2014 MINI Rocketman

Mini Rocketman Concept

Looking over the 2014 Mini Rocketman concept, you get the feeling that BMW is going back to its roots, again. The Mini Cooper is growing in size. You almost can’t help but grin about it as this seems to be the case with every “small” car ever made. Perhaps it’s a function of the automakers trying to give you more for your money, I like to think so, but for whatever reason a return to form for the Mini was almost predictable.
No matter, what we have here is, again, a concept and with that tagline goes the obligatory weird doors and funky red eared tail lights that, when coupled with the exhaust, look like a rodent sticking its tongue out at you.
Perhaps you’ve never been a fan of the Beetle’s smiling grille but the Rocketman rear is a bit much, and even though Ian Robertson, BMW Groups marketing boss, says that the company has a tradition of bringing concept car magic to the showroom, most of the over the top elements would most likely be discarded.
The Mini has always had one thing in its stylistic pocket that other manufacturers would kill for and indeed, they spend a fortune on, and that’s machismo. Yes, the Mini, unlike a lot of the competition can be and is driven confidently by burly men, and women, everywhere, and the good news is that the Rocketman carries on with that tradition. From a mile away, you can see the Mini lineage and this is great for BMW and us.

Mini Rocketman Concept

The engine for the Rocketman looks to be the new TwinPower Turbo three cylinder engine that BMW has been developing. This incorporates BMW’s decision to move forward in downsizing engines to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Before the groaning starts however, it’s important to remember that this is the way all automakers are going. The thing is, BMW has a strangle hold on their “Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker, and they will be hanging onto it, even with a three cylinder, 94mpg engine… thank you very much.
So for all of its funky attitude, its concept glitz and dual gender appeal let’s hope the Rocketman does go into production. Unfortunately, the car will not be ready until 2014 and even then, word has it that it may not be available in the U.S. Of course, they said that about