MINI Speedster/Coupe Details Leak Out

Sections: R58 (Roadster) | R59 (Coupé) Aug 20th, 2009 25 Comments

Through several sources we’ve been able to piece together some details on the forthcoming MINI Speedster and Coupe. The cars will usher in a new chapter in BMW’s plans for the MINI brand. Specifically eschew practicality and versatility in favor of performance with design and engineering choices made to cater to enthusiasts rather than the masses.

From the outside the design will feature aggressive and performance oriented cues meant to set the tone. The car will be based on the R57 but will be further massaged with a wider track for more cornering stability. Wider wheel arches will do the job of covering all the rolling bits up while giving the car a sporty look.

Headlights will be adapted from the more raked look seen in the Traveler and Crossover concepts and will curve into the wider grille. As we’ve already reported the windshield will be slightly more raked and lower than the stock R57 design.

The Speedster will feature a twin buttress top with integrated rollbars that cover the convertible top. This means two seats, no more. The trunk (yes, the speedster will have a conventional trunk) will have a short deck before it turns downward towards the tail-lamps. We’re told the rear lights are close to what is currently on the R57 but look for a larger rear (faux) air intake area.

The interior will be largely carried over from the 2010 refresh that we’ll see late this winter. However MINI intends to create a range of unique trim and color options for both the Coupe and the Speedster. Sources are telling us to look for brights colors such as orange, gold, light green and a GP like grey/blue.

The coupe (we so want to call this the “Coopster”) will be essentially the same car with a fixed roof similar to what the original Mini Broadspeed had. The roof will be sloping and a relatively low rounded side window not too far removed from the last generation BMW M Coupe. Considering the basic structure is the same as the Speedster, the Coupe will only seat two.

But why a coupe? Obviously low initial engineers costs were a bit bonus considering MINI was already developing the Speedster. But in addition to that BMW was inspired by the notion of the small coupes from the 1980’s (the CRX and MR2) and even the Ford Puma from the early 2000’s (sold outside the US). And it makes sense considering our current economic climate. With buyers looking to downsize in price, size and upgrade efficiency, BMW is looking to capitalize on enthusiast moving from larger sporty coupes. It also gives BMW yet another vehicle in the family with decent efficiency and low CO2 output.

MINI had seriously considering making the Coupe a JCW only product but pricing and production concerns have softened that stance. However MINI will limit initial model range to an S and JCW model only. Look for a Cooper and a Cooper D version later in the production run.

Speaking of production, BMW will have the speedster and coupe manufactured outside both the Oxford plant in the UK and the Magna Steyer facilities in Austria (where the R60 is being produced). The body in white (the industry term for the chassis) will be created at Oxford and then shipped to the final production location.

The idea is simple. Take the current MINI platform and make it more unique, more sporty and more of a personal statement. A perfect idea in our eyes.

Several sources helped with this reporting including the infamous Scott27 on GCZ

Written By: Gabe

25 Comments

eager2own Aug 20th, 2009 Link

As always, thanks for the info.

I look forward to every update on this platform… A JCW speedster may be the only thing that keeps me from jumping to the Z2

JonPD Aug 20th, 2009 Link

Rather mixed messages coming from Mini. The Coopster is supposed to be directed at the Mini performance entusiast? Yet the most powerful Mini is going to be a SUV?

It will be interesting to see what they come up with however. My only hope is that we end up with a true performance oriented car rather than a 90% tuned car with a iffy stock suspension.

txdesign Aug 20th, 2009 Link

Sounds promising, especially the more performance oriented direction. I hope the car will not look too much like the current R57 which lost a lot of character compared to the R53. If it looks like the pic in the post I will likely pass and look for a used 05/06 JCW.

Andrew Zimmerman Aug 20th, 2009 Link

I know it’s unlikely, but how great would it be if these were assembled in South Carolina!

cct1 Aug 20th, 2009 Link

John, this car can be directed at the enthusiast and not be the most powerful MINI–it’s diminished weight will more than make up for the HP. You can only put so much HP in these cars anyway before people start winding them around trees… I suspect the most important number–not overall HP, but HP to weight ratio, will be substantially in the favor of the Coopster/Speedster over the MINI SUV.

This is very, very cool; it harkens back to the 2002 MINI which was more a labor of love than an attempt to make a bunch of money–I doubt these models will be huge money makers, but it does throw a nice bone out to those of use pleading for something performance oriented, practicality be damned.

I’m now officially willing to look the other way on the SUV; as long as BMW is willing to acknowledge the MINI as a performance platform as well as a cash cow for the masses, I’m good…

I’d still lean toward a Z2, but at the end of the day, I don’t know if I could ever not own a MINI.

lavardera Aug 20th, 2009 Link

Coopster sounds right in so many ways – love that. Perhaps I’ll be in a position to forgo a back seat by the time I replace my Mini. But right now the part time back seat is a must have for me.

bee1000 Aug 20th, 2009 Link

Dear Mini: That CRX you fondly remember? It was affordable!

James Irmiger Aug 20th, 2009 Link

So, is the new Coupe being considered in addition to the Sedan or is the Sedan idea now scrapped?

Aurel Savin Aug 20th, 2009 Link

MINI is on some strange road lately. Can we at least get production photos for the Crossman to start?

I don’t think I was ever this confused about what’s coming down the line from MINI as I am now.

Gabe Aug 20th, 2009 Link

@Aurel Savin: Don’t be confused anymore ;)