior length that has grown to 3.63 meters, the proportions including the narrow front and rear overhangs, which express the agile handling of the vehicle in its exterior, have been retained. The classic three-part division of the vehicle into the body, the window graphics shown as a circumferential band and the free-floating roof have also been reinstated in a modern form. The shoulder line runs from the front lights over a muscular shoulder section to the C-pillar, where the distance to the roof is smaller than in the area of the A-pillar. This creates a side window graphic that opens to the front, emphasizing the forward thrust and sportiness of the vehicle.
In addition, details typical of the brand and already unmistakable on the classic Mini have been reinterpreted. The modern design of the hexagonal radiator grille and the round headlights, which are no longer framed by the fenders but are now set into the hood, characterize the brand-typical face of the new Mini. The side indicator surrounds, which serve to differentiate the engine variants of the Mini, have also become an established design icon. They also draw the eye to the hood seam of the new Mini, which is just as slanted as the metal seam of the side panels on the classic Mini. The upright rear lights also serve as a further distinguishing feature.
On the Mini R50, they have an elegant chrome frame. This is also a reminiscence of the classic Mini, which always remained true to the shiny chrome and thus steadfastly resisted the plastic outgrowths in car design of the 70s and 80s. The very concave, three-dimensional and powerful wheel design also continues to borrow from the style of the classic Mini - even if the wheels are now larger, wider and fitted with run-flat tires.
An unmistakable design also characterizes the interior of the new Mini. With the central instrument, known as the "Center Speedo", a characteristic feature of the classic Mini was taken up and developed into a unique design element. Until 1968, its speedometer was also designed as a central instrument. Its appearance also provided the inspiration for the design of the surrounds of the control and operating elements in the new Mini. The round air vents and the elliptical main elements of the door panels set further, equally unique accents, reflecting the Mini-typical design language of the "circular elements", which was also implemented in the exterior. And it has remained so to this day.
