Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Roadster concept unveiled

The MINI Roadster concept kicks off the Frankfurt Motor Show is style. It's a rival for the Mazda MX-5 and Audi TT Roadster, and you'll be able to buy one from 2011.

The MINI Roadster concept has been officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It joins the MINI Coupe Concept that we've already seen, and is set to make it into production some time in 2011.

[See the latest issue of the iMOTOR digital magazine here]

Just like the Coupe, the Roadster is based on existing MINI mechanicals - this time on the Cooper S Convertible. That means a healthy 175hp driving the front wheels. But unlike the Coupe, the Roadster gets a canvas roof which has been engineered to be as light and as simple as possible.

We reckon the production Roadster will look a lot like the concept shown here too, and it could be timed to perfection. When the recession hit, sports car sales pretty much stopped as extravagant purchases couldn't be justified. But BMW reckons that the recession should end just around the time when the Roadster goes on sale. And what better way to reward yourself for scrimping and saving when times are a bit leaner than with a nice posh MINI drop top?

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024