Aha, but that's where you're wrong, dajiggalo...this car (body, anyway) is already built in the protoype phase. THIS photo may be photoshop, but it really does look very close to this.

Did you guys notice the "fording" front end - "fording" as in pushing through watery/marshy areas)? It's the pan that scoops up the front - the part that someone here said made it look "mean." it looks MUCHO like the kind on old Rovers (back in the origins of the Mini, anyone?)

I +1 on the truck idea - the classic Minis had a truck configuration! (I've only seen one, but it was really cool!)

Forgive my ignorance, but what does the acronym SAV stand for?

 

I think Sport Activity Vehicle. I like the look.

 

Yup....obvious photoshop. I love that these car mag companies can just throw together rough photoshop images and convince people that they're new unseen cars People get so riled up over fake images

you'll notice that this is the original image.....just a pic of the old traveller concept show car. They just raised it....changed out the wheels for old R53 wheels, and added the bumper and roof rails from some compact SUV

 

the prototypes that were already built were the concepts for the Clubman....which is already released and obviously came out looking nothing like the concepts (as is usually true).

I bet if you look hard enough, you'll find the SUV that they copy-pasted that 'front fording' bumper from. The image is a complete fake.

 

Yeah, but it's fun to think about. The "fording" idea would appeal to those off-roading types as well as the snow-belt-AWD types.

If it came out looking ANYthing like this, I'd be happy to consider it. I would just hope that the super handling of MINI would transfer, too.

 

Can't figure out how to post the pics of the famed "photoshops" but here are the links...

http://articles.directorym.com/Spy_S...n-a854577.html

THis one has pics of front, sides and rear..

http://www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/spy+shot/16479/

More pics from outside Austria (near the plant)

http://www.caradvice.com.au/11695/mi...an-spy-photos/

I'll reword my statement, those photos are not real, but the car is out. They can't release it in two years and not be test driving it today.

 

This is badAZZ, WAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY BETTER than the club man . This is actually usable in the real world, Ill trade my ordered JCW and my R56s for this one! Its a completely different concept, NOT all of us want a car and a seperate truck. the SUV market definetly needs a new look. This car is is superb.

 

Yah they're definitely out there.... with only a year and a few months before the expected unveiling, they probably know almost everything about how it will look and what will go into it.

My guess is that we'll find that it looks a lot like a clubman with a lift kit and wider arches (to accomodate the AWD). They may go for the utility look by adding a bit more black plastic to the bumpers...and I bet that they will get some sort of roof rails (probably the same ones rumored to be released on 09 clubmans)

 

It's not bad. My husband really likes it.

 

I agree...and I hope those who find info (real or not) don't hesitate to post it. Consider it an excercise in anticipation....not necessarily cold hard facts.

So...will the Crossman be a four-door config?? I didn't think so, but perhaps I'm wrong.

Also, after the Crossman....what in the world could those MINI guys and gals have up their sleeves since the MINI won't be getting any bigger? Maybe that 2-seat roadster, or some special editions, or a remodel???

 

...anyway, not ugly to me...

 

ZIG (hardtop)
ZAG (cabrio)
ZUG (clubman)
UGH ????

Joking aside, I agree with some; I like it better than the clubman.

 

I can't believe I am gonna say this but... I think it looks OK. If it would get a few Escalades, Tahoes, etc off the road then I would be very happy. With gas prices going up like they are I think a lot of people who don't really need their "big" cars will be downsizing & the whole MINI line will be more appealing to them. Of course if that does start happening all the auto makes will follow suit with smaller cars.

Just think one day you might not have to worry about getting creamed by an 8000LB SUV & you will be able to see if the redlight in front of you changes color while driving in to work because no one drives ginormous SUVs anymore Well, a gal can dream can't she

 

I think it captures the 'bulldog' heritage pretty well.

 

An interesting point...I hadn't considered this. It'd be great if, just like various configurations of the classic Mini, folks would be able to use small efficient cars to do many of the jobs we typically have only thought of big cars doing. These MINI varients may really come in handy!!!

 

haha...yeah, no crap. looks wise...the crossman is okay and even kinda cool looking. however, the reason why it exists still bothers me....its not a MINI and never will be in my eyes. its just about bmw catering to a certain segment of customer (silly americans). you can have awd on a car and do fine in the snow. you have a family or pets to move around...a larger car or wagon can work fine.

i just want to know how BIG this thing is. if it gets some of the larger and unsafe behemoths off the road then that is a plus at least. i already have to worry about enough urban tanks taking me out in the mini as is....now do i have to worry about the 'mini' on steroids too? but heck...just as long as it gets 'great' gas mileage who cares how much of a behemoth it is...

 

I'll have to snoop around for the reference, but BMW has said officially that "no MINI cannot be longer than X." So there is a sense of proportion that limits to how long a MINI can be. Remember, we had trouble gauging the Clubman from pics, but in the showroom is was very MINI...as much as the classic Clubman was Mini.

According to MotoringFile, it "will also feature an optional 'smart' AWD system that is designed for efficiency and improved traction more than performance. The concept was conceived as not quite a traditional SUV but more like a MINI with a go anywhere and do anything attitude. Taking a few cues from the classic MINI rally cars of the past combined with a more extroverted character."

 

My first youtube insertion, I'm so proud....

 

I like the idea, being a Jeep owner, 3 SUVs and owning a MINI, I would like the option of the SAV. Mainly to replace the SUVs and to get a smaller AWD package.

In the mean-time I might go with a Clubman with full on snow tires for the ice and snow we get in the Rockies. I have to get to the fireplace in Steamboat somehow.

 

Fake, photoshopped, or whatever, keep in mind that the writeup was in the MINImania website. An inside track?

As for acceptance, I wonder if this is another one of those he-she perception things. Guys liking it, girls, not...

BMW has always called its SUVs SAVs. I suppose it's supposed to make us feel better, somehow.

 

Perhaps, but I'm tempted to think anyone who want/need/prefer 4wd would like it. Not sure yet if styling will trump this one feature.

 

Nice youtube insert. I hate to say it, but I sometimes forget that the MINI can't do what my 4x4 can - or go where it can! But it sure wants to try and thinks it can!

 

This is the ultimate answer for the demise of the SUV! Honey, I shrunk the SUV! It will definately have appeal in the US.

 

You mean something like this but newer?

 

That's the one! You have two classics, right? One little Mini that's parked perpendicular to your Mini truck in the garage?? That's an awesome truck! I want one...