MINI Roadster at the Detroit Motor Show

Jan 11, 2012
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2 min read

Purists will say that expanding the MINI line-up is a revolting deal but the Roaster is actually quite a nice idea. The MINI Roadster will only add a new dimension to the MINI appeal. There is nothing wrong in making an open top, fun to drive car

If you always wanted to drive a MINI without a roof your wishes have been answered. The MINI roadster is essentially a MINI Cooper with a folding cloth roof. The car has been showcased at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo and has also made its way to the Detroit Motor Show. While the original MINI was a small affordable fun to drive car, the re-established MINI brand under BMW makes premium small cars that have created a cult status from the humble origins of the original.

All MINI cars are oriented towards driving pleasure and the roadster is no different. The little roadster gets a soft top roof which dates back to the original British concept of a British roadster. The MINI Roadster is a two seater car, this means that the roof folds down behind the front seats. As a result the MINI Roadster has a boot like that of a traditional three box sedan. This allows enhanced practicality and a unique appeal to the traditional MINI design language. The MINI Roadster gets a reinforced windshield frame and two stainless steel roll-over bars behind the seats have been provided for occupant protection in the event of a roll over.

The MINI Roadster will be on offer with three engine options all of which are petrol engines. The model line-up will range from the MINI Cooper Roadster with 122 PS of power while the MINI Cooper S Roadster will deliver 183 PS of power, and the sharpest performer in the MINI Roadster line-up will be the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, whose powerplant develops 211 PS. Like all modern MINIs the Roadster too has been tuned for delivering a huge dose of fun while modern technology ensures efficiency. In customary MINI style, the Roadster channels the engine's power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, the MINI Cooper Roadster and MINI Cooper S Roadster can also be specified with a six-speed automatic.