The new Mini Paceman Concept made it public debut at the 2011 NAIAS, and the it received enough goof feedback to convince the managers to put it into production. Of course as Ian Robertson, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, announced the Paceman will be the basis  for MINI’s seventh production model in the lineup.

So the final production model might not be exactly like the concept, but it certainly will be a crossover coupe in the premium small car segment. That is actually a niche market they’ve made up for this car! It is based on the same platform as the MINI Countryman, and combines an athletic, masculine coupe appearance with the dimensions of the MINI Countryman.

The concept car shown here has ALL4, MINI’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system and is powered by the 1.6 liter John Cooper Works twin-scroll turbo engine.

“There will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept,” said Robertson. “MINI keeps growing, the excitement never stops.” The current lineup includes the MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman. The MINI Coupe will be launched later this year, and the MINI Roadster will be available in 2012. “It is the strong muscular MINI with sporty elegance,” said Robertson.