Concept car show: Rumormill: Mini Rocketman headed for production

(Mar 8th 2011)

This year's Geneva Motor Show was as packed as ever with new concept cars that point the way forward for the world's automakers. And with their debuts now behind us, reports are pouring in on their prospects for production.

Mini Rocketman Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
First came word that the Alfa Romeo 4C conceptis destined for U.S. showrooms, then reports surfaced of Jaguar passing on Bertone's design pitch. Now sources from across the pond are indicating that Mini plans to go ahead with production of its Rocketman concept.

The subcompact show car aimed to pacify purists who bemoan the enlargement of the modern Mini range, and the new model could bridge the gap between the original Mini and the contemporary iteration.

According to Autocar, Mini plans on producing the Rocketman based on the BMW Group's new front-drive platform and i-initiative technologies. Rather than replace the existing three-door hatchback, however, the production Rocketman would slot in below it (at least in terms of size) in the company's rapidly expanding range.