As its name implies, the concept was designed jointly by MINI and Milan-based coachbuilder Touring Superleggera. It draws inspiration from minimalist British convertibles of the 1960s and 1970s with a long hood and short overhangs, but styling cues such as oval headlights and a hexagonal grille make it instantly recognizable as a MINI. The truncated rear end is accented by a slim fin that runs down the trunk lid and tail lamps with a Union Jack motif.
The minimalist treatment continues on the inside with a retro-styled three-spoke steering wheel and an instrument cluster reduced to a single gauge. Additionally, the car’s entertainment, navigation and climate control functions are grouped into a touch screen-based infotainment system in order to leave the dashboard completely uncluttered.
MINI and Superleggera say their aim was to create a vintage-inspired back-to-the-basics sports car for the era of electric mobility.
“In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior,” explained the two companies in a statement.
BMW has unveiled a new concept at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance every year since 2008. The cars have always been one-off models that are not slated for regular production and the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept is likely no exception.
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