Well, well, well; if it isn't MINI's (conceptual) answer to the Mazda MX-5… Seen today for the first time ahead of a world premiere at this weekend's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014, the Vision concept was conceived by the BMW Group's Mini division and Italian design and coach-building firm Touring Superleggera.
For now, it's a one-off model, much in the likes of the BMW Group's previous Concorso d’Eleganza concepts made in collaboration with design firms such as the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso V12 and BMW Z4 Zagato, but we'd keep an eye on the styling if the rumors about Mini mulling a new rival to the Mazda MX-5 come into fruition.
BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk said the concept is an "elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship."
The exterior of the car blends typical Mini design elements with traditional styling cues from Britain' illustrious roadster and speedster past along with some Italian flair, while inside, it's back to basics with a minimalistic approach that allows the owner to focus on driving.
“MINI and Touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation” said Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera. “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.”
The BMW Group did not mention anything about the car's powerplant.
