The last we’d heard, MINI’s quirky Rocketman Concept hadn’t made the cut in the production stakes, but that hasn’t prevented the company from reworking it to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics.
Originally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the Rocketman Concept measures just over three metres in lenghth and uses a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic spaceframe, guaranteeing a lightweight construction. Inside, its innovative 3+1-seater layout accommodates three full-size seats and an extra seat suitable for short trips. Other notable features include the Union Jack transparent and illuminated glass roof, double-hinged doors allowing easier access in tight spaces, trapezoidal stirrup design taillights, and circular headlights with LED full beam units surrounded by a dipped-beam light ring.
This version, revised to mark London’s hosting of the Olympic Games, has been painted dark blue, with a red roof and grille section, while the mirror caps, surrounds for the grille and headlights and boot opener are finished in Matte Porcelain White. The 18-inch alloy wheels feature white polished areas and a metallic red accent.
The red, white and blue theme continues inside, with nubuck leather used on the seats and side panels, while the name of every host city of the summer Olympic Games in the modern era has been stitched into the door inserts. Other touches include a rocket-shaped key fob in British national colours and a rucksack attached to the rear of the front passenger seat.
The car will be on display in the BMW Group Pavilion, close to the Olympic and Paralympic Village throughout this year’s Games.
[Source: MINI]