The Mini Roadster was unveiled today with the BMW-owned brand releasing all the details of the new open-top model, together with a huge image gallery. The Mini Cooper Roadster will be available in four versions and it will go on sale next spring. Mini Cooper's Roadster measures 146.8 inches in length, 66.3 inches in width and 54.5 inches in height. It has a 97.1 inch wheelbase. Three versions of the Mini Roadster will be available on all markets: the top of the line John Cooper Works model, the S and the base version. There will also be a diesel version of the Roadster, called the SD, which will not be sold in the USA.
In terms of design, the new production car keeps almost all the styling elements seen on the MINI Roadster concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show.
It features a manually-opening soft-top roof, however, we believe an automatically opening one would've been a better choice. The Mini Roadster sits 22 mm closer to the ground than the MINI Convertible, which gives it a more sporty feel. Mini Cooper says that the Roadster, even though it lack a solid roof, manages to keep the go-kart feeling that made the brand so popular. The Mini Roadster is equipped with Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional. The last two systems come as standard on the JCW (John Cooper Works) version of the Roadster.
The Mini Roadster is also equipped with stainless steel roll-over bars, and an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph). The Mini Roadster JCW also comes with an exclusive aerodynamics packages for an extra aggressive look.
Mini Cooper promises to offer plenty of luggage space, for a car in this segment. With a 240-litre boot capacity and a wide-opening tailgate, the Mini Roadster will probably be able to fill or your daily urban needs.
As always, Mini Cooper is offering a wide selection of personalization options for the new Roadster. Everything, from the upholstery, exterior mirrors, trim elements can be ordered in your favorite color. The roadster version of the Mini Cooper comes with a long list of equipment, which includes speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, air conditioning and an audio system. On the options list of the Roadster, Mini Cooper includes a black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, automatic climate control and a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system. The roadster can also be fitted with a navigation system and various connectivity systems.
Mini Roadster engine versions:
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 kilometers (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 kilometers (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 kilometers (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 kilometers (62.8 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.
The Mini Cooper Roadster price list for the UK market start at £18,015 GBP for the base version and go up to £20,900 GBP for the S model. The diesel Mini Roadster SD is priced from £21,630 GBP, while the top of the range MINI John Cooper Works Roadster will cost you at least £24,850 GBP. The Mini Roadster price list for the rest of Europe and the United States will be announced at a later date.
Even though Mini Cooper did not yet release a video of the new Roadster, you can watch its concept in the clip lower down this page.
Mini Roadster concept video:
