Mini Superleggera Vision

The Mini Superleggera Vision was unveiled in 2014 as Mini’s interpretation of an open-top, two-seater sports car with British design, Italian flair, and an electric powertrain.

The Superleggera Vision was the product of a partnership between Mini and Touring Superleggera, a Milan-based coach building house.

“[The] Superleggera Vision is, on the one hand, a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics,” said Mini.

“In collaboration with Mini, Touring Superleggera has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the Mini’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal.”

Inspiration

According to Mini, the Superleggera Vision echoes what the Classic Mini started over 50 years ago: reduction to the essentials.

Premium materials including leather, aluminium, and black chrome underscore the interior – with a single, hand-shaped, unpainted aluminium sheet acting as a stylish silver dash.

This panel houses a touch-sensitive infotainment system; a simplistic, three-spoke steering wheel; and a digital instrument cluster.

Getting into the roadster involves pushing a leather-clad button that pops open the doors, and once open, the door panels display black chrome elements in the form of the Union Jack.

Installed between the Sabbia-coloured leather bucket seats is a camera for recording your best driving experiences, too.

A minimalistic exterior consisting of handmade aluminium panels around a tubular steel frame continues the contemporary nature of this roadster.

Calling on Mini’s heritage, the front of the Superleggera Vision feature distinctive icons of the brand’s design.

“The stretched bonnet, long wheelbase, and cool, short overhangs convey pure driving fun,” said the automaker.

Uniquely curved wheel arches, a wide track, three-dimensional bonnet stripes, carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer sills, and a flat front splitter in carbon fibre further highlight its sporty character.

“The specially-developed exterior paint finish Como Blue, almost liquid in effect, stands for both classic and modern style.”

For the keen eye, the closed grille at the front of the Superleggera Vision is then the first indicator of the electric powertrain hiding under its shell.

As this was only a concept show car and not a production model, efforts were poured into the design – and not much else.

Public powertrain specifications of the Superleggera Vision are not available, but a test drive by MotorTrend in 2014 confirmed that it was equipped with a small electric engine on the rear axle, with top speed limited to 20km/h.