MINI goes virtual with the clubman vision gran turismo concept

MINI goes virtual with the clubman vision gran turismo concept
all images courtesy of BMW group

influenced by the brand’s legendary motor racing success, MINI‘s design team has teamed up with the developers of gran turismo 6 to create the ‘MINI clubman vision gran turismo’. designed for the playstation 3 video game console, the 395 horsepower engine accelerates the MINI clubman vision gran turismo from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. on screen, a sequential 6-speed transmission directs engine power to the permanent all-wheel drive system, guaranteeing optimum power transmission at all times, while gear shifting is achieved using wheel-mounted paddles. fully adjustable dampers at the front and rear ensure an optimum connection with the road. the maximum speed is up to 290 km/h, depending on the gearbox ratio and each race track.

 the front splitters regulate airflow to cool the high-performance engine and brakes

‘the MINI clubman vision gran turismo combines all the hallmark MINI design features presented in the sportiest and most exciting style. a MINI like this has never been seen before,’ says christopher weil, head of MINI exterior design. the concept echoes this philosophy, giving it a modern interpretation as four separate LED light elements separated by a black Xinside the ellipse. the continuous, hexagonal radiator grille has a flat, sporty design to emphasize the car’s wide track and encased by a high-end black chrome surround. further references back to the brand’s rally achievements of the past are the upright windscreen wipers, the small additional headlamps and the accentuation stripes on the hood, roof and rear.

 the horizontal alignment of the air ducting elements makes the front section appear very low

the side reveals an elongated roof and low, continuous windows which appear to stretch the virtual MINI.  almost reaching down to the ground, the bodywork conveys optimized aerodynamics and road-holding stance in visual terms. the elongated doors are also embedded in muscular, tightly modeled surfaces.  the wheels are placed well to the outside of the body, thereby facilitating the brand’s trademark go-kart-style handling. 22 inch bi-color rims come standard, while racing details such as snap fasteners on the hood, a small sliding window and quick-release filler caps perfectly round off the car’s side appearance.

the perspective most likely to be admired by gamers and opponents is probably the rear. expansive wheel arches and a marked shoulder section make for a self-assured posture. in between, a three-dimensional surface design enlivens the rear view. as at the front and side, the lower section of the car features a very dynamic design. aerodynamic openings break through the modeled surfaces, giving them more character. according to MINI, the racing-hatchback adheres to form follows function: air outlets and ducting surfaces in carbon are located precisely where they can take optimum effect. lower down, the completely closed and flat underbody further enhances the car’s refined aerodynamics.

broad shoulders and powerful rear wheel arches