Three New Mini Concepts for Happy Campers
MINI and the BMW Group in general, have been quite active during April Fools' Day over the past few years having developed real-life models, such as the BMW M3 Pickup Truck. Being that it takes a lot of effort, time and money to create these elaborate hoaxes, you won't be one bit surprised to learn that the Bavarian group finds more uses for these cars later in their life.
The reason why we're telling you all this has to do with a new release from Mini about three concept cars for "the enthusiastic traveler". While the British carmaker doesn’t mention it, at least one of the studies is from a 2012 April Fools' Day hoax, while the other one is very similar to a concept shown in the same release.
What Mini does tell us is that all three cars show here today were "created as concept vehicles to showcase the depth of the MINI range, as well as the creativity and skill within the company’s design and engineering staff" and that "there are no plans to offer them as production vehicles at this stage".
First up is the Clubvan Camper that does away with the passenger seat to create a bachelor-style bed while also gaining a small, extendible kitchenette complete with propane stove and chest fridge. Other highlights include a storage rack on the roof for outdoor equipment, and an integrated hand-held shower, with a water tank housed underneath the load floor.
The Mini Cowley is a compact caravan for two people, equipped with a twin-ring gas stove, fridge and sink, measuring about 120mm (4.7-inches) wider than a Clubman while weighing just under 300kg (661 lbs). It also has s solar module to charge the on-board battery and there’s a 230-volt connection to power the fridge, TV/DVD and audio equipment.
The third study is the Countryman ALL4 Camp fitted with a retractable roof-top tent with space for two that can be stored in a durable plastic box when not in use.
A comprehensive gallery with images from all three studies can be found after the break.
