Straightline - MINI considering a (full) Monte SUV

MINI considering a (full) Monte SUV

Somehow the words "MINI" and "SUV" just don't seem to go together—or do they? Granted, the first thought of MINI doing an SUV seems crazy. Then again—should they decide to do so—I'm sure it will be a neat little off-roadster, and a ton of fun.

If it comes about, it could be built at BMW's South Carolina plant, and the name being bantered around is "Monte."

Full story here.

Posted by Bob Dec 4, 2007 5:00 am

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Categories: MINI

Comments

ateixeira - Dec 4, 2007 10:43 am (#1 Total: 9)

Recife, PE, Brazil

Call it the Maxi Cooper.

Dumb idea, IMO.

Build a BMW X1 if you must.

estreka - Dec 4, 2007 3:02 pm (#2 Total: 9)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

No thanks. Agreed on the X1.

firstwagon - Dec 4, 2007 6:08 pm (#3 Total: 9)

I'd have to see more of it first. An actual mini off roader would be cool but just throwing SUV styling cues on a Mini would be lame.

Remember though, the original Mini was the platform for a lot of different little vehicles. Done right, it could work.

rsholland - Dec 4, 2007 7:42 pm (#4 Total: 9)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

Remember the Mini-Moke? Here's a military version (I kid you not)

http://www.theunmutual.co.uk/images/armymoke.jpg

firstwagon - Dec 4, 2007 9:26 pm (#5 Total: 9)

Check this out, this is what we had for years, think VW rabbit drivetrain in VW thing body with an Audi all wheel system...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Iltis

Nevermind Hummer, it ain't even a Jeep.

rustyshacklfrd - Dec 5, 2007 6:53 am (#6 Total: 9)

Rather than knee-jerking, I come at this from a completely different angle than most, and I think it's the angle MINI's looking from, too. This is not about the MINI getting bigger, it's about the SUV getting smaller, peppier, and more fun to drive.

rsholland - Dec 5, 2007 7:26 am (#7 Total: 9)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

I agree. I think a "mini" MINI SUV would be a hoot, and a welcome addition to the SUV scene.

crashtestdingo - Dec 5, 2007 10:53 am (#8 Total: 9)

Astoria (New York City) NY United States of America

I thought BMW's plant was in Spartanburg, SOUTH Carolina.

By the way, perhaps the source article has been changed since this blog entry was posted, but it says that this MINI will be built at the Magna plant in Austria that currently builds the BMW X3.

rsholland - Dec 5, 2007 11:14 am (#9 Total: 9)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

You're right. It is South Carolina. I've corrected my blog. Thanks.