2009 MINI Convertible Update
We’ve had quite a few questions from readers lately asking about the upcoming new MINI convertible (code-named the R57). While we already know pretty much all there is to know about the new car, we thought we’d review some of the high-points for those who may have missed our previous reports.
New Color choices
When the R57 goes on sale next spring it will receive an exclusive color much like the launch of the R52 convertibles in the latter half of 2004. Like the R52 the MINI convertible will get two new colors to call its own; one metallic and one a non-metallic. The non-metallic addition to the line-up will be called Interchange Yellow.
It’s a non-metallic yellow/green that’s almost the same color as a hi-liter pen but not quite so luminous. Also something to note, it’s the same color that will be used on the upcoming electric MINI’s mirror caps and roof.
Along with this new yellow, the R57 will also mark the return of Space Blue as an exclusive color for the convertible.
Finally to round-out the new colors choices, the R57 will get an optional brown canvass top to go with Hot Chocolate (currently an exclusive color on the Clubman).
The Roll-bar Goes Away
The R57’s top design will be a slightly updated version of the current R52 convertible with a larger glass rear window. Also making it’s debut is a pop-up roll-bar system that will take the place of the current vision robbing set-up. The system will be similar to the one found in the 1 and 3 Series BMWs.
Always Open Gauge
Also unique to the convertible will be an “always open†guage which will measure the percentage of miles driven with the top open. The idea is that it will encourage owners to live the “always open†lifestyle MINI marketing has created for this car. The gauge will be located to the side of the rev-counter.
JCW for the R57
The R57 convertible will be available as a factory JCW from day one. It will also be available with the dealer installed JCW engine kit.
Time-frame
As previously reported the R57 will go on-sale in Spring of 2009. We’ve heard an exact time-line of March but that could always slip a week or two. Expect the launch to happen worldwide with the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW models with a diesel Cooper to eventually follow.
I would have to see that new Hi-Liter yellow paintwork…
I don’t think that BMW will ever get yellow perfected.
I may mail them a ripe mango just to get them headed in the right direction. –But my ’03 LYB looks great at night.
Smart has a yellow that I’ll bet is close. The new cabrio will be welcome with gas prices being what they are. I’ll have to check one out just to see the visibility improvements!!
I doubt there are any visibility improvements with the top up. I still see the same fat C-pillars and huge blind spots towards the rear of the car. This is a given with ragtops unfortunately.
Any news on the Metallic thread used to infuse the fabric top to give it a metal look? Or some might say a shine.
The Brown top is going to be in addition to the present color line of green, blue, and black?
Could you see a Highlighter Top color, that would be crazy cool.
Also I think the Orange should come back in a highligther also. I think people would like it, but most would not go for the convertible, they want a hard top in that so maybe MINI is saving that for them.
…this is all extremely cool! I can’t wait to see the new cabrio in action, and I’m especially enthusiastic about the JCW options being available!!
As for the paintwork, I think it’s a great idea for MINI to be offering such a varied color palette for owners to choose from- these cars are like jelly beans or gumballs, hundreds of unique color combinations, and the paintwork is always bright and playful, like the cars themselves.
Hot Orange was a sexy color, btw.
Hot Orange metallic was generally a hard sell. I liked the color myself but not many buyers fell for it. It was nice against a black or blue canvas top. I have seen a few Hot Oranges with Green tops..Ick!
It’s great seeing shots with the top up (I think that is all we have seen thus far), but I suspect the greatest impact visually will be w/ the top down given the loss of the roll bars. Can’t wait to see a top-down shot.
When will the 09 be configurable and orderable?
A Cooper D Cabrio? Cool!
JCW CABRIO. I am in and # 1 on my dealers list to order. Now what color to get?????
Get the new black! Er, nevermind.
Any idea whether the pop-up roll-bar causes the rear seats to be fixed in place (i.e. no more 50/50 split folding rear seats in the cabrio)? Or have anyone not seen the top down in a mule close enough to know yet?
has**
I believe that 1-series cabrio seats can be folded down BUT there is no pass-through to the trunk/boot — can anyone confirm?
If that’s the case with the R57, the boot will be practically useless. Most of the time I have a suitcase in the back of the R52, I have to put seats down. This would be a deal-braker for me.
Between the R52 and the R57, I like the R52 body and the R57 power. Any word on the weight difference between the R57 and the R56? I know that the R52 weighs ‘only’ 200lbs more than the R56, but…
200 lbs more? with who sitting in it?
The ‘verts are heavier than their tin top counterparts because of all the extra body reinforcements required to minimize chassis flex. Also the power top components take up space and add weight.
I would like to see if the R57 will provide side airbag protection for rear passengers as this is a missing safety feature in the current R52.
I know they’re heavier and I know why, but 200 lbs? Maybe half that.
The R52 is 187 lbs heavier than the R53.
Someone puts passengers in the back of an R52? My front seats leave literally zero legroom for a back seat passenger. The only rider I can fit in the back seat is my 50 lbs lab/collie mix with the seats folded down.
what is a JCW model? I’m not familiar with that term. I’m currently interested in the S model of the 2009 convertible. This will be my first mini.
When did you stumble in here? The JCW is a three cylinder that gets 49 mpg in the city and 66 on the highway. And it takes regular gas!