MINI Paceman Adventure ute concept
MINI ute breaks cover... and hearts. This is strictly a one-off special prototypeIt's probably not the kind of car to get a standing ovation at the Deni Ute Muster, but this new MINI ute concept is certain to pique the interest of MINI fans from around the world, and especially Australia.
Created by a group of MINI apprentices and their teachers at BMW's manufacturing plant in Munich, Germany, the MINI Paceman Adventure concept is a compact ute or pick-up, with a small cargo tray for loading gear, tools and equipment.
Based on the pre-facelifted MINI Cooper S Paceman, the concept's rear end has been hacked off -- a la other car-based utes, such as the Subaru Brumby and Suzuki Mighty Boy -- and the cabin has been reworked for driver and passenger.
A compact roof rack has been welded to the roof, fitted with spot lights and a spare tyre, while inside the car features heavily bolstered sports bucket seats. The rest of the cabin appears to be standard.
The MINI apprentices sought to give the concept ute improved mud-slinging capability, with a raised ride height and heavy-duty off-road tyres, while power is supplied by the previous-generation MINI's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, generating 135kW/260Nm.
Engine torque is transferred to all four wheels via six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring the car is "ready for just about anything" according to the MINI press statement.
As is clear from the photos, the Paceman Adventure concept has been designed for bush-bashing, complete with a snorkel mounted to its A-pillar. "The snorkel-like roof-level air intake means that MINI Paceman Adventure could tackle a challenging river crossing," says the company.
Like all MINIs the short front and rear overhangs would be beneficial for approach and departure angles (the drop bodykit partly countering this however) and MINI reckons its concept car is "suitable for driving on gravel roads, through muddy tracks or on desert trails".
Finished in jungle green metallic paint, the MINI Paceman Adventure concept ute is a one-off special. MINI says there are no current plans to build the car "for series production". Just like another stillborn compact ute concept that never made it off the ground: the Mercedes-Benz smart for-us micro ute unveiled at the 2012 Detroit motor show.
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