Source: Mini - Press releases (3) and pics (3) after the jump.
The MINI Roadster
The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI never fails to bring a smile to the face. And now it can also be enjoyed – with the roof up or down – in the first model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster is the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s line-up and the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. This typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster gives the small car segment another shot in the arm. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap.
The MINI Roadster’s classical soft-top roof, which can be opened and closed quickly and easily, ensures open-air driving pleasure is there to be lapped up at every opportunity. When it comes to optimising occupant protection the MINI Roadster is fitted with a pair of roll-over bars behind the seats. And whether the roof is open or closed, the driver and passenger have a 240-litre load compartment at their disposal. The wide through-loading facility into the passenger compartment provides an additional dose of practicality.
Design: classical roadster lines, hallmark MINI design language.
The faithful reproduction of the hallmark MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster gives the open-top two-seater an unmistakable and irresistible charisma. Even with the roof closed the MINI Roadster displays an elegant, sweeping silhouette, with the transition from soft-top to rear end highlighting its characteristic three-box design particularly clearly. Characteristic MINI design features leave little doubt as to the brand identity of the new model.
Engines: impressive power, exemplary efficiency.
The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of four powerful – yet also highly efficient – petrol and diesel engines from launch. The model line-up ranges from the MINI Cooper Roadster (90 kW/122 hp), via the MINI Cooper SD Roadster (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Roadster (135 kW/184 hp), to the sharpest performer of all, the 155 kW/211 hp MINI John Cooper Works Roadster.
Chassis: agility and precision ensure unbeatable driving fun.
Teaming up with the powerful engines and customary MINI front-wheel drive, chassis technology of a quality unparalleled in the small car segment and tuned specially for the MINI Roadster imbues the new model with the brand’s hallmark driving fun. Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance comes as standard, as does DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), while Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, optional on all other models – adds even greater assurance on slippery surfaces and additional sports performance under dynamic cornering.
Optimised weight balance and aerodynamic properties.
A torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and low centre of gravity enhance both the handling agility and safety of the MINI Roadster. Meanwhile, front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars fixed to the body join forces in the name of occupant protection. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimised by an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
High-quality standard equipment, broad scope for individualisation.
The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster), electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying attractive options such as xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housing, Comfort Access and the Always Open Timer. And the MINI Roadster also offers in-car use of innovative MINI Connected infotainment and communications functions.
Made in England: MINI Roadster built at MINI Plant Oxford.
The character of the MINI Roadster also owes much to its British roots; it will be produced alongside the MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Coupé in Great Britain. The arrival of the new model sees the assembly plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory gain even further in importance. MINI already ranks as the country’s third-largest carmaker, and the BMW Group is investing around £500 million in the ongoing expansion and modernisation of its manufacturing facilities in Britain up to 2014.
At a glance.
• MINI pushes ahead with the rigorous expansion of its model family. The latest addition to the range is the MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the brand’s current line-up and the first open-top two-seater in its history. Cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept with manually-opening soft-top roof; first premium car of its kind in the small car segment; unique package appealing to demanding target groups with a penchant for elegant sportiness, spontaneous open-top driving fun and irresistible design; inspiring handling fuelled by powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology; unrivalled scope for individualisation.
• Faithful reproduction of the MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster; clear focus on two-seat design and open-air driving experience; sporting charisma, with short overhangs, powerful over-the-wheel stance and high waistline typical of MINI; unmistakable design features and hallmark details underline the car’s brand identity.
• Three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end; elegantly sweeping roadster look thanks to heavily raked A-pillars and a waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body towards the flat rear end; stands more than 20 millimetres lower than the MINI Convertible; manually operated soft-top roof with straightforward mechanism for spontaneous, rapid opening and closing.
• Full-blooded go-kart feeling and outstanding safety levels thanks to bespoke chassis set-up, low centre of gravity, torsionally rigid body and optimised aerodynamic properties; Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster); roll-over bars in polished stainless steel; active rear spoiler extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph); MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with standard John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit.
• Focused two-seater concept with stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, through-loading system and 240-litre luggage area; wide-opening tailgate for comfortable loading; optional: wind protection insert between the roll-over bars.
