Children

The Mini Runner – an Audi convertible for $450

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The Audi Mini Runner is a convertible kid's toy, being both a balance bike and a scooter
The Audi Mini Runner is a convertible kid's toy, being both a balance bike and a scooter
The Audi Mini Runner as a balance bike for kids aged between three and eight
The Audi Mini Runner as a scooter for kids aged between three and eight
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Certain brands command a following and a respect due to a long and illustrious history and/or consumer confidence in the quality of the products. Audi is one such company, so owning an Audi convertible is something many people can only dream of. That dream may become reality thanks to the Mini Runner, an Audi convertible that won't break the bank.

Unfortunately the Mini Runner isn't an automobile, though the company claims it boasts "the same production DNA as the celebrated R8 supercar." The Mini Runner is actually a kid's toy, notable mostly thanks to the Audi logo on the frame. It's also noteworthy due to its convertible nature, though it's not the only example of the form factor.

The Mini Runner is a balance bike and scooter combined into one. With the handlebars pushed down as far as they'll go and the saddle fitted, it's a balance bike. Remove the saddle and pull the handlebars up, and it becomes a scooter. The integrated brake should help prevent accidents in both forms.

The convertible kid's toy is constructed from lightweight aluminum produced using a process called hydroforming, which, as the name suggests, involves shaping metal using high pressure fluid. It's suitable for kids aged between three and eight, though we suspect adults would be tempted to have a go on it as well.

The Mini Runner is available to buy from the Audi Merchandise Shop for £279 (US$450). This price tag means it's ridiculously expensive for what it is, but it's still the most affordable Audi convertible you're ever likely to see while awake.

Source: Audi Merchandise Shop via Pocket Lint

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3 comments
sk8dad
Nice concept, but for $150, you can get a push bike and a scooter without thee hassle of having to flip any bits around each time junior wants to do switch. Also, the steering angle seems a bit slack in push bike mode.
katherin1
That sounds great. I think this mini runner is overall good and people can buy it with fair price. I have bought Audi few years ago. I like Audi. It's performance is excellent. It's interior and exterior looks good. I also have Auto Repair Tempe manual. I really enjoyed driving car.
Dave B13
Depending on how much work it is to invert the front wheel-handlebar part in the frame, I'd call it a design fail if a 5 year old can't make all the changes by themselves. You want a NAME, buy a Bugatti or Ferrari polo shirt. Hydroforming, now that's sexy, only have to make a mold for one side of a part., instead of a mold for each top & bottom, or inside & outside, or back & front. And the one side mold probably won't need to be machined or cast from steel, other stron mold materials may be useable, since a giant stamping machine's shock is not involved, mold could be some kind of high tech cement or ceramic.