Whoa: MINI Might Actually Build This Italian Roadster

Over the weekend, the people at MINI dropped a new concept that's insane, beautiful, light, and dripping with tradition. It's called the MINI Superleggera, and if the bosses at MINI are to be believed, it's not a foregone conclusion that this is a one-off. That there's even a chance something like this would be considered for production is amazing, and that makes it worth taking a closer look.

UPDATE: There's still no "official" word from MINI, but Left Lane News is now reporting that the board has given the Superleggera a green light for a production version that keeps the body intact, including the fin.

The gorgeous lines were penned by Touring Superleggera, otherwise known as the Italian dudes who made the Aston Martin DB5 and the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante. Back seats? Not sporting enough. Jaguar D-Type-esque wing on the trunk? Just about perfect.

Somehow it looks like a MINI despite only taking the headlights and center display unit as styling cues. Literally everything else that was put on the car for styling was removed and replaced with something sleeker, lighter, and sexier.

The drivetrain is 100% electric, a thoroughly modern soul that stands in juxtaposition to the car's old-world, hand-beaten metal body. No details were given on it, but it's probably safe to assume it's the same power plant from the i3, making the car seem all the more realistic as a production possibility.

Now, if only someone in Germany has the guts to push this sucker through...

Aaron Miller is the Rides editor for Supercompressor. He doubts very seriously that this car will ever see mass production, but he'll be elated if he's wrong.