The MINI Superleggera was a wonderful idea automotive. It may’ve even been a wonderful manufacturing automotive, contemplating it supposedly drives like a Porsche. That’s because of a variety of weight on the rear axle. Extremely, we nonetheless have some morsels to share with you concerning the automotive’s engineering and design.
MINI Superleggera: the Starting
As we’ve beforehand reported, the MINI Superleggera started as a lower-tier model of the BMW i8 dubbed the BMW i4. No relation, after all, to the electrified 4 Collection Gran Coupe we see on sale at present. Both method, the early phases of Superleggera weren’t fairly as elegant because the automotive’s sheet metallic may counsel. Primarily based on conversations with Jürgen Greil, an engineer aware of the early phases, he was “within the grocery store getting meals” when he received a name to “be in Herbert Diess’ workplace in ten minutes.” The thought was cobbled collectively, regardless of the quick discover and a deadline simply three weeks away. The idea — sans any concrete design — received in entrance of the execs, together with Diess and Ulrich Kranz. “Normally, Diess didn’t consider me,” our Greil mentioned. “I’d show him unsuitable by making it.” What ended up taking place? A few days later, “he got here again and mentioned we’d do a MINI out of it.” After that, the automotive took on a brand new life.
Anders Warming, MINI’s Chief Designer on the time, has insights into how the automotive advanced. As Villa d’Este 2014 approached, the MINI Superleggera grew to become an official challenge. He recollects how the designers have been shocked to be engaged on a MINI, relatively than some extravagant coupe, a extra apparent selection for an occasion like Villa. “They have been pondering BMW 6 collection, massive stuff, la dolce vita…and right here we come wanting a small MINI.” Alternatively, the MINI was, in its personal method, an excellent match for Villa d’Este. “The Minarri has British stylish, Italian model — The Italian Job, MINI driving via Rome.” After some time — and after no less than one designer struggling to come back to grips with the very fact — the crew noticed the sunshine and “received it.”
Making the Mid-Engine MINI
Warming continued to element how the MINI Superleggera grew to become the mid-engine marvel we all know it as at present. Execs needed electrical, which led the crew to go for mid-engine proportions. Minor adjustments from preliminary sketches included tweaks to the entrance fascia — to make it extra MINI — and a rear fin a la the Jaguar D Kind. The Union Jack taillights happened on this later spherical of tweaks, too. Which is sort of shocking when you think about it’s such an iconic a part of MINI design. However then, the design originated as a BMW! “The world has advised us 10 million instances we must always have finished it,” our supply mentioned. We’re gonna inform you yet another time. In fact, it wasn’t solely for lack of making an attempt. As chances are you’ll already know, Diess took a run at KTM to assist with manufacturing, however it merely was by no means meant to be.
As all the time, we encourage testing the superb books by Steve Saxty, out there in a set known as BMW: Behind the Scenes. You may be taught extra concerning the automotive itself and the choices and folks that made it a actuality. Properly, “actuality,” within the sense that no less than two vehicles have been truly constructed.
