Mini's Concept Packs 50yrs of DNA
It is fitting that the new MINI Roadster Concept has been revealed in the fiftieth anniversary year of the brand. This charismatic two-seater combines a retrospective view of the brand's highly successful history with the great appeal of the current model range.
The launch of the original Morris Mini-Minor and Austin Seven twins in 1959 was one of the seminal automotive events of the twentieth century. Alec Issigonis' visionary design brought anew kind of cool to the world of small cars in combination with great drivability.
Under BMW ownership, the MINI brand continues to set the standard for driving pleasure, premium quality and individual flair in the small car segment. Others can only copy.
This new concept car embodies the quintessential elements of the MINI character. Here is a refreshingly different compact convertible, a new style of MINImalism and definitely something new under the sun.
With just two leather-trimmed seats, a snug soft roof and innovative rear-end design, this new model opens up additional perspectives both for the MINI brand and for the compact roadster segment.
Power for the MINI roadster might well be supplied by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine already featured in the MINI Cooper S. Boasting direct gasoline injection, this lusty unit delivers maximum power of 128 kW with 240 Nm of torque. When the novel Overboost function is activated this peak can be increased briefly to 260 Nm.
The new two-seater is exceptionally compact in true MINI tradition. Overall length is just 3,714 mm. But the width of 1,683 mm guarantees a strong set of footprints on the road. Height beneath the open heavens is just 1,356 mm. You can't escape that sense of the world's ultimate go-kart.
While the front end is identical to the MINI Convertible, from the A-pillars back the Roadster asserts its own individuality within the MINI portfolio of models. The windscreen is strikingly low and raked to a greater angle. A short luggage compartment lid forms the rear panel behind the roof. The roof folds up tightly and is stowed immediately behind the seats. When the roof is closed, the Roadster acquires a notchback look which clearly distinguishes it from the MINI Convertible. (Historians may recall the Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf variants of the original Mini-Minor also gestured towards this 'three-box' philosophy.)
Luggage capacity remains the same at 250 litres whether the roof is open or closed. And the low sill makes loading the luggage compartment easy.
Viewed from front-on, the raked-back windscreen accentuates the MINI Roadster radical new style. This is a strikingly low machine.
The Roadster shares its chrome radiator grille with the MINI Cooper S, but the inner section features bars in body colour to further differentiate the newcomer from other members of the MINI family. Bonnet stripes which continue into the radiator grille are an additional sporting element. The soft top opens and closes manually in just a few seconds. A power roof would have added weight and complexity, detracting from the purity of this roadster design. Passengers can access the luggage compartment via a lockable opening.
The interior packages a number of MINI innovations such as Heart Beat which reflects the speed of the engine and Buddy Radar, which notifies the driver as to the whereabouts of other MINI drivers in the vicinity.
Like all cars produced by the BMW Group, this vehicle has great safety credentials. The MINI Roadster Concept comes with an exceptionally strong and stable body structure. A full-size rollbar will erect itself within 150 milliseconds in the event of an imminent rollover.