• Latest-generation four-cylinder engines; most powerful petrol and diesel units in the MINI line-up; MINI TwinPower Turbo technology; MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 155 kW/211 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster with 135 kW/184 hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 90 kW/122 hp,
MINI Cooper SD Roadster with 105 kW/143 hp; exemplary efficiency thanks to MINIMALISM technology.
• Bespoke colour and materials concept for upholstery, exterior mirrors, trim elements and Colour Lines; exclusive MINI Yours options and Sport Stripes in contrasting colour provide further individualisation; high-quality standard equipment including speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) and audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection; options include black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control and the Always Open Timer; wide range of entertainment and communications options: Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system, MINI Connected features including Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.
Engine variants:
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm
(280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 – 5,100 rpm).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds,
top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU:
7.3 litres/100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km.
MINI Cooper S Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm,
max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm
(260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds,
top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres/100 kilometres
(47.1 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km.
MINI Cooper Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds,
top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 litres/100 kilometres
(49.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km.
MINI Cooper SD Roadster: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with
MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
Displacement: 1,995 cc,
output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds,
top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 litres/100 kilometres
(62.8 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.
• Exterior dimensions:
Length: 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 3,728 millimetres,
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 3,758 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,390 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 1,384 millimetres,
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1,391 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres
Release:
The MINI Roadster: race car feeling meets top-down driving excitement.
Munich. This spring sees the market launch of the first open-top two-seater in company history – in the guise of the MINI Roadster. The sixth model from the British premium carmaker is an elegant, sporty compact car for discerning drivers who value high-class design, powerful engines and precision suspension. This typical MINI interpretation of a compact roadster unites purist sportiness with the spontaneous fun of driving around town with the top down.
Sporty, irresistible – typically MINI.
MINI has faithfully reproduced its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater its unmistakable look and highlighting its elegant, sweeping silhouette even with the roof closed. The MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be quickly and easily opened by hand – allowing for spontaneous, concentrated top-down driving pleasure.
Moreover, with its 240-litre, visually distinct boot, the MINI Roadster offers versatile loading options, thanks in particular to the wide through-loading aperture behind the seats. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame round off the car’s elegant design – while at the same time ensuring optimal safety for both driver and passenger.
The ultimate go-kart feeling.
Powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems generate the customary MINI go-kart feeling. Meanwhile, front-wheel drive – another hallmark brand attribute – teams up with chassis technology of a quality unmatched in the small car segment to ensure unequalled driving fun. Also playing their part are the standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics even with the top down – thanks to an active rear spoiler which automatically extends when the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).
High-quality standard equipment, individual looks.
MINI Roadster drivers can also savour their car’s premium character in its high-quality range of standard equipment, which includes air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. On the exterior paintwork front, the MINI Roadster has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is black, in true British tradition. On the inside, the MINI Roadster likewise offers a diversity of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty/compact to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the colour shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.
Top-down driving in style – fashion accessories for fresh-air fans.
Fans of open-top motoring will find the perfect accessories for the road in the MINI Lifestyle Collection. Whether you’re driving the new MINI Roadster or a MINI Convertible, MINI makes sure you kick off the open-air season in style. Sunglasses are indispensable companions in fine weather – both behind the wheel and in the passenger seat. The highlight feature of the Vintage Look Sunglasses John is a colourful Union Jack print on the inside of the earpieces. The Peter sunglasses, meanwhile, are a fashionable interpretation of the trendy Wayfarer silhouette with a Black Jack pattern on the inside.
The casual Street Cap with Union Jack badge will protect you against the wind, while the colourful Union Jack Scarf with an artistic UK flag design serves as an all-purpose head scarf or neck scarf. MINI Lifestyle Collection accessories are available on the internet at www.MINI.com/shop and from select MINI dealers.
Model variants: four sporty versions available.
The MINI Roadster will be launched on the market in four model variants. They range from the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp, to the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI Cooper Roadster, all the way to the frugal MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp).
Release:
MINI at the NAIAS Detroit 2012
The MINI Roadster: two seats, unlimited driving fun.
The MINI Roadster embodies a sporty driving experience of enviable
purity and spontaneous open-top fun for two. The latest model to join
the MINI line-up treats the small car segment to another refreshing
shot of innovation. Smile-inducing agility, compact dimensions and low
fuel consumption endow the new model with an exceptional skill-set for
the challenge of urban mobility. Added to which, its variable-use
luggage area gives the driver extra freedom when it comes to carrying
sports gear or setting out on trips for two.
