http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/04/26/minis-product-roadmap-revealed-updated/

Gabe’s great analysis of the Coopster and Roadster have his insight to pricing.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/08/27/mf-analysis-the-mini-coupe-concept/

http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/09/28/mf-analysis-the-mini-speedster-concept/

Similarly, where in the line do people think it will fit, price-wise? More expensive than the current, larger convertible? Or less expensive, since it is smaller?

Curious minds…

To achieve a high standard of sporting performance, the MINI Roadster Concept might possibly be powered by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine already featured in the MINI Cooper S.

while the Coupé was explicitly mentioned to have the JCW engine.

@C4– Greed at MINI? Shame on them for wanting to make some money! I know that they should be in it strictly for the fanboys. Perhaps they want some of the money that will be spent on this kind of car by the car buying public. Did you notice how many roadsters were at Frankfurt??? And how many people will buy gas sipping cross-over small Suvs? Why is it bad for MINI to get a piece of this pie?

What is worse, a car company trying to be, “all things to all people,” or trying to be one thing to some people. The later is more a setup for failure as it limits the number of buyers. If this car can get people excited and interested in MINI as a brand and into the showrooms they may buy it or an R56, R55, R57 or R60, is that not the point of a car company, to sell cars? I think that the MINI lifestyle is a unique disaster for MINI as some of its biggest critics are some of its largest fans.

MINI has lost focus and it is trying to be all things to all people…. The classic GM trap hole.

I am not overly excited about either of these models mainly because they still display the design sins of the basic R56 shape, they are 2 seaters for which I have no use for at this stage of my life, and lastly, they will be more expensive than most.

The greed at MINI is running rampant. The market and the wallets will vote on these, that is for sure. Now, I still much rather have these chopped up, touped cars than the hideous R60 anyday of the week.

Keep posting Harry, you are the voice of reason that raises above the fanboy chatter!

Coopster is more interesting too me–what is that blue?

@Dr Obnxs – I agree with you. This is one of those “pay more to get less” cars. In this case you could see it as paying more for less weight, which is worthwhile since it’s not like they’re removing the AC and stereo to lose the 200 pounds.

We’ll see how the production cars’ dynamics do compared to the R56, but regardless of that Mini will bring out a new hatchback shortly thereafter and it likely will perform better than the coupay/speedster model anyway!

What is interesting is the chorus of all the “hell no to FWD sports cars” haven’t said much.

I hope that they sell well enough to justify the developement. That would be good for the new owners, Mini, and all of us who want the brand to succeed.

Matt

I can’t help but think, if the coupe was in flat black with the rear pillars left in gloss black and maybe some gloss black trim and possibly red stripe around the wheel rims, this might be some mean looking Darth Cooper.

For some reason, the interior looks more attractive (improved) but I can’t quite spot the changes. They seem subtle.