While we are waiting for Mini->ke57 to finally unveil the 2014 Cooper, the company decided to come up with a pretty cool concept car that previews the new model. The concept is called "Vision" and it is based on a virtual 3D hologram.

The new Vision concept features an evolutionary design that combines classic styling cues with a "future-focused aesthetic and technical innovations." Alongside an innovative design language, the new Vision concept features interactive gadgets, such as the Driving Experience Control switch, which offers a glimpse of what the future will bring for Mini models. The concept also features a sweet Glamorous Gold paint finish that we've never seen before on a Mini model.

Mini unveiled the new Vision concept at today’s MINI Design@Home event with Chief Designer Anders Warming. The production version is expect to arrive at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mini Vision.

2013 Mini Vision

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mini Vision
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Vision concept is immediately recognizable as a Mini model, despite its future-focused aesthetic features. The concept keeps the hexagonal grille and the elliptical full-LED headlights. Another Mini feature is the clear separation of the roof, glasshouse and body made by using a chrome strip.

Mini built the concept, using a lightweight "organo metal" that it produced by pressing various fibers into a composite. Along with this innovative metal, Mini also focused on making the concept very aerodynamic. For this, the car’s body includes an aerodynamic air intake and outlet around each front wheel arch, airflow-optimized rims and exterior mirrors, and an integral, air-channeling roof spoiler.

Interior

The concept's interior is defined by "individual style, variability, functionality and aesthetic appeal." Mini installed a transparent and open cockpit, sweeping doors and a "floating" center console.

For the interior of the door, Mini used an elastic fabric with stripes identical to the Union Jack flag. Along with offering a pretty cool aesthetic look, these stripes also work like holders for a magazine, mobile phone or drink bottles. In fact, the entire interior is filled with smartphone holders, a storage box and cup holders.

An innovative feature offered by the concept is the new Driving Experience Control switch that allows the driver to choose between a pure and focused or fully interconnected mode. The fully interconnected mode uses dynamic, energy-charged shades to set the mood inside the cabin. Also included as a part of the fully-interconnected mode is a “MINI Disco” floor that uses as interplay of colors, light and forms to bring the car to life.

Drivetrain

Mini offered no details on the engine used for the Vision concept, but for the production version we know that Mini plans to offer a new three-cylinder engine family along with the conventional four-cylinder engines.

When can I drive one?

Of course, you will never have the chance to drive the Vision concept, but its design features will inspire the new generation Cooper and that's a model you will be able to drive starting 2014.

Competitors

2013 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is one of the best choices you will have for a small city car. It is powered by an all-new 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. In the U.S. market the model is priced from $16,000.

Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle has a long tradition on the market. The new generation arrived on the market in 2012 and is already enjoying great success.

The model is offered with a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower; a 2.0 TSI engine with 210 horsepower; and a 2.0 TDI engine with 140 horsepower.

The new Beetle is priced from $19,995.

Conclusion

As Mini promised, the new-generation Cooper will offer a design language like we've never seen before. We are not very sure if this is a good thing though, because the concept's front look is rather strange. We're just hopping the production version will be slightly different.