Rumorville: MINI GTI Model Based on the Crossover
We've yet to see the production version of MINI's small crossover model that will most likely be called the Crossman, but there already reports that the British firm is exploring the possibility of adding a sport version to the range aimed directly at the Golf GTI and its likes. Citing sources within the company, Autocar magazine is reporting that the GTI variant is one of two other proposals (the other being a standard family hatch) that MINI is considering to develop from its 4meter long, five-door Crossover platform.
If approved, the GTI model would be a direct spin off of the Crossover with changes including a significantly lower ride height, more driver focused dynamics and a series of exterior cosmetic enhancements such as new front and rear bumpers, beefier alloy wheels in new designs and naturally, an aggressively styled bodykit.
Same goes for the 5-door hatchback's interior that would certainly benefit from a sportier trim, unique seats and a proper three-spoke sport steering wheel.
The GTI's range will probably include the most powerful turbocharged engines that MINI has to offer, which translates to the 172 horsepower 1.6-liter unit of the Cooper S and the 211 horsepower 1.6-liter unit of the John Cooper Works model. While the Crossover will also be available with an all-wheel drive system, the GTI model is said to stick with a front-wheel drive layout, though a future AWD model shouldn't be ruled out.
Given that the Crossman isn't due to hit showrooms before 2010, don't expect to see the GTI model before the end of 2011 the earliest.
- Mini Spices Up Countryman Crossover With 215-horsepower Jcw Variant
The largest Mini of them all, the Countryman crossover, will soon accept a new member into its family as the BMW Group owned British automaker will debut the John Cooper Works (JCW for short) model at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The new JCW Countryman...
- New Mini Countryman Crossover: First Official Photos Leak Online
According to MINI's website, we weren't suppose to see the British firm's new crossover model before February 7, but the first photos of the five-door model have found their way onto the internet. Likely to be named either Countryman or Crossman,...
- Officially-official: Limited Edition Mini Jcw World Championship 50
Revealed for the first time at the 2009 MINI United Festival in Silverstone, the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 is yet another special edition model built to commemorate the Cooper racing team's first Formula One World Championship title...
- Mini Roadster Said To Debut At Frankfurt Show
This week's grapevine story concerns the possible unveiling of a near-to-production MINI Roadster study at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Britain's Autocar magazine joined the hype today corroborating an earlier report on the matter from...
- 2010 Mini Crossman: New Spy Shots Of Five-door Crossover
The highly anticipated MINI Crossman (bear in mind that it could be named Crossover or something entirely different) has been out testing again and our spy photographers where on spot to capture it red handed. While the prototype models continue to wear...