MINI superleggera vision is an italian coach-built electric roadster

MINI superleggera vision is an italian coach-built electric roadster
all images courtesy BMW group

at concorso d’eleganza villa d’este 2014, collectors and motoring enthusiasts from around the world gathered to present and view some the rarest one-off, coach-built vehicles on the planet. BMW group joined the party when they unveiled the ‘MINI superleggera vision’, the interpretation of an open-top two-seater created in collaboration between MINI and touring superleggera – the milan-based traditional coach building house. boasting minimal lines and extracting the emotional style of open-road racing, the MINI superleggera vision captures the essence of a classic roadster, intersecting an electric drive-train to maximize modern driving dynamics. designed and elaborately crafted by hand, the vision concept blends the tradition of classic italian coachwork construction with MINI’s trademark british aesthetics.

video courtesy BMW group

both on the inside and outside, the form is reduced to its minimum. the front of the MINI superleggera vision references traditional MINI elements; distinctive circular headlights and a hexagonal grille, which complement the vehicle’s wide track stance and distinctively curved wheel arches. the classic MINI hood stripes are three-dimensionally embossed and continue into polished aluminum accents. alongside a flat front splitter made of carbon fiber, two fog lights and air inlets echo the circular contours of the headlamps, providing a smaller interpretation of the horizontally ribbed radiator grille.

the exterior features a specially developed como blue paint finish

like the ‘touring’ line at the side, a striking fin defines the look of the rear

because the exterior is constructed from large sheets of metal, the body has very surface few gaps

surrounded by tight, seamless surfaces, the side view traces a precise, movement from the front wheels through to the rear known as the ‘touring line’. embodying a classic coachwork building approach, the process takes place by shaping large aluminum sheets by hand using a series of frame structures. the hand-crafted style of construction gives the MINI superleggera vision an aesthetic that would essentially be virtually impossible to achieve by machine.

a highlight of the wide rear is the unusual LED lights, designed in the form of a union jack divided in two

discreet CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) sills accentuate the front end of the MINI superleggera vision

‘MINI and touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation,’ says louis de fabribeckers, head of design of touring superleggera. ‘in this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. the italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.’