The Roadster model gets a lightweight canvas top that opens and closes manually along with the necessary roll bars that are located behind the two seats.
Like the Coupe Concept, the Roadster is based on a faintly modified version of the MINI hatch platform. The two-seater topless MINI measures 3,714 mm (146.2-in.) in length, 1,683 mm (66.3-in.) in width and 1,356 mm (53.4-in.) in height while boot capacity remains the same as that of the coupe at 250 liters.
Under the bonnet, whereas the Coupe is matched to the same turbocharged 1.6-liter, 208hp, 206-lb-ft four-cylinder gasoline engine used in the Cooper S John Cooper Works model, the Roadster settles with the less potent 175HP 1.6 Turbo found in the Cooper S.
Both the Coupe and Roadster models have already been confirmed for series production by Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of the BMW Group, and are expected to go on sale sometime in 2011. Together with the forthcoming Crossman SUV, the trio of new models will double the firm's portfolio in the next three years.
Being one of the main attractions at this year's Frankfurt Show, we couldn't leave you without live photos as well as video footage of MINI's sporty Coupe and Roadster concept cars. The two models are destined to enter series-production and are expected to go on sale within the next couple of years. MINI said that the coupe and its soft-top roadster sibling will most likely be available with the most powerful engines offered in the hatchback range, meaning the 1.6-liter turbocharged units in the Cooper S and Cooper S JCW with 175HP and 208HP respectively. Hit the break for the videos and photo album.
