It's been said both here and on <a href="http://www.whiteroofradio.com">White Roof Radio</a> that the MINI Roadster is our pick for the best looking "new" MINI to date. We think it's a triumph of reinterpreting the MINI design language into something that is both unique in the MINI lineup and uniquely "MINI." Turns out we're not alone in that assessment.
It’s been said both here and on White Roof Radio that the MINI Roadster is our pick for the best looking “new” MINI to date. We think it’s a triumph of reinterpreting the MINI design language into something that is both unique in the MINI lineup and uniquely “MINI.” Turns out we’re not alone in that assessment. The MINI Roadster, along with five other BMW Group vehicles, won a 2012 GOOD DESIGN Award. A huge congrats to MINI and BMW Group for being recognized in their dedication to letting design lead their product development efforts. Details after the jump.
Official News from BMW: The world’s oldest, internationally renowned design award was founded in Chicago in 1950 by architects Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann Jr. It is presented by The Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies. For more than 60 years, this coveted award has recognised designers and manufacturers of innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that go beyond the bounds of ordinary product design. In addition to the criteria of functionality and aesthetics, ecological responsibility also plays a role.
The annual “GOOD DESIGN™” award rank as the most prestigious international accolade in the field of product design. This time round, the coveted prize was bestowed on no fewer than seven BMW Group Design products: the award-winning models were the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW M6 Coupé, the BMW M5, as well the MINI Roadster as Husqvarna Nuda 900 R. A further accolade went to the versatile BMW Travel & Comfort System. An independent panel of judges made up of design experts and architects sifted through several thousand submissions to select 700 praiseworthy product designs and graphics from 38 countries.
The MINI Roadster – the first premium vehicle of its kind in the small car segment – is an elegant, sporty model for discerning drivers who value high-quality design, powerful engines and precision-tuned suspension. The hallmark MINI interpretation of a compact roadster unites purist athleticism with spontaneous enjoyment of top-down driving in the city. Padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame round off the elegant design while at the same time ensuring optimal safety for driver and passenger alike.
[Source: MINI]
<p>Way to go Mini. That’s my next car!</p>
<p>I’ve been a roadster fan for a long time, however the car does not look anywhere near as good unless it has the JCW Aero kit. Its like another car without it.</p>
<p>Brian, totally agree. The JCW Aero kit makes the car, in my opinion that is.</p>
<p>Totally disagree on this one. Because the more aggressive front splitter on the coupe and roadster, the JCW Aerokit is less of a requirement IMHO.</p>
<p>say waahhhh? Gabe c’mon, I know you’ve seen a roadster with and without Aero next to one another. Obviously the pic of the one that one the design award has the Aero kit for a reason. I’m just sayin’ ……</p>
<p>That’s a launch photo that was just in the press photo section. Nathaniel just threw it up there – probably the first one in the list :)</p>
<p>I call for a vote. “Do you like the roadster better with or without JCW Aerokit?” ;)</p>
<p>Oh I like it better hands down. I’m just saying the Roadster and Coupe are better looking than most without the Aerokit.</p>
<p>Exactly. The rake of the windshield and the changes to the roof and rear deck lids are what make them so proportionally wonderful. The aero kits are just icing on an already great cake.</p>
<p>Yup. Totally random press photo from MINI.</p>
<p>Combine the Aero kit with the smooth lines of the MC bonnet, and NOW you’re optimizing the design. First-hand knowledge here. :-D</p>
<p>Two weeks ago picked up my CooperS and look forward to every opp for driving it. The handling, speed, comfort, easy to reach and read dials – awesome! Secure trunk ++ in a little topdown sports car. Husband loves driving it too – now if I can just get it back from him.</p>
<p>I like it without JCW Aero kit, which is too aggressive imho</p>
<p>The problem with the aero kit is that you lose a rear backup light when you get the aero kit. That is one thing that MINI needs to correct.</p>