Mini Cooper Roadster

squod

The arrangement makes the Roadster surprisingly practical. Regardless of whether the roof is raised or lowered, there are 250 litres of luggage space. 

Under the bonnet lies the same engine as in the Cooper S ........

http://sportscarforums.com/f9/spied-mini-cooper-roadster-36444.html

Like it so I do. Don't like any of the previous models.

johnos1984

squod

Different looking cars IMO. That big A pillar on the red bull yoke makes the whole car look boxy and un-cool.

johnos1984

Development hack #2 without the square styling

Red Bull deserve the design award for that original car

squod

while the A-pillars are steeply raked to give a more aerodynamic look. 



Different again but still boxy IMO. Plus the roof looks like a hoodie someone threw over the car. Probably where the design idea came from though. Interesting to see in the flesh next year.

Guy:Incognito

johnos1984 wrote: »

Development hack #2 without the square styling

Red Bull deserve the design award for that original car

But then it loses the award again for that awfull cola drink. They even tried givign it away free and no one would take it :-)

Owen

That 3rd gen (First was a classic Mini, second was a new MINI Hatchback) Red Bull car is seriously cool. The can motorises up vertically, and then the softtop drops, and the can goes back in place.

The Speedster - not roadster - was a concept way back when the original MINI in 2001 was being designed. It's going to be launched at the same time the Coupé is (Which I love). After that, there'll probably be an updated Clubman with 2 suicide doors, then there'll be the 3 door Countryman, the City Car (A Smart sized 2 seat MINI), then the Moke/Beachcomber concept. The 3 electric scooters are to be launched soon too.

It's part of BMW's plan for MINI to be self sustaining and be an independent brand with its own line up of models - but I think they're really diluting things at this point and need to stop. I do agree with the Coupé concept, but not the Speedster. The Countryman never made sense for me, and until I see one rallying, probably never will. The City Car is a great idea, I'm looking forward to that especially if it's a mid-teens price point.

Owen

The second gen MINI is out about 4 years now, the first gen ran from late 2001 - late 2006, so 5 years. They're refreshing it this year with new bumpers, revised air intakes, dashboard tweaks and interior styling bits, but it is due a refresh in the next year or so.