| C ould this be the next Mini? Much publicity and hype surrounds the world's most loved car, so our spies have been keeping their ears to the ground. And they report one of the proposals for the tiny tearaway is this amazing-looking car. It is based around the exciting ACV 30 concept car, launched as a publicity-seeking vehicle in January to commerorate the original Mini's spectacular hat-tricks of wins on the Monte Carlo Rally. The computer enhanced pictures show how Rover and BMW stylists could draw on the theme set by the dramatic, mid-engined concept car. | Based around the MGF's floorpan, the ACV 30 had its engine behind the rear seats driving the rear wheels. But Rover insist the next generation Mini will be front-engined and front-wheel drive. However, the company doesn't deny the new Mini will look like the ACV. With its appealing combination of retro looks and modern themes, it certainly gets our vote. At the front the car remains faithful to the original look of the all-time classic, with circular headlamps set into the wings, tiny front indicator lenses and a chrome grille which bring the memories flooding back. | From the side, it's a rather different kettle of fish. The upright cabin may follow the dimensions of the Mini, but the rear overhang looks decidedly strange. Of course, the back could end up looking like the Spiritual and Spritual Too concept cars shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March. These were based on a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive platform, but again Rover denied these gave any indication of the new Min's layout. Whatever the Mini of the future looks like, you can be sure it will draw on design elements of both the ACV 30 and the Spritual. Both capture the cheeky looks of the original, and if the replacement is to succeed, it must be sure to do the same. |