What's this then?

Well, I'm no expert, but judging by the red paint, the white roof, and the bonnet stripes, I'd say that this is an original 1960s Mini Cooper.

Yes, even I can see that. But it's not making any noise.

Well, of course not. Because this one is special. Where once sat the farty and noisy 997cc A-Series engine now sits batteries and an electric motor.

So it's an electric Mini?

Yup.

Cool! When can I buy one?

Never. Well, not one like this. You see this one has been built especially for the New York Motor Show, and it's designed to generate some interest and excitement for the actual, production-ready all-electric MINI, which is been prepped for launch in 2019, on the 60th birthday of the Mini itself.

So, can this one blow its own doors off?

No idea, as MINI hasn't released any performance figures for it. But it draws on the same technology as the BMW i3 and MINI Countryman plugin hybrid, so it's likely to be at the very least brisk. You can tell it's electric because, aside from the classic styling, there's a very modern touch in the shape of the green 'E' badge taken from the half-electric Countryman.

I've seen that badge before...

You have - it was designed for the 2009 Mini E, a limited run of prototypes leased and loaned to various customers to allow BMW and MINI engineers to develop a baseline for electric car usage in real world conditions.

"With this unique vehicle, MINI sends out a clear signal demonstrating its commitment to retaining the brand's unmistakable character whilst embracing innovative zero local emission technology" said a MINI spokesperson. "The classic Mini Electric combines the historic look of the world's favourite small car with groundbreaking drive technology for tomorrow's urban mobility. With this unique vehicle, MINI sends out a clear signal demonstrating its commitment to retaining the brand's unmistakable character whilst embracing innovative zero local emission technology."