It appears that car manufacturers can’t wait to reveal their new concepts for the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and some of them decided that it is time. After GM showed the Sierra All Terain HD Concept, Bmw’s MINI brand revealed the Paceman Concept, a new vehicle that marks the relaunch of MINI brand in North America. The new MINI Paceman Concept promises to create a new category of car (although it seems to be a rival to the 2012 Land Rover Evoque), combining a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. According to the manufacturer, the concept is the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment that blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. As you can see from the photos, the car carries the familiar MINI family front end, but features new headlights with chrome surrounds that extend far into the front wings.
Moreover, the Paceman Concept comes with a new front grille design inspired by the Cooper S Countryman. The MINI Paceman Concept’s fresh interpretation of the side scuttle at the transition from front wing to door houses both the side direction indicator and an air outlet. The rear end of the car looks really good and features completely new tail lights, a new rear roof spoiler and a new bumper with integrated air diffuser and exhaust system.
The design is completed by the 19-inch wheels designed exclusively for the study car and dark wheel arch borders with side skirts highlighted in the same colour. The four-seater car measures 4,110 millimetres in length, 1,789 millimetres in width and 1,541 millimetres in height. Inside, the car continues the MINI design language, The new instrument panel is defined by its distinctive, concave forms. Under the hood we find a MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine delivering 155 kW/211 hp and a maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), which can be increased to as much as 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.
