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In celebration of a decade in America, MINI is kicking off it’s cross-country “MINI Takes The States” rally today in New York City, taking the opportunity to confirm that its seventh model will be called the Paceman.
“We will continue to expand the MINI family,” said MINI executive Kay Segler, “and, in so doing, build on our global position as the leading manufacturer of premium models in the small and compact car segment.”
The brand also confirmed that the car will be officially presented in the coming months and sold in 2013. The event and confirmation of the new product’s name mark MINI’s successful re-entry to the U.S. market in 2002. It’s latest car will be a three-door version of the Countryman.
Only a few months ago it seemed unlikely that the car would actually head to market, but those suspicions seem to be unfounded.
Instead, we’re looking at a a three-door tiny crossover with a 1.6-liter engine good for 121 hp naturally aspirated or 181 hp with the turbo version. If the company offers all trim levels, there could also be a Paceman S All4 with the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive. We’re also expecting a John Cooper Works version somewhere down the line, though that surely won’t happen until well after the original release.
This year’s MINI Takes the States is the sixth annual event and is expecting several thousand registered participants this year. In total, the drive spans 3,903 miles and offers the proceeds from each participant’s $30 registration fee to charity, which MINI says will add up to at least a $10,000 donation to one of its supported organizations.
GALLERY: MINI Paceman
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Image may be NSFW.
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