This year’s Paris Show in October will host many concept cars that will be previewing production versions that are set to follow shortly after. One of the most anticipated concepts will be the MINI Crossman SUV/Crossoverthat will be introduced in pre-production form according to a report from Dutch webzine, Autotelegraaf.

Likely to be based on a modified version of the Clubman’s platform, the Crossman will feature raised suspension and tough body cladding along with a four-wheel-drive system. The production version of MINI’s new crossover that’s expected to be introduced sometime in 2010, will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria.

The BMW Group isn’t fooling around with its Electric MINI project that will see up to 500 drivers in the U.S. states of Southern California, New York City and New Jersey getting the chance to obtain the plug-in MINI E for a year through leasing. Right after the release of the first pics and details of the MINI E (click here to read our article), the British firm launched a dedicated site were those interested can sign up for more info on the application process. We signed-up and received an e-mail saying that MINI will keep us updated.