Stylish Mini Roadster Concept Wows The Crowds At Annual Design-Fest

MINI, the car maker more famous for its compact hatchbacks and growing range of family-orientated models, has surprised audiences at the traditional Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este design gathering with a new roadster concept.

Called the Mini Superleggera Vision, its name is a nod to Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coachbuilding house based in Milan.

Although a one-off, the car not only demonstrates the good work of one of Italy’s most renowned coachbuilders but, according to industry observers, could also hint at a possible future new model in the Mini line-up.

The firm is staying tight-lipped regarding the latter and used the annual gathering of the great and the good – both designers and cars – to showcase a newfound premium dimension to the Mini brand.

Commenting on the joint project, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design said: "Touring Superleggera and Mini have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day.

“What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions. These elements are merged in the Mini Superleggera Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship."

By Press Association reporters