2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

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Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

2013 Ford Taurus: Preview

Bringing Ford's legendary Taurus nameplate back on track has been one of the automaker's many miracles of the past several years. With the return of the Taurus SHO, and a heavy dollop of tech features and luxury refinement, Ford brought a once-great name back from the brink—as an excellent, albeit staid larger sedan.

Based on the still-rather-conservative restyle we've seen in the 2013 Ford Taurus unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show, that part of the Taurus formula won't change anytime soon. But Ford has stepped it up in nearly all other respects—with better fuel economy, improved driving feel and dynamics, and even more safety and tech features that are typically reserved for German luxury flagships.

Four-cylinder returns to the Taurus

The big news is that the Taurus will offer an available turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that will make V-6-caliber horsepower and torque while returning "at least 31 mpg highway." That's 3 mpg better on the highway than the current 3.5-liter V-6 in the front-wheel-drive Taurus, and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Avalon.

In the 2013 Taurus, a 290-horsepower version of that same V-6 will remain standard, but it adds twin independent variable camshaft timing, bringing it up to date with recent upgrades for the 2011 Ford Mustang, 2011 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKX, and 2011 Ford F-150. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four will be optional, making 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. In either case, they're hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. And yes, the high-performance 2013 Ford Taurus SHO will return, too.

To help achieve those better fuel economy numbers, all Taurus models will get a more aggressive fuel shutoff, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor, reduced-friction lubricants, smart battery management, and a low-tension accessory belt, in addition to the electric power steering (EPS) that the company is deploying on all of its models. The suspension has also been retuned. Soy foam seats and noise padding made of recycled materials are other capstones of Ford's green intent.

Better steering and braking? Check.

Engineers have worked to give the 2013 Taurus a better steering feel compared to the current version; that includes a quicker ratio. And one of our chief complaints—a spongy-feeling brake with long travel—has been explicitly resolved in the new version. Ford says it's improved pedal feel, shortened travel, and upgraded the actual brake material.

View the original article here

2012 Kia Soul Preview: 2011 New York Auto Show

Better fuel economy, more power and an amped-up look come to the 2012 Kia Soul, which takes a bow on a stage at the 2011 New York Auto Show today.

For the new model year, Kia's added its version of the new Hyundai/Kia corporate 1.6-liter four-cylinder to the Soul train. It's worth 135 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque, a boost of 11 percent according to the automaker. A six-speed manual transmission teams up with the new four to turn in EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28/34 mpg, an increase of 3 mpg, Kia says.

There's also a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 160 hp and 143 lb-ft of torque, available on the top three Soul models. With either a six-speed manual or automatic, this Soul gets EPA-estimated ratings of 27/33 mpg.

Spotters will look to some tweaks on the grille to tell 2012 models apart from the 2011 Kia Soul. LED running lights and projector headlamps flow into a reshaped hood, and the rear end's capped with LED taillights.

The cabin earns some more sound deadening, all the better to enjoy a new Infinity sound system--which can be driven through Kia's UVO interface, which uses your voice commands to direct cell-phone dialing and audio fiddling. (In case you've forgotten how it works, our YouTube video's embedded below.)

A new trim package adds leather seats, front-seat heating, a navigation system (which can't be ordered when UVO is specified), and pushbutton start.
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Shanghai preview: Buick Envision Concept

Thursday, Mar 31st, 2011 @ 9:28 a.m.

Buick has announced it will unveil a new SUV concept, dubbed the Envision, at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. The announcement was accompanied by a lone teaser image.

Buick didn’t release much in the way of details but says the Envision is powered by a plug-in hybrid system. General Motors was working on a plug-in hybrid version of the Saturn Vue before the brand was shuttered, so it’s possible that system resides underneath the hood of the SUV concept.

Buick describes the concept’s exterior design as “elegant and smooth”, adhering to Buick’s “dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable” design essence.

No interior information was given, but Buick says the Envision is packed with new technologies that projects “the future of Buick products.”

It remains to be seen just how large the concept is, but it’s possible the SUV previews Buick’s long-rumored sub-Enclave model.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu: 2011 New York Auto Show Preview

GM's best-selling sedan gets a major refurbishing early next year in the form of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, which is being teased today in this photo released by General Motors.

