The 2009 MINI Convertible Opens Up

Sections: In the Press | R57 (Conv.) Aug 16th, 2007 12 Comments

C&D snapped some pics of a prototype undergoing warm weather testing with what looks to be a camouflaged roll-bar right where the current one is. However remain cautiously (very) optimistic that this is actually hiding a pop-up system underneath or that one will be there eventually for production. Here’s an excerpt:

As with the hardtop, the Cabrio offers little to differentiate it from its predecessor visually, other than slightly increased dimensions. Retained is the vast black fabric top that latches to a small black windshield header. It is expected to offer one of the previous model’s coolest features, the power sliding forward section, as well as one of its worst, the Alaska-sized blind spots.

[ Spied: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio ] Car & Driver

Written By: MF Staff

Eric

Having a ’05 Vert, I found I got used to the fact that there was limited visibility in the rearview mirror. I learned to use the other mirrors. Note that I find it is not so much the roll bars that are preventing my view, but rather the head rests from the back seats. It would be nice to remove them when they are not needed. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the head rest and someone sits in the back, it will be most dangerous if you did happen into an accident.
Craig

The problem with a popup roll bar is that it generaly interferes with folding rear seats. This is why the Beetle Cabrio does not have folding rear seats.

What I’ve found is that most people do not feel comfortable without seeing the corner of the car in the wing mirrors. Since the car is so short, this will give you a blind spot the size of Texas. Simply adjusting the mirrors properly nearly eliminates the blind spot.
msh441

I’m crossing my fingers… but not terribly optimistic.

I really hope that they didn’t replace the chrome double hoops with thet matte black “W” shaped bar I saw in the early release pics. Based on the shape of that cover… looks like that might be the case.

If you HAVE to have a bar there… and can’t go with a pop-up system… at least make the bar(s) look attractive.
rkw

I seriously doubt the new cabrio will have popup rollbars, which would make boot space even smaller than it is now.

The rollbars were partially visible in some older spyshots and they look to be the same but covered up in these new photos. Compare these:
Robert

If you look at the slide show, on eof the pictures show the back seats have the same back seats the new hardtop has. This means that the rollbar headrest design is not needed. So the new rollbar should be awesome.
GregW

See comments on the previous post about c pillar blind spot and roll bars. As well as door mirrors, you need PDC (park distance control) as standard, and perhaps the rear vision camera option. New BMW 3 coupe seats fold down and have fixed headrests, and the folded down hood disappears under a flush cover. It can be done. Perhaps the better option would have been a “Roadster” version with only two seats like Mazda Miata, with optional Hard top for winter months like the old british sports cars.
http://mini2.co.za Timmee

judging by the size of that cover, it looks to be a farce, as it is way oversized – the rearview mirror is useless and can’t even be see from the back. i think the camoflage is way overstated to make us think something is there, when it’s really, not.
AlwaysOpenCharlie05

Well… now I have absolutely no idea what to think.
Pingback: Nuova Mini Cooper Cabrio a capote aperta
Eric

WellÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ now I have absolutely no idea what to think.

I think I’m happy to have my ’05. :-)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Well… now I have absolutely no idea what to think.

Stay strong – there’s a reason why we posted what we did on Wednesday :)
jim

Is there any news on Mini creating a convertible hard top that folds into the trunk like other hardtop convertibles, that would be cool.

jim

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