Official: Mini Roadster Concept revealed at Frankfurt
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Mini Roadster Concept
Mini Cooper revealed a new version of latest model at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mini Roadster, a sister car of the Coupe Concept. The new Roadster will be produced in the UK Mini's plant and will enter in direct competition with the Mazda MX 5 and the Audi TT Roadster. The Roadster concept is inspired on the re-worked Mini Convertible body, the same used on the Coupe, showing cunning A-pillars and lowered roofline. As a new expensive feature, the Roadster Concept includes also an extra 16 degrees of pillar rake meant to give a sportier look to the car, but it is still not confirmed weather the change will be included in the production plan. The company's officials declare that "the glasshouse is significantly lower, slimmer and more dynamic than the regular production models, providing a strikingly sleek silhouette."
Some differences between the Coupe and the Roadster consist in different degree of pillar rake, different boot lid, on the Coupe forming part of a roof-hinged hatch and on the Roadster opening like a standard one. An advantage of the Roadster on the Coupe is the lack of the cosmetic body-coloured cover for the roof which makes the Roadster lighter. The paint finish is also different, the Roadster featuring a white-and-gold colour theme aiming a haute couture look. The car pioneers with its body coloured grille bars which were never seen before otherwise than painted in standard chrome finish.
In terms of power, the Coupe received a JWC version of the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged engine, capable of 208bHP, while the Roadster is powered by a 175bHP Cooper S 1.6 turbo. The new Roadster features an innovative bulkhead compartment which gives direct access to the boot from the passenger boot. No words about the price yet!
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