Now that Mini has released the official details on their new Coupe model, the ball has been set in motion for the release of the production version of the Roadster Concept as was laid out by MINI Vice President Jim McDowell last year. McDowell’s timeline projected the Coupe’s debut just six months after the Countryman, with the Roadster following six months after that. The Mini Coupe is all set for its day in the spotlight at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, leaving the Roadster to bode well at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Sales for the Mini Roadster will begin immediately following its release with prices coming in at about $2-3K higher than the Coupe, or roughly $25,000 for a base Roadster.
Not much will change for the Roadster model in terms of design, except for the lightweight fabric roof which will grace the top of the ride. Other than that, the design, technology, and engine line-up will be streamlined with the Coupe. Buyers will get to choose between the base Roadster with 121 HP, an S version with 181 HP, an SD version with a 141 HP (Europe only), and the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works version delivering 208 HP.
Our only concern for the Mini Roadster is the crowd gathering in Mini’s lineup. With the Mini Cooper Convertible already seated firmly in place, will Mini-lovers find the time to fall in love with a two-seater model? We’re inclined to say not, but we’re hoping Mini will provide a little more schnazz for the Roadster to differentiate it from the Cooper Convertible. We don’t see it working any other way.
Mini Roadster originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 17:00 EST.
Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mini/2012-mini-roadster-ar111625.html
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