Designer Paul Smith fashions a classic Mini for the future

Designer Paul Smith has been creating limited-edition and concept Minis for some time including the Mini Paul Smith Edition that was built in the late 90s. Using that limited-production model as its base, the Mini Recharged dumps the ICE and replaces it with a modern electric drivetrain. (Specifics weren't given about power and range, but then, why would they on a "concept" vehicle.) "Three things describe this car perfectly: quality, sustainability and functionality," the designer explains. "This car also respects the past,” Smith adds. The Mini Recharged has an interior with unique features like "missing" door panels and rubber floor mats for lighter weight and a dash that has most gauges removed and replaced by phone apps that can be accessed on your phone that is held in place by a magnet near the removable steering wheel (for ease of entry/exit). The special blue color was chosen by Smith from a favorite shirt that the designer owned. This special Mini was built for the Salon de Mobile 2022 in Milan and will be introduced officially this month. As time marches forward, I think you will see more of these types of conversions where the ICE is removed and replaced with electric drive. In fact, Zelectric Motors in San Diego is already converting Volkswagen and Porsche products using mostly Tesla parts. Zelectrics work is flawless and also not cheap. Check out Zelectric's site here. At the end of the media release, Mini hints at further work with Recharged Heritage Limited with their Mini Recharged project. Maybe anyone will be able to purchase an electrified, classic Mini soon. Stay tuned. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release and two more pics.

Source: Mini - Media release, pics