Mini->ke57 has always been one to adhere to the saying "thinking outside the box" and that was no more evident than its a recent collaboration with Italian design house Touring Superleggera->ke4628 to create an open-top, two-seater concept->ke169 called the Superleggera Vision.

The concept made its debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 over the weekend, catching more than just the interest of those who attended the event.

It's hard not to get caught up in the design of the Superleggera Vision because it's been a while since Mini has a vehicle that looks as sporty and as athletic as this one. (Apologies to the current Mini Roadster->ke3891, but you're still a roofless Cooper->ke629 at best).

But the Superleggera Vision is far from a disguised Cooper. Other than those headlights and the new grill on the new Cooper, this concept has its own retro-styled look and is as dynamic a Mini as there's been in recent years.

Hopefully, this isn't the last we see of the Mini Superleggera Vision. If we had our way, this would be in line for production in the next few years. But even if we don't get to make that kind of decision, we're confident that Mini will hear the public calls and consider it anyway.

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

2014 Mini Superleggera Vision

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Mini Superleggera Vision
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The biggest source of surprise was Mini's deviation from its usual hatchback configuration, opting to design the Superleggera as a roadster, complete with the long hood and the shorter rear deck. The design threw us of a little but in a very good way. You don't even see a Mini boast these kinds of sexy proportions so seeing one really got our attention.

Outside of its roadster layout, the Superleggera Vision still features a host of traditional Mini design, including the headlamps and the new Cooper's distinctive grille. Through it all, you can still see the retro-styled theme that has become a design stamp for Mini.

Even the side profile, especially those character lines that run the length of the sides, evoke a sporty and athletic visual fit that blends in well to the entire layout of the Superleggera Vision.

Interior

Nothing particularly spectacular about the interior of the Superleggera Vision, which in some sense is a good thing for the concept. The minimalist design combines well with the retro-styled sportiness of the body. Even then, the concept still carries classic Mini features on the cabin, including the prevalent use of leather and aluminum and the inclusion of the centrally mounted speedometer, the column-mounted tachometer, and if you're down for a trip into Mini's history, that classic-looking three-spoke steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Mini has yet to divulge details on the performance specifications of the Superleggera Vision, opting only to say that the car will use an electric drivetrain. Hard to make what it has in store but should details become available, we'll be quick to let you know what those are.

Just a concept or vision of the future?

Technically, Mini already has a roadster model in its lineup so finding room for this model might be a little complicated. But if Mini really wants to make the kind of splash the likes of which it hasn't done in recent years, a true blue roadster sounds and looks like an intriguing option.

Competition

Mazda MX-5 Miata

As a global car in itself, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is considered the benchmark as far as sports roadsters are concerned, having established that reputation after 25 years in production.

A next generation Miata is expected to arrive in time for next year and while there have been multiple rumors on what kind of powertrain it will carry, you can look at the 2014 model for a little reference. In this case, the

Miata is available with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 124 horsepower while a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has 158 horsepower is also available for the hard-top version of the roadster.

Conclusion

It's a bold move by Mini and Touring Superleggera to create a concept like this, but if Mini is serious about this car, it looks really good as a production vehicle. Give it a few years, and perhaps a few drinks, and we may very well see the car in the road soon. Hopefully, at least.