The body design of the two-seater MINI sees the hallmark design language of the brand’s cars repackaged within the proportions of a compact roadster. Parallel lines, athletically taut surfaces and harmonious curves combine with a distinctive, low-slung silhouette to give the MINI Roadster an elegantly stretched figure. Time-honoured MINI characteristics, such as its large circular headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, side indicator surrounds and vertically stacked rear lights, flag up the brand identity of the new car. However, the Roadster also adds some distinguishing features of its own to the mix, including a strikingly stepped boot extending from behind the passenger compartment and a heavily raked windscreen.
Stylistically, the robust soft-top roof of the MINI Roadster follows in the classic British roadster tradition. When opened, it folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car’s elegantly sweeping lines intact. This layout encompasses a clear visual separation of the car’s boot (capacity: 240 litres) from the passenger compartment, while a wide through-loading system behind the seats enhances practicality. Plus, the high-opening tailgate and low boot sill makes it that much easier to load up items of luggage.
Together with the reinforced windscreen frame, two stainless steel roll-over bars provide optimised occupant protection in the event of the car turning over. The safety equipment on board the new MINI Roadster also includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags integrated into the outer sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tyre Defect Indicator.
The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of three powerful and efficient petrol engines when it is launched in the US market.
The model line-up will range from the MINI Cooper Roadster (121 hp) via the MINI Cooper S Roadster (181 hp) to the sharpest performer of all, the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, whose powerplant develops 208 hp. State-of-the-art technology ensures that all the model variants produce a combination of zesty power development and exceptional fuel economy. In customary MINI style, the Roadster channels the engine’s power through to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, the MINI Cooper Roadster and MINI Cooper S Roadster can also be specified with a six-speed automatic as an option.
A quality of chassis technology unparalleled in the small car segment, including Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), combines with the torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and the car’s lower centre of gravity to deliver addictive agility and unbeatable active and passive safety. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimised by an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically when the car reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).
The wealth of standard equipment can be complemented by a selection of high-quality extras, the typically MINI variety in the range of optional equipment and accessories, giving owners the best possible tools to adapt their cars precisely to their personal style.
The body design of the two-seater MINI sees the hallmark design language of the brand’s cars repackaged within the proportions of a compact roadster. Parallel lines, athletically taut surfaces and harmonious curves combine with a distinctive, low-slung silhouette to give the MINI Roadster an elegantly stretched figure. Time-honoured MINI characteristics, such as its large circular headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, side indicator surrounds and vertically stacked rear lights, flag up the brand identity of the new car. However, the Roadster also adds some distinguishing features of its own to the mix, including a strikingly stepped boot extending from behind the passenger compartment and a heavily raked windscreen.
Stylistically, the robust soft-top roof of the MINI Roadster follows in the classic British roadster tradition. When opened, it folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car’s elegantly sweeping lines intact. This layout encompasses a clear visual separation of the car’s boot (capacity: 240 litres) from the passenger compartment, while a wide through-loading system behind the seats enhances practicality. Plus, the high-opening tailgate and low boot sill makes it that much easier to load up items of luggage.
Together with the reinforced windscreen frame, two stainless steel roll-over bars provide optimised occupant protection in the event of the car turning over. The safety equipment on board the new MINI Roadster also includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags integrated into the outer sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tyre Defect Indicator.
The MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of three powerful and efficient petrol engines when it is launched in the US market.
The model line-up will range from the MINI Cooper Roadster (121 hp) via the MINI Cooper S Roadster (181 hp) to the sharpest performer of all, the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, whose powerplant develops 208 hp. State-of-the-art technology ensures that all the model variants produce a combination of zesty power development and exceptional fuel economy. In customary MINI style, the Roadster channels the engine’s power through to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, the MINI Cooper Roadster and MINI Cooper S Roadster can also be specified with a six-speed automatic as an option.
A quality of chassis technology unparalleled in the small car segment, including Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), combines with the torsionally rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and the car’s lower centre of gravity to deliver addictive agility and unbeatable active and passive safety. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimised by an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically when the car reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).
The wealth of standard equipment can be complemented by a selection of high-quality extras, the typically MINI variety in the range of optional equipment and accessories, giving owners the best possible tools to adapt their cars precisely to their personal style.
