The concept version of the Mini Paceman.
Just in time to mark the start of its annual “Mini Takes the States” tour, the British maker has confirmed it will put the Paceman concept into production next year.
That will bring to seven the total number of models in the Mini line-up, a significant expansion for a brand that debuted in the U.S. 10 years ago with just a single microcar.
“You are the first to hear this, even before the press,” Mini chief executive Kay Segler as 1,000 fans turned out for the 6th annual, 3,900-mile cross-country rally. “The Mini Paceman is the official name of the brand’s seventh model, which will be launched next year in the U.S.”
The Paceman is essentially just a three-door version of the Mini Countryman. That model, in turn was the British marque’s first four-door, its first all-wheel model – and the biggest Mini ever produced.
Despite the warm reception the Paceman had received on the auto show circuit, Mini had sent signals that it wouldn’t put the Paceman into production but apparently read the market research data a little more closely.
If the maker uses the same driveline now found in the Countryman that would mean a 1.6-liter inline-four making 121 hp in naturally aspirated trim, or 181 hp with a turbo. Odds are a John Cooper Works edition will follow, as with the Mini Countryman.
“We will continue to expand the MINI family,” said, “and, in so doing, build on our global position as the leading manufacturer of premium models in the small and compact car segment.”
Expect to see the production version of the Mini Paceman debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.