MF readers will know that MINI’s next convertible (code-named the R57) will remain a soft-top and have the same general design as the current car based on several insider reports. Inside Line got some confirmation on that when they spoke to Kay Segler, senior vice president of brand management for MINI.
>”That’s because such cars’ roofs do not open as wide as those of traditional soft tops,” he said. “A convertible, for me, must create the feeling of open-air driving. If you look up, you see the sky. If you see the A-pillar, you have something else. Therefore, you will never get a hardtop convertible in a Mini.”
Segler went on to mention how he expects JCW sales to positively add to the bottom line. Specifically he expects as much as 8% of all coupe and 6% of all Clubman sales to be JCWs.
I prefer cloth also.
The cabrio already has enough of a weight and added cost penalty — and, as already pointed out, it’s meant to be driven with the top down
A convertible MINI with a retractable metal hardtop will either be too heavy and take up virtually all available cargo space.
If you want a convertible BMW product with a metal top, look no further to the 3 series.
The only way to do a folding hardtop would be to forgo the rear seat. A folding hardtop of that size would be quite bulky when folded.
I prefer a cloth since I would very rarely drive with it closed(even here in CT). So why should I constantly lug around that weight and bulk?
Not to mention the complexity and repair costs post warranty.
I still think a MINI convertible post-warranty is a scary proposition.
Anybody know the answer to the million dollar R57 Cabrio question??? Are the roll bars exposed like they currently are?
as reported previously on MF – they will be a pop-up system similar to the 1 series cabrio.
I prefer cloth also.
The cabrio already has enough of a weight and added cost penalty — and, as already pointed out, it’s meant to be driven with the top down
If you think there is more room in the back of a 1 series convertible – think and measure again. The baby beemer is pityful.
Will JCW be available on the Cabrio right from the beginning?
When in Spring 2009 will convertible be released? Do you have any specific month identified? What will be body & top colors options?
Thanks.