MINI first unveiled its Paceman concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and the two-door “crossover coupe” was quickly approved for production. Since then, we’ve seen literally dozens of spy shots of the Paceman in testing, prompting MINI to release a series of its own “spy shots” on Facebook.
The rear of the Paceman is expected to be significantly different than the rear of its closest relative, the MINI Countryman. These official photos show the rear sporting a camouflage wrap, so we still can’t see details on styling. We can see the “All 4” logo on the side, meaning that MINI will release the Paceman in both FWD and AWD variants.
Expect to see base, S and John Cooper Works variants of the Paceman, too, although it’s likely that only base and S models will be available at launch. MINI will most likely show a “production ready” version of the Paceman at next month’s Paris Auto Show, and the car is expected to hit dealers in the United States by mid-2013.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
What’s your take? Is an AWD Paceman S crossover coupe enough to get you into your local MINI dealer, or is this just Saturday night leftovers reheated for Sunday brunch?
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.