Mini catches a wave with Airstream trailer concept

Car companies are known for claiming their designs are inspired by racing or aviation themes. Mini is going in a different direction: the beach.

The diminutive small-car maker has released more details on a design study that mates a modified Mini Cooper S Clubman with a 22-foot long Airstream trailer under a watersports premise. It was designed by furniture maker Republic of Fritz Hansen and is being shown at an exhibition during the Salone del Mobile furniture show in Milan that runs through April 27.

An entire side of the trailer opens up (with an electric motor) for a sunbathing bed, and there is a table and chairs for relaxation after a dip in the water. The floor is made from a yacht-like deck wood. The walls are adorned with floral prints and two surf-board halves. There are also neoprene accents--the synthetic rubber used for wetsuits--on the outer walls in homage to surfing.

The Mini is fairly staid in comparison, betting dressed with green trim against the black exterior for a wetsuit look. That

By Greg Migliore