Spied: MINI Roadster Prototype
Auto Express has shots of a pre-production MINI half-cloaked in yellow swirly nonsense. This time it’s the Speedster and we’re getting an even better view of the retractable boot lid spoiler. Just like the Coupé, it’s looking an awful lot like its concept car, cloth top and all.
The Roadster (final name still coming) will start production in February of 2012 and should hit dealer lots in March of next year. MINI is planning on producing Cooper S and JCW models at launch and potentially following up with a Cooper model later in the lifecycle of the car.
As on the Coupe, the Roadster will feature a moveable spoiler that deploys above a designated speed. It will also feature an exclusive exterior color and new interior materials.
Check out the full gallery over at Auto Express.
<p>To me, this is the one to have. Roof looks much better than the Coupe version, IMHO. The retractable spoiler appears to be nicely integrated in the tail section also.</p>
<p>Give me a JCW, please :-D</p>
<p>Agree with Mike. This is hot.</p>
<p>Top down on this is going to look better then even my r52!</p>
<p>Very nice.</p>
<p>BTW.. the top with the window does look like a porsche boxster.</p>
<p>as I sit here awaiting the imminent arrival of our new Countryman, now I look forward to test driving one of these next year.</p>
<p>I think it really looks great, and they totally captured the “Porsche Speedster” look with the increased rake on the windshield.</p>
<p>love it! (and anything with a pop-up spoiler, c’mon!!)</p>
<p>Yeah! Very cool but why can’t they get a shot of the car coming? Oh yeah, that antenna will be a pain in the butt to delete!</p>
<p>MINI needs to chose one, boxy or sleek and stick with it. This car looks like 2 designers designed different parts.</p>
<p>Think with the top down its a great looking car. I however believe that MINI has never been quite able to design any convertible roof that looks good.imo</p>
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<p>A little birdie told me the Coupe starts production this August with the roadster starting production around March 2012.</p>
<p>Was that ‘birdie’ MotoringFile? We’ve been saying that since last summer :)</p>
<p>I hope that the spoiler is optional – it doesn’t add to the look and adds cost.</p>
<p>I am NOT a fan of that spoiler!</p>
<blockquote>Was that ‘birdie’ MotoringFile? We’ve been saying that since last summer :)</blockquote>
<p>My birdie must be slower than your birdie lol.</p>
<p>I like this much better than the coupe :-)</p>
<p>this doesn’t look like it has a different front yet. hope it will like it was mentioned a few times.</p>
<p>NICE! Think MINI should have put this one into production before the Coupe. MINI needs another Cabrio in the stable!</p>
<p>…I SO like this vehicle. JCW,JCW,JCW, there I’ve said it three times; maybe it’ll come true…</p>
<p>Any educated guesses about the price range??</p>
<p>Three spotted filling up…………..</p>
<p>“Its always fun round Oxford when a new model is coming out, spying the test mules.”
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<p>I think this “potentially following up with a Cooper model later in the lifecycle of the car.” is a fact based on the photo above at the gas station.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me what the point is of having the spoiler? I would have thought that designers would have worked out by now the aerodynamics required to give the same effect with body styling/shape without have to “bolt-on” an appendage.
On a front wheel drive car why would you want down-force on the boot? To keep it shut?</p>