With the focus on Mazda's Monterey, California debut of the 2016 MX-5 Miata last August, many gearheads may not have noticed MINI's June European promotion of a stunning, Italian-designed electric concept roadster, the Superleggera (TM) Vision. But you can bet that it raised eyebrows at Mazda headquarters. And the MINI's classic Milanese coachwork may have even ruffled a few feathers in the halls of Fiat Chrysler, where executives are still noodling whether to launch the Miata's sister Alfa Romeo roadster (possibly as a Fiat) or to simply let next year's more upscale Alfa 4C Spider lead the brand in the ragtop department.
BMW Group debuted the Vision at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 in Cernobbio, Italy. Says the company: "This exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan. The MINI Superleggera™ Vision is, on the one hand, a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand, its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. In collaboration with MINI, Touring Superleggera™ has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal."
Much of the press material on the Vision focuses on the various intricate design elements (we especially like the Union Jack taillights), but we believe the photo gallery below, courtesy of BMW Group, gives you a good idea of why such a roadster could give the Miata a run for its money on looks alone. Couple that with a smooth, powerful electric drivetrain and MINI's always stellar and solid handling, and you have a sweet formula for sales success that could draw MX-5 fans out of the fold (assuming the price is right).
We have asked BMW Group officials for more information on the possible launch of such a roadster, especially in the U.S., and we've also requested the specs on the drivetrain if they are available. We'll update you when we hear more.
In the meantime, please enjoy the photo gallery:
BMW Group debuted the Vision at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 in Cernobbio, Italy. Says the company: "This exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan. The MINI Superleggera™ Vision is, on the one hand, a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand, its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. In collaboration with MINI, Touring Superleggera™ has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal."
Much of the press material on the Vision focuses on the various intricate design elements (we especially like the Union Jack taillights), but we believe the photo gallery below, courtesy of BMW Group, gives you a good idea of why such a roadster could give the Miata a run for its money on looks alone. Couple that with a smooth, powerful electric drivetrain and MINI's always stellar and solid handling, and you have a sweet formula for sales success that could draw MX-5 fans out of the fold (assuming the price is right).
We have asked BMW Group officials for more information on the possible launch of such a roadster, especially in the U.S., and we've also requested the specs on the drivetrain if they are available. We'll update you when we hear more.
In the meantime, please enjoy the photo gallery:
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