Introducing the 2012 MINI Canyon

The Range Rover evoque is predicted to have a worthy advisory introduced into the competition by 2012, the MINI Canyon. Originally introduced in 2005 as one of several ideas MINI had for new models, the concept of fun, excitement and fashion surrounded the vehicle.

There was a strong public reaction triggered from these announcements which inspired the company bosses to extend the idea, as it showed huge potential with the capability to meet MINI´s performance aspirations.

Set to be a 3 door version of the MINI Countryman, it shares common features of a coupe which includes a stylish sporty roof, 4 elegant John Cooper leather seats and striking exterior design which will include a shorter chassis than the Countrymen. This gives it a gentler feel compared to the grandfather figure the Beachcomber.

Underneath the bonnet predictions have been made that the car will use a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine which generates 208 bhp to power the all wheel drive system that comes as standard. This is also likely to make the car an extremely strong candidate for the world rally championships due to the series change to 1.6 liter engines next year. The project of transforming it into a rally car with specialist Prodrive has already been taken underway.

The Canyon´s set for construction next year, but due to the fact that the Oxford MINI factory will be running at full capacity for the new coupe and roadster that are to begin development next year, the Canyon will built at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, alongside the Countryman.

If you are already excited about the new MINI model you may have to hold on a bit longer. The Canyon isn´t set to become a production car until sometime in 2012.

published: 26/07/2010