Mini previews a carbon fiber chassis future for city cars with the Rocketman.
Mini waited until public outcries of model-bloat reached fever pitch to introduce their new city car concept. The Rocketman is not only the smallest Mini to be conceived under BMW's stewardship, it's also packed with lightweight technologies and packaging solutions that Mini hopes to incorporate into its road car range in the coming years.
The Rocketman features a carbon fiber spaceframe chassis, which keeps overall weight to a minimum and maximises rigidity at maximum. Combined with the yet to be disclosed powertrain, Mini claims the Rocketman is capable of 94 mpg. Mini also promises that the drivetrain has an "enhanced sprinting ability", which we'll take to mean that it's fun to drive. The seating arrangement is a unique 3+1 setup. Behind the passenger seat is a regular back seat, but behind the driver's seat is smaller seat that can be folded down for more storage.
Overall length is about 11 feet, or a little shorter than a base Cooper. Styling is fairly over the top and some of the cues tip us off that the Rocketman will likely only make it as far as concept form. The rear lights that protrude as hoops from the rear deck look far to easy for some ne'er-do-well to break off in passing. In fact, it'll be a surprise if they survive the Geneva show.
Though the Rocketman may not be making it to showrooms anytime soon (...and I think it's gonna be a long, long time), it's great to see companies such as Mini starting to implement carbon fiber construction in cars lower down the price spectrum. Tune in next week to learn more about the Mini Rocketman.
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