Mini concept goes semi-autonomous and green

Beginning in 1959 with its transversely mounted engine, Mini has always been clever with space. With the battery-powered Urbanaut Vision Concept, the brand is going green and semiautonomous at the same time. Designers used augmented reality to create the digital-only concept.

Interior space is maximized for lounging or social gatherings, with a footprint small enough for tight urban parking spaces. When the Urbanaut is stationary, the dashboard lowers and the driver's area becomes a comfortable seating corner — or the "daybed." Leather and chrome are replaced with knitted textiles, and the vehicle has a cork steering wheel. It would be the biggest Mini ever at nearly 176 inches in length — or 8 inches longer than the Clubman.

Mini wants to be an "enabler of and companion for unforgettable times," so expect some of the Urbanaut's design cues to appear on future models.