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The Cooper Cabrio was recently spotted undergoing final testing in South Africa by a photographer. The photos (1 & 2) show the car essentially in final form with the newly designed front and rear taped for light camouflage. Seen clearly in these photos for the first time is the optional wind screen to cut down on the usual wind buffeting most open tops face at highway speeds. Also interestingly the boot latches seem to be chrome plated on this particular car – no word yet if that is the final form or not.
As noted on Bridger.us/MINI last summer (finally seen here undisguised) the rear center brake-light will be mounted within the chrome trim that runs around the entire car at the belt-line.
You can check out the article and pics at www.motoring.co.za and see the pics directly here: 1 | 2.
<p>Note: the pictures were not reproduced in this article out of respect for MINI2's current exclusive agreement with Motoring.co.za.</p>
<p>Something else interesting about that pic… Youll notice if you look carefully that the car has NAV. (two dials on the steering wheel and NAV screen) however, it has a standard radio antenna?</p>
<p>I saw that too, it could mean that it has the new optional chronograph gauges.</p>
<p>I would think the rear window visability would be terrible in the MINI Cabrio with the top up. When you combine those headrests with the small back window typically found on a Cabrio top, you will have a big blind spot.</p>
<p>Kind of wondering how the “dirty bum” problem will affect those rear passengers and the rest of the car's interior with the top down. Maybe the aerodynamics will be changed enough that the rear dirt swirl won't be so pronounced but with no rear overhang and the occasional run through wet spots on the road, even on nice days; well…I think I'd want to do a good test drive.</p>
<p>I also happen to notice that the headrest mounting of the frontseats has kinda changed. On the picture it looks like they have a middle “bar”, or something? And is the background of the instruments black for better contrast in sunlight?</p>
<p>oops, no change in the headrest mount but definitely black instruments!</p>
<p>Yeah I noticed that too. Either something has changed or that car has the nav. Of course if it does it would be the first car with nav without a shark-fin.</p>
<p>Also it would appear that there's some sort of extra gauge near the steering wheel. Not sure if that's just there due to this being a prototype or not.</p>
<p>Good point about the swirling dirt at the rear of the car! That is one issue that has amazed me about the MINI…the rear gets very dirty very quickly! Even if there is no rear passenger, the dirt “loading” in the rear compartment and eventually the front would be a bioch to clean! I still have my tag from my GT Mustang convertible “TOP DWN”.
Another good point about the blind spot, too. When the top is up…oh, blaspheme…there will also be a blind spot at the rear quarters due to the top construction.
I love the new colors, but I think they are forcing the ragtop on…or off…the MINI. Get a S2000 or Miata if you want the wind in your hair IMO….or a new 2006 GT Mustang ;)</p>
<p>Maybe the reason there is that much black plastic behind the seat and headrest is to keep out dirt. Just a guess.</p>
<p>I notice a windblocker installed. I wonder if that blocks the rear seat for useage.</p>