Mini will shortly add the Paceman to its arsenal with new reports suggesting production to begin in 2012 ahead of its launch in 2013. The Paceman will be the seventh member of the Mini family and is dubbed as a ‘sports activity coupe’. Prices or any other detail for that matter is now unavailable.
Klaus Draeger, BMW’s head of R&D has been quoted as saying that the Paceman would be built by Magna-Steyr in Graz, Austria. The German car manufacturer hopes to roll out 20,000 units per year compared to 100,000 Countryman per year. The Paceman is likely to be technically similar to the Countryman.
As per previous reports, the concept vehicle shown at the Auto Show in Detroit 3 weeks ago featured a turbocharged 1.6 L four-cylinder engine from John Copper Works producing 155 kW (211 PS / 208 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.
Like the Countryman, before going on road, there may be different engine options as well as front wheel drive or all wheel drive to choose from.
Magna-Steyr is highly important to Mini for the scheme of things in future. As for now there are no plans to expand its Oxford base anytime soon. Mini is fast growing in the segment at the hands of BMW.
