Mini has revealed that a new digital character called 'Spike' will play a significant role in the cockpit of the brand-new Aceman Concept. Spike is modelled after the English Bulldog that has appeared in various previous Mini advertisements. The infotainment system, which is round and piled in the middle of the dashboard, is emphasized in the cabin pictures released by the brand. Spike is a new digital character that is part of the system. Later this month, it will make its debut at the Shanghai auto show. In the coming months of 2023, Mini will offer more in-depth insights into the digital world of the brand-new model family, along with Spike's multiple capabilities. For now, let's dive into the existing details about this new digital character and the upcoming model.
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Spike, A New Digital Character: What's In Store?
As mentioned, Spike is modelled after an English bulldog. As a dedicated Mini 'Intelligent Personal Assistant', it directs users through the future Mini model family's new operating system. According to the brand, the new digital character will be integrated into an infotainment system of the concept. According to official images, the infotainment screen is OLED, and its circular interface is larger and floating. This screen differs from the integrated infotainment system featured on all current Minis. Further, according to images, the dashboard now seems to have specialised graphics, simple steering, and fewer buttons. There isn't a separate driver's display, though.
Oliver Heilmer, Head of Mini Design, stated “Mini will always be synonymous with emotions and remarkable experiences.” He further added, ''We are now taking Spike into the future as a digital character. And he is not just a design experiment – he is becoming a characterful companion for the user experience.”
According to reports, the new digital character will also be a part of the upcoming production vehicles, including the Mini Countryman in 2023, the Mini Cooper in 2024, and the Aceman Crossover SUV in 2025. The carmaker has not shared any exact details as to what Spike will be able to do in these models. However, we believe that more details about its capabilities will emerge soon.
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Mini Aceman Concept: Key Details
It will be based on an EV-specific platform, created by BMW and its Chinese partner, Great Wall Motors. The production version will reportedly have a 50kWh battery pack, capable of producing 225bhp. Further, it is expected to have a range of 400 kilometre It will be a five-door electric vehicle with an updated appearance. After its launch, it will sit between the Mini Hatchback version and the Countryman.
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