For those on the fence, Minis newest electric vehicle, the Aceman, will be unveiled 27 July.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgbcjtmNQYy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgbcjtmNQYy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Of course, the [p]Aceman will be an electric crossover. SE production is moving to China, will the [p]Aceman be made in Oxford or Baoding? My guess is if it's another retro-fitted electric MINI Cooper it will be made in the UK but if it's a ground-up new design it will be Chinese. Not long to wait.For those on the fence, Minis newest electric vehicle, the Aceman, will be unveiled 27 July.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgbcjtmNQYy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Like the SE convertible.So at most, it *might* be indicative of a future model...
https://www.motoringfile.com/2022/07/25/the-mini-aceman-concept-teased-ahead-of-debut/The Aceman will be a small crossover that will debut in 2024 as a 2025 model. This concept will be a lightly disguised version intended to tease the ultra-minimal interior and fully personalized lighting (inside and out) we’ll see on all forthcoming MINIs. It’s also going to show-off MINIs new desire to go smaller with both the new electric hatch an the production Aceman. There’s only one problem if you’re in the US – it’s not coming here.
Due to the realities of the US market wanting larger crossovers, the smaller Aceman doesn’t fit well within the line-up here. However there’s still a lot to learn from what we’ll see.
The Countryman really is extremely popular, and while it's big for a MINI it's much smaller than other SUVs. Personally I think SUVs have wasted interior space compared to a minivan, and American tastes in vehicles are generally awful. I just hope MINI keeps something closer to a Clubman in the lineup, since I need a wee bit more cargo space than the SE has. But I don't know if I could ever give up my SE.Some dealerships say that the Countryman is their largest seller.
My local dealer also confirmed the Countryman to be by far the biggest seller. They rarely sell 2 door hardtops.
Now the wife and I play Mini spotting we notice that most are Countryman, which my wife refers to as the ugly Mini
Like the 911 and 918 Porsches have the Cayenne and Macan SUVs to thank for their continued existences. Still, I don't look kindly upon a Cayenne or Macan when I see one.My wife and I refer to the Countryman as the Maxi-Mini - usually preceded by a not so flattering adjective. I have nothing against their owners though, as with many other manufacturers, who are being kept profitable by SUV sales, we probably have the Countryman to thank for the fact there is an SE at all.
Prior to getting the Tesla M3P, our family car was a GTS Macan - and it was actually quite fun to drive, though when driven thusly (and just like the SE, always in Sport mode) was more than a tad thirsty! Cold startup sounded great, especially for an SUV. Mind you, the other side of the garage at the time was a Cayman S (with a proper flat-6), and fun-wise and sound-wise it was on a different level - as you would expect.Like the 911 and 918 Porsches have the Cayenne and Macan SUVs to thank for their continued existences. Still, I don't look kindly upon a Cayenne or Macan when I see one.
I could never figure out what the heck the Paceman (R61) was, until one day it dawned on me it's nothing more than a 2-door Countryman (technically 3-door including the hatch). Not surprised it's gone, it didn't make a lot of sense. People who want a big Countryman are going to want four doors. And there's also the Clubman, which is practically the same in a lower profile but with more cargo space.Yesterday I saw an R59 JCW and an R61 All4 in the same 9-mile commute and rued their withdrawal from the North American market.
Prior to getting the Tesla M3P, our family car was a GTS Macan - and it was actually quite fun to drive, though when driven thusly (and just like the SE, always in Sport mode) was more than a tad thirsty! Cold startup sounded great, especially for an SUV. Mind you, the other side of the garage at the time was a Cayman S (with a proper flat-6), and fun-wise and sound-wise it was on a different level - as you would expect.
The Tesla Roadster (a battery-powered Lotus) is the only EV I'd concede might be more fun than the MINI Cooper SE.The Tesla Roadster was almost the perfect size at 13 feet, but the MINI is just so much more practical.
By standard Porsche nomenclature that would the "T" model - they get the "base" engine, so maybe that would translate in the EV space to less range. If they thought they'd sell enough, they might consider it.The Tesla Roadster (a battery-powered Lotus) is the only EV I'd concede might be more fun than the MINI Cooper SE.
I'm eager to read how Porsche chooses to balance weight vs range in their upcoming electric Boxster/Cayman duo. I'm guessing range will be their priority (see Taycan), but maybe they'll also offer a lightweight, 114-mile range "Turbo" or "Speedster" model for those whose focus is on fun.
Knowing Porsche, they would add some carbon fiber bits so they could charge more for the lighter, sportier, smaller-battery 918s. And they'd make them "limited editions" to boot!By standard Porsche nomenclature that would the "T" model - they get the "base" engine, so maybe that would translate in the EV space to less range. If they thought they'd sell enough, they might consider it.