MINI Roadster US Market Technical Detail (Plus a Few Surprises)

Sections: R59 (Roadster) Nov 1st, 2011 7 Comments

The US specific numbers are in and the MINI Roadster is starting to look more interesting. As expected, the all important curb weight has been brought down on each model. For instance for the Cooper S, the Roadster is 66 lbs lighter than the MCS Convertible (2,745 lbs and 2,811 lbs respectively). In fact the R59 Roadster is only 9 lbs heavier than the Coupe on which it’s based. There are a few other surprises as well.

Many were concerned about potential headroom issues with the Roadster as compared with the seemingly larger Convertible. However the wizards at MINI have somehow managed to get an inch more headroom than the R57 Convertible. Shocking right? Here’s a quick comparison of a few MINI models to give you a better idea of how incredible this really is:

Front Headroom (in inches):

Roadster: 39.6″
Convertible: 38.4″
Coupe: 38.4″
Hatch: 38.8″

We’re following up with MINI on this just to verify. But for the time being, we’re assuming the official numbers are correct.

The Roadster is also faster with a BMW official 0-60 time of 6.3 versus 6.6 with the Convertible. And keep in mind that factory times from BMW and MINI are notoriously conservative.

Is it just us or the MINI Roadster starting to look better and better?

Full US Specifications

MINI Roadster Specifications (PDF)

Full Gallery

View the Full Gallery >>

Written By: Gabe

b-

WOW, the weight is a HUGE bonus especially when you think that all that weight is lower than it is in the Coupe! Sure, you won’t have all the options to remove weight, (rear seat delete,) and still have a functional good looking car but I think that this is a MAJOR selling point!

The headroom is good too but I will still hit my head getting into and out of this with the top up, I guess it will just have to be down all the time or I could just remove the soft top all together!
that.guy

My $30k fund for a 2-seat rag-top, if I were to have such a fund, would seek out a used Boxster. If there are no seats in the rear there better be some power back there.
Stew001

I’m 6’5″ and i have a mini hatch and want to upgrade to the roadster but I was concerned about the head room, but seeming it apparently has more headroom than the hatch this has made me extremely happy!
CalsonicSE

Right above your head while sitting in the R57 with the top up, there is ”big plastic block” running the width of the car that contains the mechanics for the “sunroof” feature. Not sure how MINI measures its headroom numbers, but I’m guessing that the Roadster’s extra headroom comes from the fact that it doesn’t have a “sunroof feature” like the R57 and therefore doesn’t have a “big plastic block” right above your head. Without the “big plastic block” in the R57, there’d be least a couple more inches of headroom.
Hoover

Wow. I’m 6’7″ and really thought that the Roadster wouldn’t work. I have always loved the Miata and the Boxster…but I don’t fit. This may be the car for giants like me who have always wanted to drive a true two-seat roadster in comfort. I’d like to amend my ultimate road test entry…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-LaFleur/761959786 Ben LaFleur

My question is will a set of golf clubs fit in the back if so im sold deliver one my was asap
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MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

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