MINI and fashion designer Paul Smith have joined forces to create the MINI Strip, a unique electric hatchback that places the focus on 'simplicity, transparency and sustainability'. It's based on the MINI Electric hatchback and, while the car's running gear remains unchanged, there are a number of visual and material upgrades.
Clear conscience
The focus of the MINI Strip is sustainable design, and the starting point for Smith and his team was a Cooper SE (the official name of the car everyone calls the MINI Electric) stripped back to its essential components. The designer then added those elements that were viewed as absolutely necessary, but used sustainable and raw materials wherever possible.
As a result, the MINI Strip's exterior panels are finished in bare metal, with just a thin layer of lacquer to protect the bodywork from corrosion. The plastic wheelarch extensions are attached with exposed screws, while elements of exterior trim are 3D printed.
A blank grille and smooth wheel trims have been added to increase the electric car's range, all of which are made from recycled Perspex. The same material is used for the roof, although here it's clear to reveal the bare bodyshell. The car's charging flap has a plug logo designed by Smith, while the port behind the flap is coloured neon green.
Inside, the standard Cooper SE's interior has been stripped back to just the dashboard, topper and parcel shelf, and all leather and chrome elements have been removed. The car's metal shell is painted metallic blue and is a focal point of the cabin, with the aim being to make it feel bare but 'dressed' at the same time.
The dashboard gets a smoked glass insert with Paul Smith logo included, while the standard MINI's central display is replaced by a panel blank. Instead, the driver's smartphone is placed there, and this takes over as the car's infotainment centre.
Sustainable materials
Recycled cork has been used for the door shoulders and parcel shelf. This material has the potential to be used as a sustainable alternative to the foamed plastics that are currently used in new cars, making production cars more recyclable at the end of their lives. The seats are trimmed in knitted fabric, while the floor mats are multicoloured because they are made from recycled rubber.
The doors have mesh panels that expose the structure behind, while the bright orange door pulls are made from climbing ropes. The car's curtain airbags are exposed in the roof, and so is the car's wiring, while the steering wheel is trimmed in handlebar tape and another mesh covering is placed over the airbag.
A new approach
Speaking at the reveal of the MINI Strip, designer Paul Smith said: "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to rethink the iconic MINI. I know and love the existing car, but by respecting the past and looking to the future we have created something very special. I feel very privileged that the MINI team have given me the confidence and freedom to think laterally about the approach to the design of the car. Together I think we have created something truly unique, by going back to basics, reducing things down and stripping the car."