The current Chevy Malibu was named North American Car of the Year when it was introduced for the 2008 model year, and since then, it's become one of General Motors' sales pillars. Chevy sold 198,770 Malibu sedans in 2010, ranking alongside the likes of the Hyundai Sonata (196,623 sales), Ford Fusion (219,219 units), and Nissan Altima (229,263 units), though behind the sales titans among family sedans--the Toyota Camry (327,804 units) and the Honda Accord (311,381 units).

The new car will be the eighth new vehicle to wear the storied nameplate, though over the decades the Malibu has been transformed from a rear-wheel-drive car with V-8 to front-wheel drive and V-6 and four-cylinder engines.

The Malibu also was briefly offered as a mild hybrid, with some retail sales in 2009 and to fleets only in 2010.

In this new iteration, GM says the Malibu will put an emphasis on fuel economy with a range of four-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions. A GM spokesman says no V-6 powertrain will be offered in the new Malibu.

GM may have more news on hybrid Malibu drivetrains next month, at the New York Auto Show. A plug-in hybrid drivetrain is possible, given GM's experience with the technology in its serial hybrid Volt. GM also could offer an "eAssist" mild-hybrid system in the new Malibu, since the sedan is related to the new Buick LaCrosse, the first GM sedan with that battery-assist technology.

GM claims European-style handling for the new Malibu, and it may be a pre-requisite given ambitions for the new four-door. GM plans on selling the new Malibu on every continent save for Antarctica, in more than 100 countries in all.

Production begins this summer at two plants in the U.S.--at the Hamtramck, Michigan, plant where the 2011 Chevy Volt also is built, and at the GM plant in Fairfax, Kansas.

The Malibu will be unveiled next month at both the Shanghai Auto Show and on Chevrolet's Facebook page, prior to its first live U.S. showing at the 2011 New York Auto Show on April 20. The live reveal begins on the 18th at 8:30 p.m. EDT with Webcasts going out over GM's Webcast channels for the Apple iPad and Apple iPhone.

GM also is asking consumers to submit questions about the new car during the Webcasts via Twitter using the #MalibuReveal hashtag.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Preview

Source: MotorAuthority.com

The BMW M3 and Audi RS5 better look out as their rival from Stuttgart has just unveiled a sledgehammer of a two-door in the form of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Based on the sultry C-Class Coupe revealed for the first time last month, the latest AMG-prepped variant features not only the two-door’s distinctive design but combines it with a powerful drivetrain and dynamic handling.

Like its C63 AMG Sedan sibling, the C63 AMG Coupe misses out on the latest twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 and instead relies on the tried and tested naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 found in a variety of the Affalterbach tuner’s models including the SLS AMG supercar. Peak output comes in at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, though an optional AMG Development Package lifts output to a heady 481 horsepower.

With 451 horses on tap, the powerful coupe will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and easily reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Opt for the AMG Development Package and you’re looking at 4.3 second time for the 0-60 benchmark and a 174 mph electronically controlled top speed.

The extra performance is courtesy of   forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft adopted from the SLS AMG model's high-tech drive system and helping to shed some 6.6 pounds. This weight reduction helps lower rotational inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

Other modifications offered with the special package include a variable intake manifold finished in titanium grey and an AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece front rotors and red painted brake calipers.

There's also a carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and a sports steering wheel finished in leather and with an Alcantara grip area.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via the familiar SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which also sports a special "Controlled Efficiency" mode.

This setting provides early upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and softer accelerator characteristics to help improve fuel economy. Other settings include the familiar S, S+ and M models. Gear changes in the S+ and M modes take just 100 milliseconds and also includes the RACE START launch control system.

Other performance modifications include uprated brakes, a new three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track both front and rear. The stiffer setup, more negative camber and larger anti-roll bars result in greater agility and lateral acceleration. Additionally, specially adjusted spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as road noise and tire vibration.

The car’s electronic stability control also has three settings--the driver can use the ESP switch on the center console to choose between ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes Rolling stock consists of new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R 18 tires up front and 255/35 R 18 tires in the rear. Also at the rear is a black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins along with two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

Inside, the C63 AMG Coupe sports a new dashboard design and integrated TFT display screen.

Leather upholstery, aluminum trim, gloss piano black, and more are all found standard, and can be further customized if desired with Designo treatments.

Technologically, the 2012 C63 AMG also gets five new driver assistance systems: adaptive highbeam assist, attention assist, parktronic parking assistance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot assist, each doing exactly what it sounds like. Mercedes' latest COMAND system is also fitted, including a 3D display for virtual city views.

