Magna Steyr will showcase the spectacular new MINI Beachcomber Concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. With this modern concept, Magna Steyr unveils a design study which has been jointly developed upon MINI’s initiative, and built at Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept is the study of a four-seater that takes up the extended possibilities of the MINI Countryman and combines it with the vision of a radical open body concept. Its outstanding qualities provide maximum driving fun and enjoyment, a clear design and extreme variability.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept was developed and built in just under four months by MINI and Magna Steyr who worked in close co-operation under the initiative of MINI. Magna Steyr was responsible for the virtual development, the concept’s design and implementation.

Working closely with MINI, Magna Steyr created the design outlines and concepts, developing detailed solutions, in accordance with the customer’s ideas and requirements. The first ideas for the interior design of the concept car already existed, but were further elaborated and implemented by Magna Steyr. All design decisions regarding the MINI Beachcomber had to be approved by MINI prior to their implementation. The concept celebrated its world premiere in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The finished concepts were implemented into a surface model during the styling phase at the Magna Steyr’s design department. Surface feasibility studies were verified directly after their completion, allowing the construction of a model immediately following technical approval. The vehicle was built in Magna Steyr’s prototyping facility in Graz together with the MINI Model Construction Unit.
The structure of the MINI Beachcomber Concept was built by taking the existing body of the MINI Countryman as a starting point. Magna Steyr’s own proven virtual development process ensured that all new spaces could be defined quickly. The vehicle was fit to drive in just four months. This was largely due to the fact that new parts were created according to Magna Steyr’s rapid prototyping process. After MINI Design had specified the colors, the MINI Beachcomber Concept was then painted in Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz.

The overall production quality of the MINI Beachcomber Concept not only shows the prototype competence of Magna Steyr, but is an additional reference to its concept competence following the “Mila” series, and demonstrates its complete co-operation with an OEM.

Contact:

Mag. Daniel Witzani
Director Corporate Communications
Magna International Europe AG
Magna Strasse 1
2522 Oberwaltersdorf
Tel.: +43-2253-600-1015
Fax: +43-2253-600-1200
email: E-Mail