The 2011 MINI Countryman is the first four-door in the British brand’s lineup – but a new two-door version could be in the works, if the MINI Paceman concept is any indication.
Calling the new design study a “crossover coupe,” MINI says the Paceman starts identically to the Countryman up front, where it shares a grille with the higher-powered Cooper S Countryman. Behind the front clip, the Paceman chops and channels its way into coupe-dom with a shorter, more sloping roofline that still carries over the notched Countryman roofline. Big 19-inch wheels are fitted, suggesting an uptick in performance for the two-door edition. On the rear, the Paceman has more of a horizontal design theme, with a lower, smaller glass area and taillamps turned 90 degrees from their vertical installation in the Countryman.
The details of the cabin haven’t been revealed in photos, but the sketches show a close link to today’s Countryman. The concept has a center-rail console like the one found in the four-door crossover, and accompanying bucket seats, while restyled interior door and trim panels use ovals to lend an impression of more interior space.
Tucked beneath the hood is the MINI John Cooper Works engine, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four with 155 kW and 260 Nm with an overboost function that briefly lifts torque to 280 Nm. MINI’s all-wheel drive system fits an electromagnetic differential to split power front to rear. Electric power steering and independent suspension have been carried over to the concept as well.
MINI says the Paceman hasn’t been green-lighted for production, but its aggressive plans to flesh out its lineup could include the Paceman on an assembly line in Graz, Austria, alongside the Countryman and the BMW X1.
Adapted from MotorAuthority
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