Look out for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe in showrooms this September.

View the original article here

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Preview

Source: MotorAuthority.com

The BMW M3 and Audi RS5 better look out as their rival from Stuttgart has just unveiled a sledgehammer of a two-door in the form of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Based on the sultry C-Class Coupe revealed for the first time last month, the latest AMG-prepped variant features not only the two-door’s distinctive design but combines it with a powerful drivetrain and dynamic handling.

Like its C63 AMG Sedan sibling, the C63 AMG Coupe misses out on the latest twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 and instead relies on the tried and tested naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 found in a variety of the Affalterbach tuner’s models including the SLS AMG supercar. Peak output comes in at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, though an optional AMG Development Package lifts output to a heady 481 horsepower.

With 451 horses on tap, the powerful coupe will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and easily reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Opt for the AMG Development Package and you’re looking at 4.3 second time for the 0-60 benchmark and a 174 mph electronically controlled top speed.

The extra performance is courtesy of   forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft adopted from the SLS AMG model's high-tech drive system and helping to shed some 6.6 pounds. This weight reduction helps lower rotational inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

Other modifications offered with the special package include a variable intake manifold finished in titanium grey and an AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece front rotors and red painted brake calipers.

There's also a carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and a sports steering wheel finished in leather and with an Alcantara grip area.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via the familiar SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which also sports a special "Controlled Efficiency" mode.

This setting provides early upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and softer accelerator characteristics to help improve fuel economy. Other settings include the familiar S, S+ and M models. Gear changes in the S+ and M modes take just 100 milliseconds and also includes the RACE START launch control system.

Other performance modifications include uprated brakes, a new three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track both front and rear. The stiffer setup, more negative camber and larger anti-roll bars result in greater agility and lateral acceleration. Additionally, specially adjusted spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as road noise and tire vibration.

The car’s electronic stability control also has three settings--the driver can use the ESP switch on the center console to choose between ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes Rolling stock consists of new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R 18 tires up front and 255/35 R 18 tires in the rear. Also at the rear is a black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins along with two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

Inside, the C63 AMG Coupe sports a new dashboard design and integrated TFT display screen.

Leather upholstery, aluminum trim, gloss piano black, and more are all found standard, and can be further customized if desired with Designo treatments.

Technologically, the 2012 C63 AMG also gets five new driver assistance systems: adaptive highbeam assist, attention assist, parktronic parking assistance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot assist, each doing exactly what it sounds like. Mercedes' latest COMAND system is also fitted, including a 3D display for virtual city views.

Look out for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe in showrooms this September.

View the original article here

2011 Geneva Motor Show Preview: Mazda Minagi Concept

Source: MotorAuthority.com

Just hours after today’s earlier leak of the new Minagi Concept, Mazda has released full details for its latest concept and confirmed that it will be appearing for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The concept is said to be a preview of a brand new compact crossover from Mazda but it’s also the latest iteration of the automaker's ‘Kodo’ Soul of Motion design theme. We first saw Kodo on the stunning 2010 Shinari Concept and now we get to see it in crossover form.

The Minagi's styling has clearly been derived from the Shinari, which we all know will influence the automaker’s future models--we got that confirmation from Mazda’s chief designer, Ikuo Maeda, last September.

The Minagi also combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies, which consists of the automaker’s next-generation powertrain, vehicle body and chassis designs. In the case of the new Minagi, the concept is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with ample safety features.

The aging Mazda Tribute is long overdue for an update and reports of a sharper and more dynamic compact crossover from Mazda date back to early 2007, so it’s not at all surprising to see that the Japanese automaker is working on just such a model with the new Minagi.

Any new compact crossover from Mazda will likely be called the CX-5 and go up against vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4 and possibly even the upcoming BMW X1. To keep it as fuel efficient as possible, the crossover is expected to feature a partial all-wheel drive system, with drive being sent to the front wheels in most situations and the rears only kicking in during loss of traction.

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2011 Geneva Motor Show Preview: Infiniti Etherea Concept

Source: MotorAuthority.com

The autoshow season is fully upon us, as we transition from the Chicago show to Geneva next month and New York in April. Infiniti is gearing up to make the most of the Geneva Motor Show with a new compact concept performance car positioned below the G line, dubbed the Etherea.

