Just in time for the London 2012 Games, MINI unveiled a new version of the Rocketman concept, as a tribute both to the Olympics and also the capital of the Great Britain. The Rocketman is the closest thing yet to the original MINI, with a compact size and unmistakable design cues inherited from the classic car. It will be on show in the BMW Group Pavilion, which is located close to the Olympic and Paralympic Village and will act as a showcase for the company during the Games.

First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the Rocketman combines the traditional looks of the MINi with modern features of an urban runabout, offering a lifestyle-focused mobility solution equipped for life in large cities such as London. It even features a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic for lightness and therefore better efficiency.

The new version uses the British flag, the union Jack, as the main theme and features it on both the outside – mainly on the roof – and inside of the car, red and white accents accompanying the dominant dark blue. The new body color boasts the carbon parts, and the new 18-inch wheels have white polished areas and a metallic red accent. Further details include matte porcelain white color on the mirror caps, boot opener and surrounds for the radiator grille and headlights.

As far as the interior, the inner door panels and rear side sections are trimmed in dark blue nubuck leather, while the familiar MINI elliptical door rings provide an effective contrast with their white leather. The circular surrounds for features such as the air vents, door pulls and stereo speakers, are split into two sections and consist of a red inner ring and white outer ring.

Another cool highlight of the interior is the sporting spirit. The stowage compartment on the centre console between the driver and front passenger symbolises a basketball court with miniature players. The key fob for the new concept car, meanwhile, comes in the form of a rocket decked out in British national colours. It also features rucksacks behind the seats.

BMW and MINI were reluctant to clarify if the Rocketman will lead to a production model when it was first revealed. But bringing the car out again could be a sign that it probably will.