2012 Mini Cooper Roadster: First Look
- Competes with: Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Looks like: Another Mini Cooper derivative, only smaller and with no top
- Drivetrain: 121-hp four-cylinder; 181-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder; 208-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder; six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: Early 2012
It’s been a while since we last talked about the Mini Roadster, the soft-top convertible version of the upcoming Mini Coupe. It’s been more than two years since a near-production-ready concept was shown to the world, but the model that will hit dealers is finally ready for prime time, says BMW, who owns the Mini brand.
As the Roadster name suggests, this model is strictly a two-seat convertible. It will debut at the 2012 Detroit auto show and will go on sale in early 2012.
When the model goes on sale, it will be offered in Cooper Roadster, Cooper S Roadster and John Cooper Works Roadster models — the same variants offered on the Cooper hardtop and Coupe. With the John Cooper Works version, a 208-horsepower, twin-scroll turbocharged engine can move the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 147 mph, just a tad slower than the Coupe due to the extra weight. Fuel economy figures aren’t available yet.
We’ll have more info at the Detroit auto show, but for now, check out more photos below.
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
Really a sharp looking car. My wife loves Minis. I unfortunately do not fit. Thanks for the review!
Absolutely LOVE this car!!!
'Another Mini Cooper derivative, only smaller and with no top' - not an accurate statement. This car has the same wheelbase as the Mini hatchback and convertible, it just has fewer seats so it's actually pretty big for a roadster - bigger than a Miata. I love this car; it's my favorite new car for 2012! As a roadster lover since childhood (my dad owned a TR4, TR250 and an MGB and I owned a TR7 in college). I've test driven the coupe already and it is sweeeeet! I can hardly wait to buy my roadster and drop the top this summer!
Hi, Robbie,
How do you not fit? I am 6'2" and I don't have the seat all the way back in my MINI. I have friends that are 400 lbs and they fit in their MINIs. Have you actually gone and tested one out?
omg I want this car but do they offer it in an automatic / diesel? My bug is automatic diesel and I love that, I cannot for the life of me drive manual.