MINI is showing up at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 with a very special EV concept: the MINI Superleggera Vision.
This open-top two-seater EV was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan.
MINI stated the Superleggera Vision is on the one hand a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. The company added Touring Superleggera has designed and built a unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal.
“Touring Superleggera and MINI have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions. These elements are merged in the MINI Superleggera Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship.”
The front of the MINI Superleggera Vision is said to feature the traditional MINI design icons: two circular headlights and a hexagonal grille define the front section, providing a contemporary interpretation of features which have become firmly established over decades. There are also striking classic sports car elements such as a wide track and distinctively curved wheel arches that give the front a dynamic presence. The classic MINI hood stripes are three-dimensionally embossed and run on into high-quality polished aluminum accents. The inlaid hood harks back to classic British roadsters of bygone days.
Meanwhile the horizontal rib look of the radiator grille adds a classic sporty touch, added MINI. The fact that it is closed is a discreet indication of the car’s electric motor, of which we no nothing about.
“MINI and Touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation” said Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera. “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.”
source: http://www.hybridcars.com/mini-superleggera-vision-ev-showcases-unique-coachwork/
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