Mini reveals its retro-futuristic Vision

Mini has unveiled its Vision concept at the Design@Home event in Munich. Based on the signature Mini Cooper design elements, the Vision gives a glimpse into the Mini's future with the retro-futuristic concept.

The elliptical front headlamps of the Mini Vision concept are fitted with LED lamps along with daytime running lamps on the outer rings

Unveiled by Anders Warming, head of Mini Design, Vision gets details such as canted roof, large tail lamps, Mini hexagonal grille, inset bumpers and well-sculpted door panels.

The elliptical front headlamps are now fitted with LED lamps along with daytime running lamps on the outer rings.

The design team has used a lot of carbonfibre to not only reduce the weight but also to give the vehicle an exclusive silhouette

The design team has used a lot of carbonfibre to not only reduce the weight but also to give the vehicle an exclusive silhouette. Another material used is 'organo metal', a highly malleable material amalgamated from numerous natural fibers. The material is strong and also bears a fabric-like texture.

For better aerodynamics, designers have included air intakes and outlets around each front wheel, airflow-optimised wheel rims and exterior mirrors, and an air-channeling roof spoiler.

The Vision concept moves the speedo to the driver's side but maintains the large, center-mounted display.

A transparent and open cockpit, sweeping doors and a central console give the driver and passengers a wide open space along with the benefits of a space-saving small car.

One of the new attention-grabbing feature is the Driving Experience Control. "The Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver to choose between a pure and focused or fully interconnected mode. The two modes are expressed in different colours using calm, clear light and dynamic, energy-charged shades. Another highlight of the fully interconnected mode is the 'Mini Disco' floor. Here an expressive interplay of colours, light and forms transforms the footwells as the Mini Vision appears to come vibrantly to life," said Mini.

Many of the Vision concept details will return when the new Mini hatchback debuts later this year.