Mini Spiritual Concept 1997

[AleNod]

This Forgotten MINI Concept Could Have Changed Small Cars Forever

Before BMW launched the retro-styled MINI in 2001, it considered a radically different design—the 1997 MINI Spiritual Concept. With a rear engine and futuristic packaging, it quietly shaped the brand’s future.

www.bmwblog.com

Can understand why BMW didn't pick this up, they wanted something a bit more premium that they could charge premium prices for. But, I do like seeing inovative ideas . . .

I think this would have required a volume manufacturer to make the numbers stack up, but its still an interesting thing . . .

 

[Zephyr]

Looks like the lovechild of a Twingo with a Fiat 500.... BMW would never approve this. As you said they were interested in a premium approach.