Testing season is now in full swing at the Nürburgring where MINI was caught testing their upcoming SUV supposedly named, Cross or Crossman. Recently the BMW X1 was spied testing on the same track, so it seems the BMW Group still puts a great deal of value in road-handling results for these mini crossovers/SUVs.
The MINI brand has always been about a fun driving experience, and the Cross which is reported to be based on the Clubman seeks to live up to that reputation. When it goes on sale in 2010 the Cross will feature all-wheel drive for some models, seating space for four or five and a host of fuel-saving measures.
From these and other spy pictures it appears the Cross will strongly resemble the MINI Crossover Concept in terms of exterior design. It is likely that the popular 1.6-litre petrol engine will continue to be the basis of power for the car in both natural and artificial aspiration. A high-performance JCW has been reported to be in development which is due a year later in 2011.
The first public exhibition of the production vehicle is expected to be at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.
Bremen_Koenigsegg
April 6, 2009 10:53 PM
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