MINI Plans Production of Speedster & Coupe Concepts to be Debuted at the Frankfurt IAA
Following up the news we broke this morning is the official release from MINI detailing the statement on production for the Coupe and Speedster. While the speedster isn’t named below, it’s clear that this is the second model mentioned.
Official Release: Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.
Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.
One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.
Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.
Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.
Details of the second model have not yet been announced.
The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW’s long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.
“British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I’m sure that this will continue for many years to come.â€
Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.â€
Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.
<p>Great news!</p>
<p>PLEASE CHANGE THE MIRRORS!!! PLEASE! They do not fit the car at all. Make them more pointy and sporty to reflect the nature of the car. It would cost pretty much nothing.</p>
<p>It would cost a LOT more than the existing mirrors do, and would complicate any aftermarket options.</p>
<p>Anyone else just get the MINI Confidential email that “debuts” the concept for MINI owners? Pretty fun little site, and I got to go dig out my “secret spy glasses” from my MINI advertising “book,” A dizzying look at the awsomeness of small. Fun company this is.</p>
<p>I was confident this news would come about.</p>
<p>Great news!!!</p>
<p>(I hope it is shown at Detroit in January, ideally alongside a face-lifted R56 and R55!)</p>
<p>“Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train” – One thing I didn’t read is “exclusively” so I guess there will be other engines on offer as well besides the JCW unit? Hopefully there will be an option of an A/T as well? I hope so. Without one this car is a no-go for me.</p>
<p>I agree with goat – to see the Broadspeed alongside the new R56 would be absolutely perfect!</p>
<p>And, MINI, you won’t hurt my feelings if you suddenly decide to bring the Broadspeed to production in 2010 as a 2011 model. Actually, you’d have a guaranteed sale if you did that!</p>
<p>At this point I think it’s also safe to say that the “Broadspeed” looks to be a permanent fixture in the MINI model lineup if reading between the lines of the press release is anything to go by, and also the BBC clip found here:</p>
<p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/8235025.stm" rel="nofollow ugc">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/8235025.stm</a></p>
<p>Thanks Chris for the hyperlink to the article. One thing stuck me as being terribly funny. The clip on the article talking about the inherit Britishness of the brand by being made in Oxford. Meanwhile we have the R60, designed by Germans and produced by Austrians. Not much British feeling with that. Guess putting a Mini logo on a Japanese eco-box is not far behind to keep the British feeling of the car. Heh</p>
<p>giving up on the future of mini……now.</p>
<p>i’m going to buy a Mk1 morris mini, and between that and my 2004 cooper, those will be the only minis i will ever drive. ever. anything since the debut of the R56 has been a troll. this coupe concept is embarrassing to mini owners around the world. the roof should not dip so low above the quarter windows. the R56’s front end was bad enough on its own, now trying to compact it into a sportier shape has made it even worse. and if silver is the standard color for the roof…gross.</p>
<p>it’s a shame, too, because mini is such a cool brand, and comes from such a cool history. but lately, they’ve consistently failed to impress me.</p>
<p>oh, and to the possibility of the speedster, maybe mini will pull a fast one on us and produce the crossover in oxford now. sorry for the double post and the hate rant.</p>
<p>Dave, my feelings exactly. Be prepared to be labeled “hater”, “purist” and “troll” by the fanboys that descend on this site. Daring to criticize MINI and the brand direction of parent company BMW has earned me much flack, insults and flames over the years. Good thing I have some seriously good thick skin…</p>
<p>A lot of you deserve the flames. I’m guessing you think MINI should just make one type of car. Imagine that! A modern car company that HAS TO MAKE ONE VEHICLE to make C4 and Dave happy. Give me a break. This is a company that exists to make money. Please get over yourselves. If we’re fanboys what does that make you all?</p>
<p>Barry, I think the one that has to get over anyone here is yourself. Calm down, go out and take a walk… It is good for the body and spirit.</p>
<p>People have differing opinions so deal with it. Besides, I am not advocating for MINI to have a single model in their product mix… Stop putting words in my mouth.</p>
<p>It is amusing to see all the fanboi attack dogs come out from the wood work and devour anyone that does not agree with the corporate line. coincidence? Hmmmmm……</p>
<p>No C4… Barry is just being realistic. All you people cry about new models, but how do you expect them to make money in the current enviroment with only one car? You wouldn’t even have your R53s etc unless they continued to make more models because BMW wouldn’t have even bought the brand. Its not like they just decided to make new cars it was part of MINI’s plan from the beginning to expand and not just stick with one car, which would just be stupid and unviable. Anyone with any idea of business knows what BMW is doing is correct.</p>
<p>Hey simpleton, your way of thinking really honors your name. Listen, I have never been against “new models”, in fact I have been a strong supporter of them since the inception of the brand in 2001. That is not the issue….</p>
<p>The problem lies in the design language of those new models. The R53 raised the bar way too high and that bar has yet to be surpassed. The exquisite design work Stephenson did with the 1st MINI has been further muddled with these so call new “MINIs” that have nothing MINI about them.</p>
<p>Just my opinion Mr. Simpleton so deal with it until you are blue in the face.</p>