Mini Cooper
Car
Car
Good design moves - selected by Ronald Ihrig The original Mini by British Leyland had 40 years to become a living automotive treasure, from 1959 to 2000. A new effective successor had to be found that would do the brand’s new owner, the BMW group, justice in terms of cutting-edge driving dynamics, reliability and image. In 1997, Adrian van Hooydonk had already designed the Anniversary Concept Vehicle 30 for the 30th anniversary of the Monte Carlo Rally victories. But this was only a contemporary interpretation of a two-seater rally car with Mini style elements based on an MG-F. Some of these elements were so well executed that they served as inspiration for the new MINI design language. Under the internal development code of E50, Frank Stephenson designed the prototype of the new BMW MINI. Gert Hildebrand directed implementation for production and, for 10 years, was responsible for the design of subsequent models. Although dimensions had to be enlarged to accommodate current technologies and safety requirements, you can instantly discover stylistic elements of the traditional MINI. With the MINI One, BMW has created the basis for a new MINI brand, which, in addition to traditional designs such as Clubman and Cabrio, also comes as a coupé and roadster. With its many references to the original Mini, the MINI One not only represents a bridge to automotive modernity but was also the starting point for a whole new product line. Let’s wait and see…
Client / Manufacturer
BMW Group Design
München, DE