Automotive

2012 MINI Roadster unveiled

2012 MINI Roadster unveiled
The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The MINI line up will be six strong in 2012
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The MINI line up will be six strong in 2012
The MINI line up will be six strong in 2012
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The MINI line up will be six strong in 2012
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster features an active rear spoiler
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The 2012 MINI Roadster features an active rear spoiler
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster's optional wind protection insert
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The 2012 MINI Roadster's optional wind protection insert
The 2012 MINI Roadster's headlights
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The 2012 MINI Roadster's headlights
The 2012 MINI Roadster's polished stainless steel roll bars
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The 2012 MINI Roadster's polished stainless steel roll bars
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster's manually-opening soft-top roof
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The 2012 MINI Roadster's manually-opening soft-top roof
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
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The 2012 MINI Roadster
View gallery - 35 images

MINI has unveiled the final production version of its MINI Roadster which is set to join the company's rapidly-expanding lineup next year. Looking pretty similar to the Roadster concept unveiled alongside the MINI Coupe concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the sixth model to join the current MINI line-up is the first open-top two-seater in the company's history. It features a manually-opening soft-top roof and will be offered in four different engine variants.

The MINI Roadster stands more than 20 mm (0.78 in) lower than the MINI Convertible and features a more steeply raked windshield. A low center of gravity, torsionally rigid body and optimized aerodynamic performance combine to give the vehicle what MINI calls a "full-blooded go-kart feeling."

There's stowage room behind the driver and passenger seats and a through-loading system and 240-liter (63.4 US gal) luggage area with wide-opening tailgate for easier loading. MINI also offers an optional wind protection insert between the polished stainless steel roll-over bars.

The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster

Like the Coupe, the Roadster is based on the current MINI hatchback so shares similar dimensions. The base Roadster model measures 3,728 mm (146.77 in) long, 1,683 mm (66.25 in) wide, and 1,384 mm (54.48 in) high, with a wheelbase of 2,467 mm (97.12 in). The SD and S Roadsters are slightly longer and higher at 3,734 mm (147 in) and 1,390 mm (54.72 in) respectively, while the aerodynamic kit found on the John Cooper Works model results in a length of 3,758 mm (147.95 in) and height of 1391 mm (54.76 in).

All models come with electric power steering, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, speed-sensitive steering assistance and an active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph) as standard, with all but the base model also coming with air conditioning. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) is standard on the John Cooper Works model and available as an option on other models.

Other options include black headlight housings, xenon Adaptive headlights, automatic climate control, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, MINI navigation system, and MINI Connected features, such as web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.

The 2012 MINI Roadster
The 2012 MINI Roadster

The four different engine variants on offer for the MINI Roadster are the same offered for the MINI Coupe, with minimal performance differences.

MINI Cooper Roadster:

  • Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology
  • Displacement: 1,598 cc
  • Output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm
  • Max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph)
  • Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 liters/100 kilometers (49.6 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 133 g/km
  • MINI John Cooper Works Roadster:

    • Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport
  • Displacement: 1,598 cc
  • Output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm
  • Max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 - 5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 - 5,100 rpm)
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds
  • Top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph)
  • Average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.3 liters/100 kilometers (38.7 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 169 g/km
  • MINI Cooper S Roadster:

    • Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
  • Displacement: 1,598 cc
  • Output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm
  • Max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 - 5,000 rpm (260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 - 4,500 rpm)
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds
  • Top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph)
  • Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 liters/100 kilometers (47.1 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 139 g/km
  • MINI Cooper SD Roadster:

    • Four-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
  • Displacement: 1,995 cc
  • Output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
  • Max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 - 2,700 rpm
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds
  • Top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph)
  • Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (62.8 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 118 g/km
  • MINI is expected to debut its 2012 Roadster range at the 2011 Los Angeles Motor Show next month. While the four-strong Roadster range is due to launch next year in Europe, only the petrol-powered variants are likely to be available in North America.

    View gallery - 35 images
    2 comments
    2 comments
    Francesco Laquila
    E\' brutta e credo costosissima e per di più quando si guasta i pezzi di ricambio si compreranno in gioielleria
    I think it\'s ugly and expensive, and fails more when you buy spare parts for jewelry
    BigGoofyGuy
    I think it is pretty nice looking. :)