Mini will bring the whimsy and wonder to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show with the Mini Beachcomber Concept. The Beachcomber is inspired by the door-less Mini Moke sold in the 1960s, but it's built from the architecture that will underpin the production Mini crossover, the Countryman.
The Beachcomber as shown here will probably never go into production (certainly not before the Countryman gets here), but Mini is careful to note that all the pillars have been reinforced so it would be a safe vehicle to knock around in, even without its soft-top roof and lightweight doors (not shown in any of the photos) -- and thus not at all like the original Moke. Mostly, this Mini concept is meant to be a fun-looking thing in much the same way a Jeep Wrangler looks fun after you take the doors off.
Probably we wouldn't want to thrash around in the Mini on real dunes, though, despite the knobby tires on the concept. Mini notes it has a new all-wheel-drive system (ALL4), the same one that will be used on the crossover, and we'd guess this is the latest Haldex system that incorporates an electronic rear limited-slip differential.
Inside there are four seats and a center rail system that evidently makes it easy to attach portable music players, storage boxes, a small cooler, extra armrests... sure. Also, the rear seats fold down, so you could probably carry as much stuff as you can in the similarly sized Clubman. Funny how making room for all your stuff is a concern even in concept cars.
Mini notes in the press release that the production crossover "will be launched later this year in markets outside of North America," basically dashing any hope of us seeing the Mini Countryman before the 2011 calendar year.
More photos plus video of Jeremy Clarkson driving a Mini Moke after the jump.
firstclass says:
05:33 PM, 12/15/09
2000 Dune concept version of the New Beetle. 1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car, 2008 Hummer HX Concept, 2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept, 2009 Nissan Qazana Crossover, 2009 Kia Soul'ster Concept, 2007 Mazda Hakaze, 2009 Suzuki SX4 Makai Concept
We’ve seen these types of concepts before but this one is especially ridicules, which is a good thing. these beach buggies keep popping up and make me wish driving on the beach was legal where I live. Perhaps Daytona beach would be a more suitable location to debut this concept. I’d say were basically looking at a modified vision of Mini’s new 2010 crossover.
rsholland says:
06:10 PM, 12/15/09
Love it!
The AWD that Mini is about to introduce reportedly has a low range, so this may indeed be quite off-road-worthy.
suvblogger says:
08:17 PM, 12/15/09
Is this necessary? What credentials does Mini have to build an off-road oriented SUV? It looks like something Barbie would drive.
rsholland says:
05:38 AM, 12/16/09
I for one do hope that something like this will get produced. I'd take it any day over a Wrangler.
jacton says:
06:49 AM, 12/16/09
I think there are bits and pieces that are cool. If you can look past some of the wirdness its probably real close to what the countryman will look like.
hokiehigh says:
11:01 AM, 12/16/09
WOW, I can't wait to see the crash test score from the side impact... Looks cool though.
zoomzoomn says:
04:46 AM, 12/17/09
Like firstclass says...these concepts have kept popping up over and over again for years. Yet, no manufacturer has really dug in and produced one. I see alot of these and think: more civilized Jeep Wrangler. But then maybe no one really wants a "civilized" Wrangler.
rsholland says:
04:35 AM, 12/18/09
"But then maybe no one really wants a "civilized" Wrangler."
I do.
nigeltufnel says:
07:43 PM, 04/ 7/11
Yep, me too.