The MINI Superleggera was a wonderful idea automobile. It might’ve even been a wonderful manufacturing automobile, contemplating it supposedly drives like a Porsche. That’s because of lots of weight on the rear axle. Extremely, we nonetheless have some morsels to share with you concerning the automobile’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, in fact, to the electrified 4 Sequence Gran Coupe we see on sale in the present day. Both approach, the early levels of Superleggera weren’t fairly as elegant because the automobile’s sheet metallic would possibly counsel. Based mostly on conversations with Jürgen Greil, an engineer aware of the early levels, 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 brief 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. “Often, Diess didn’t imagine me,” our Greil mentioned. “I’d show him mistaken 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 automobile took on a brand new life.
Anders Warming, MINI’s Chief Designer on the time, has insights into how the automobile advanced. As Villa d’Este 2014 approached, the MINI Superleggera turned an official mission. He recollects how the designers have been shocked to be engaged on a MINI, slightly than some extravagant coupe, a extra apparent selection for an occasion like Villa. “They have been considering BMW 6 sequence, large stuff, la dolce vita…and right here we come wanting a small MINI.” Then again, the MINI was, in its personal approach, an incredible match for Villa d’Este. “The Minarri has British stylish, Italian fashion — The Italian Job, MINI driving by way of Rome.” After some time — and after not less than one designer struggling to come back to grips with the very fact — the workforce noticed the sunshine and “received it.”
Making the Mid-Engine MINI
Warming continued to element how the MINI Superleggera turned the mid-engine marvel we all know it as in the present day. Execs wished electrical, which led the workforce to go for mid-engine proportions. Minor modifications from preliminary sketches included tweaks to the entrance fascia — to make it extra MINI — and a rear fin a la the Jaguar D Sort. The Union Jack taillights happened on this later spherical of tweaks, too. Which is sort of stunning 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 informed us 10 million occasions we should always have performed it,” our supply mentioned. We’re gonna let you know yet another time. In fact, it wasn’t completely for lack of making an attempt. As it’s possible you’ll already know, Diess took a run at KTM to assist with manufacturing, but it surely merely was by no means meant to be.
As all the time, we encourage testing the superb books by Steve Saxty, obtainable in a group referred to as BMW: Behind the Scenes. You’ll be able to study extra concerning the automobile itself and the choices and those who made it a actuality. Nicely, “actuality,” within the sense that not less than two automobiles have been truly constructed.
