MINI’s new high-riding, all wheel drive Crossman has been spotted racing around Germany’s Nurburgring circuit and we have fantastic photos of the high speed runs! The MINI Crossman, previously referred to internally as the “Colorado,” will bring the brand firmly into new territory. What will likely be called the R58 within BMW from here on out, the Crossman is obviously riding higher than current MINI models, and have all-wheel drive, making it a potential choice for off-roaders.
Despite a strong family resemblance, the Crossman will actually ride on a unique platform. The new architecture was needed to accommodate the Crossman’s all-wheel drive system and higher ride height. As noted, the basic chassis and most components will be shared with the BMW X1, though the models won’t have any visual similarity.
Compared to the standard Cooper, the Crossman will ride just over 3 inches higher and will measure in at over four meters (157 inches). A 102.6 inch wheelbase and 72 inch width make the crossover larger than any previous MINI. Power will come from the same engines found in the Cooper and Cooper S.
Unlike the long-wheelbase Clubman, the Crossman has two doors on each side, rather than one on the right and two on the left. In concept guise, this MINI has a sliding door on the driver’s side, and a regular one on the passenger’s side. We suspect both sides will have regular doors come production, but anything’s possible.
Out back, spy shots reveal the Crossman will use a twin-door setup, similar to the one used on the Clubman.
While the X1 will be built in South Carolina, the Crossman will be assembled by Austria’s Magna Steyr. Both models will be sold in the U.S., but it remains unclear if their diesel versions will make the trek across the Atlantic. However, with stricter CAFE regulations looming, it remains a distinct possibility that the U.S. could see an oil-burning option.
The 2011 MINI Crossman will make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales slated to begin shortly after. Expect the Crossman to be priced from about $29,000.
04/13, 12:06 PM
posted by:
ahnuconun
You’re kidding me? Like we needed another Mini variant. Well, at least they finally got the grille right!
04/13, 12:13 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
More like Mini Grossvan.
04/13, 1:24 PM
posted by:
Borat
So far BMW discovered a gold mine with Mini. Is there feeling that BMW will screw up? I think BMW management is doing great compare to our geniuses.
04/13, 1:33 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
BMW management was only good at realizing there are plenty of fools to whom they can market. Nothing more.
If the world was filled with intelligence, this brand would have already failed.
04/13, 2:34 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
“If the world was filled with intelligence…” Many times i wonder myself…
04/13, 4:00 PM
posted by:
Borat
Perhaps I am not the most intelligent living being, but I really like Mini. I don’t own one, but drove it many times and really enjoy its handling and responsiveness. It is the best handling car in US, if not counting super luxury models. Car & Driver stated that it is 90% of Ferrari at 10% of cost. Furthermore, their losses are not as steep as either BMW or cheaper brands. So if you personally drove it: what is wrong with Mini?
04/13, 4:06 PM
posted by:
shane train
Borat- I have, and I like the ride alot. It’s a nonstop pleasure to cruise around in that little thing, it’s great fun.
I gotta go against the sheep on this one and say that I think this thing isn’t so bad. You can cry and moan heresy all day long, but I don’t care. This is a Mini with a lot more function, and it doesn’t look like it’s abandoned it’s form. It doesn’t seem like an SUV with some Mini decorations, this is a serious design.
I look forward to seeing this thing camo-less, I think it’s going to bring some uniqueness into the crossover segment.
I PRAY it retains the good handling and driving pleasure, it would be a huge advantage for it.
Though, the rear doors, I’m not totally sold about. This is no rubicon ripper, let’s be honest. It’s a road-borne crossover, and the double doors can be a pain in the ass in the city. But I’d have to try it out in person to know for sure.
04/13, 6:13 PM
posted by:
Killadelph
Impulsive, you are just a complete moron. You don’t know what you talking about so I beg you not to chime in. Don’t even make someone pull out a stat sheet and make you realize that MINI is the only reasonable brand in the market to post gains in a WHILE. Of course this Crossman will retain handling and good gas mileage, thats what MINI does. I’ve actually had a 2003 Cooper S in my garage for sometime, along with some cars scaling from $15,000 to $115,000 and i have to say the mini has been in the shop the least of all of them. I took it in when i first got it because i thought a SC bearing had gone bad, turns out nothing was wrong but they still gave me a free SC under warranty, thanks Princeton BMW. You can pray for their downfall but its not coming anytime soon. Sometimes the RS4 stays in on the weekends because the MINI is just more fun.
04/13, 10:51 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
‘Killyourself’, you were looking in a mirror when you posted, correct? The FACT that you were lucky with your overpriced, underengineered piece of garbage only blinds you to the FACT that too many others were plagued with the early versions. Add the FACT that last month MINI USA sales were DOWN, dummy. Do some homework and read about all the problems, dufus. Ignorant fools like you should learn to shut your trap before providing biased information.
‘Borat’, I’ve driven both versions of the Cooper and have little to complain about except for tramlining on the ‘S’. Still too many issues people have had with an overpriced, underengineered go-kart.
Unacceptable in my book.
04/13, 10:53 PM
posted by:
maxcar
it’s like building a morris 1800 because the morris 1300 was so popular. taking something good and scaling it up to sell more is no formula for success.
04/16, 12:45 PM
posted by:
DeepSeaBlue535i
“Impulsive”, a mini is DEFINITELY NOT under-engineered.
05/10, 10:56 AM
posted by:
B
You’re right, they’re not under-engineered. They are very over-engineered