The official images above hint at a likely relationship to corporate partner Renault small car lines with a touch of Essence Concept thrown in for good measure. If that's the case, it's not clear that it'll be destined for the U.S.; such a concept might be intended only to do battle with the smaller BMW and Mercedes vehicles on their home turf.

The company's senior vice president, Andy Palmer, called the car slated for Geneva a "study for a high-performance premium car below the current G series." Palmer also claims the car is "fundamentally different" from competing products--though how so, we're unsure.

The new compact Infiniti concept will make its official debut March 1, at 12:15 p.m. GMT.

For a comprehensive, speculative look at what form the car will take, including its drivetrain and performance targets, check out our previous coverage here.

[Infiniti]

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2011 Geneva Motor Show Preview: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

Source: MotorAuthority.com

Just a few days ago we reported that BMW would be bringing a new roadster concept to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and today, just a few weeks out from the show, the wraps have come off the stunning new concept car.

Rather than preview a specific production model--though we could envisage this being a baby ‘Z2’ roadster--the new BMW concept has been designed to showcase new developments in the fields of drive systems and intelligent networking of the driver.

Dubbed the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive, the new concept vehicle demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking. ConnectedDrive is the name BMW groups any technologies that allow it to connect a driver to its vehicles and to the world. So far we’ve seen five different ConnectedDrive services: BMW Assist, BMW Online, BMW Tracking, BMW TeleServices and in-vehicle internet access.

Some of the ConnectedDrive elements featured in this particular concept include car-to-car communication, real-time navigation and the latest sensor technology for accident avoidance. In fact, the vehicle doesn’t even feature a conventional instrument cluster. Instead, it features an advanced head-up-display that conveys important information such as road speed and navigation instructions.

The automaker doesn’t go into specifics as to what is powering the roadster but does state that it showcases the latest developments in concepts for electromobility combined with a vehicle styled by BMW. You can take this as meaning there’s an all-electric drivetrain hiding under the pretty sheet metal--or is it pretty carbon fiber?

While there are no plans to put the Vision ConnectedDrive roadster concept into production, many of its design elements are expected to make it onto future BMWs.

Press days for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show kick off on March 1. In the meantime, follow our complete coverage of the event by clicking here. 

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MINI Rocketman Concept Preview: 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Source: MotorAuthority.com

Leaks, teasers, previews...the Geneva Motor Show is gearing up to a fever pitch this year, and MINI wants to be part of the action. Its entrant to the concept category? The MINI Rocketman Concept.

Positioned as a curious "3+1" seater with three doors and a scant 10-foot overall length, the Rocketman is currently only a design study, though it certainly looks like it could be promoted to the big leagues if the reception is warm enough. Sadly, it doesn't look like Sir Elton John will be on hand to sing the car across the stage.

MINI currently has two other small cars waiting in the wings: the Coupe and Roadster. Adding a three-door hatch to complement those and further drive the seemingly endless proliferation of MINI variants could be just the right kind of crazy for MINI.

Most notable about the Rocketman concept is the seating layout: intended primarily as a two-seater, the front seats offer typical MINI room. The front passenger seat can be slid slightly forward, however, making room for a third passenger in the rear. A fourth seat behind the driver makes it possible to carry up to four people in the car, though even MINI admits it's best used for "shorter journeys."

So what's the Rocketman all about, aside from a funky seating arrangement and tiny footprint? It's intended as an urban machine in concentrated form. The small overall size and Toyota iQ-like seating mean more utility in a smaller parking space.

The Rocketman's other concept-typical but possibly production-ready features include full LED headlights and tail lights, a wraparound greenhouse, a waistline light strip, and large 18-inch alloy wheels. The wheels deserve some special attention, as they're not just lightweight tire-holders, but also aerodynamically active surfaces that help reduce drag. Visible carbon fiber at the front end and around the doors hints at the high-tech use of materials underneath.

The doors, too, are unique, as the whole sill comes out with the door, making ingress and egress to the small cabin easier. The rear hatch also articulates, offering better access to the small rear area. A carbon spaceframe underpins the car, enhancing stiffness and providing fun- and efficiency-enhancing lightness. Even the full-length glass roof is part of the action, with a brace configuration that traces out the Union Jack. Optical fibers are integrated into the structure to provide ambient light in the cabin.

Hit page two for the official release in its verbose entirety.

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