The 2012 Mini Roadster has been officially revealed with details and pictures. The Roadster will be the Mini’s sixth addition to its expanding product lineup. It is also the brand’s first-ever convertible two-seater. Sales will begin next spring.
The Mini Roadster is the soft-top variant of the Coupe that was introduced earlier this summer. It sits 20 millimeters lower than a traditional four-passenger Mini convertible, but has very similar dimensions: 3,734mm long, 1,683mm wide and 1,390mm tall. The lower ground clearance, in addition to unique chassis tuning, rollover bars, active rear spoiler and electronic differential lock control will help with its handling performance.
In Europe, the Roadster will be offered in four trims, including the base Cooper with a 122 horsepower 1.6-liter petrol engine, the Cooper SD with a 143HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel, the Cooper S with a 184HP 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol and the flagship John Cooper Works model with a 211HP 1.6-liter turbo petrol unit. All models can be had with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. A 6-speed automatic is also available, except for the JCW.
