The Mini Beachcomber Concept is the brand’s latest concept that will be shown at the Detroit auto show. But unlike its last two concepts, this one is unlikely to ever see production.
The Beachcomber is a modern take on the Mini Moke of the 1960s. It’s a stylish, compact crossover designed for the outdoors -- as evidenced by the lack of a real roof or doors. Minimalist plastic panels offer some form of protection from inclement weather, but in normal driving, Mini envisions drivers ditching the panels for open-air motoring.
Mini designed the Beachcomber’s interior to go along with the car’s nature-oriented feel. The seats are done in a unique color combination symbolizing the four elements, with contrasting stitching to match the car’s specially painted interior trim. Mini had custom porous floor mats made, which allow the driver and passengers to see pieces of the floorpan. Mini also added two gauges -- a liquid-style hemispherical compass and clinometer to show how the Beachcomber is angled.
The Mini's center rail, first seen on the Mini Crossover Concept, also makes a comeback on the Beachcomber. The center rail allows the driver and passengers to place individual elements, such as external music players, armrests, storage containers, and various shelves, exactly where they want. The center rail also includes an integrated power cord to charge or power all of the occupants’ personal devices.
Look for the Mini Beachcomber Concept to make its debut this January at the Detroit auto show, January 16-24.