MINI Countryman Crossover Concept Revealed in Patent Filing
Well look at what we have here, it’s the MINI Crossover Concept. at first glance this looked as if it could be the actual Countryman. Alas the inage (courtesy of Jalopnik & RacingPuma only show what looks to be last years Crossover Concept. Granted it’s still another look at a vehicle that will likely give yet more clues of the final Countryman production SAV. But as far as Countryman sneak peeks, this isn’t it.
More photos after the jump
<p>Knowing MINI, I’m not surprised that the patent application is unclear about the doors on the Countryman. They like to keep us in suspense as long as they can, to have an awesome reveal like they did with the Twins. We’ll have to keep a close eye on what is released with the upcoming auto shows!</p>
<p>It looks like they are going to run with the roof line on the Coupé Concept well into the future. I only hope it doesn’t make its way into the next generation of hardtops.</p>
<p>If it is a design patent, which I am assuming it is, I wouldn’t assume that any of these images are determinative of a final product that will come to market. MINI is just taking the necessary legal steps to protect and reserve the right to produce what it considers to be a unique design. Those wheels look a lot like those on the beachcomber concept.</p>
<p>Having a thoroughly exposed rear suspension seems to be an unintentional MINI trademark. I’m not complaining though because it doesn’t look like a previous generation Acura MDX (as if there isn’t room for bits and pieces so they hang way down) it is purposeful.</p>
<p>I also foresee a giant MINI logo in the same ‘esque’ as Volkswagen and hopefully it doubles as a hatch latch, because, at least from these drawings, there is no defined latch/reach for the tailgate.</p>
<p>I can now say I am EXTREMELY excited to see this beast in the flesh.</p>
<p>I don’t know if auto companies regularly patent their concepts but this is definately the “MINI Concept Crossover” and not the Countryman. I’m not trying to be a party pooper but there is no news here.</p>
<p>Uhmm this looks more like the previous concept models… like exactly the previous concept models when they did 4 versions of concepts cars per auto show…</p>
<p>Cant help but thinking it looks alot similar to BMW X6 with an hatchback on the rear???? anyone else think that?</p>
<p>Roof line looks Like Toyota FJ! I am sure the rearward visibility is rotten.</p>
<p>I like it!!</p>
<p>Is it just me or does the front view remind anyone else of Jaws from the Bond movies?</p>
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<p>How did you guys find this? and when exactly was it filed for Patent…because the patent process can take a very long time…Seeing this is the Crossover Concept, the patent might have been filed 2 years ago…and only now has approval…</p>
<p>Dunno if it is worth anything, but I would love to know the timeframe as to when it was filed vs when it was granted…</p>
<p>Looks like a Toyota FJ Cruiser had a baby with a Morris Mini.</p>
<blockquote><b>Jeremy: </b>It looks like they are going to run with the roof line on the Coupé Concept well into the future. I only hope it doesn’t make its way into the next generation of hardtops.</blockquote>
<p>I agree!! I am not a fan of the roof on the Speedster and thus prefer the Coopster so far because of the different roof. The roof line looks a little better in this patent diagram because of the length of the car and placement of windows, but I am still not convinced. I would be really upset if they changed the roofline of the hatch to reflect this as well… On second thought.. I doubt they would do that because the iconic MINI roof is so recognizable as a “hat” on the greenhouse of windows…</p>
<p>Also, <b>Sideways:</b>, that’s something I thought of after posting my first comment… This diagram could reflect a very preliminary concept, unless the Crossover is delayed even more because of a recent patent filing?</p>
<p>Hmmm so many questions! Only time will tell!</p>
<p>I like the roofline of the Coupe as a change of pace from the rest. I think it’s a mistake to put it on all models.</p>
<p>So do the illustrations prove that the R60 will come from the factory with a Badge Holder?</p>
<p>Todd better get buisy making more badges!</p>
<p>That C-Pillar treatment didn’t look very good and the FJ Cruiser and doesn’t work very well here. Otherwise, I like the car…</p>