We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives, but the folks in Oxford will be dropping a new concept in Detroit next month to tide us over. Think of the MINI Beachcomber as the melding of one of Alec Issigonis' progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand's new CUV, but gets an open-top/open-sides look reminiscent of the American off-road icon.

Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder are both expected to appear in the production Crossover, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving any actual technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we'll get more details in Detroit, but before then check out the release after the jump.