Carmaker MINI and designer Paul Smith have introduced the Strip Concept, a Mini Cooper SE following the ideas of simplicity, practicality and eco-friendliness.
The three-door hatchback exhibited in London earlier this week shed all of its exterior décor in favor of a stripped-out, ‘clean’ look. Individual body elements ended up with a clear coat of lacquer to protect them from rust, while all zinc-coated surfaces were given a brushed - not polished – look. Recycled Plexiglas was used to produce the roof panels, the fender flares with exposed hardware, and the fake radiator grille. 3D printing was used for certain bumper elements, and hubcaps were installed on the wheels for optimum aerodynamic performance.
Open the door to witness a cabin trimmed in five difference colors with corkwood accents finished in blue metallic, a dashboard covered with semi-transparent smoked glass, smartphones instead of displays, seats wrapped in knitted fabric, mesh-covered door panels, aluminum handles, and rope handholds.
MINI reports that the tech stays stock, implying 184 PS (181 hp / 135 kW) and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. The design study needs 7.3 seconds to go 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) and offers between 225 and 234 km (140 and 145 miles) of WLTP-rated range.