Tycoon

MINI blows its top

Available from spring 2008 onwards and in all versions, this is the new Mini Convertible. Caught here testing close to the firm’s Munich headquarters with a multi-functional fabric top, this car is going to be the ultimate 2008 summer city-car. With a C-pillar at least as wide as on the current model, visibility to the rear won’t be improved at all, but the stowage of the rood could well be improved. For that, however, we’ll have to wait for photos of the car with the roof folded down.


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Bartek Sikorski

Tycoon

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MINI’s second generation Cabriolet model has been scooped by Car Online’s spy photographers practically undisguised. Then again, why would anyone go into the trouble trying to camouflage the new Cabriolet; unless you’re a fanatic or you're working for MINI, chances are that you’ll most probably take it for the current generation model.However, just like the new hatch version, the Cabriolet is slightly longer than the current model and it features a revised interior. Also, the engine range will be completely overhauled as the 2009 MINI Cabriolet will be offered with the new BMW-PSA developed units instead of the Chrysler-sourced motors. The line-up will include a 95 HP 1.4, a 120HP 1.6, a 175 HP 1.6 and a 110 HP 1.6 Turbodiesel unit.


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Tycoon

From WCF:







Apart from a little duct tape surrounding the rear light clusters, this vehicle appears to be almost production ready. Manufacturer’s generally conduct a limited build run of a new model prior to full on production. These vehicles are usually built on the main production assembly line; this enables the manufacturing engineers to assess their build processes for the new model before committing to large scale volume – ironing out any teething problems. A number of these vehicles are then supplied to the development engineers for final sign off, and the vehicle you see before you in these pictures will be one of these limited run prototypes.

Since the powertrains will probably be carried over from the fixed lid Mini’s, there would be no requirement for extra cold development/sign off work on the oily bits. The development of the Mini Cabrio would have concentrated on the integration of the convertible top to the body design and maintaining structural ridgidity of the monoqoque. The structure would have been signed off quite early on in the program so expect this little vehicle to be conducting final hood testing just to make sure the mechanisms function correctly in sub zero temperatures.

BMW must be timing the launch of this vehicle for the northern hemisphere spring, so should we expect the new Mini Cabrio to show its face at the Geneva show?


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Monster

Why do they even bother to tape it up. The new one looks very similar to the old version anyway, most people won't even realise the engineers are road testing the new version if they just leave the disguise off. But with the disguise on, they are just drawing attention to themselves.

Germaniac

And from a publicity standpoint, is this a bad thing?

SCOTT27

"United under one sky"
The new MINI Cooper Cabrio.

Bartek Sikorski

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The current Mini Cooper Convertible (pictured) is the first generation of the design, which debuted in 2004, three years after the regular version of the retro-hatchback first arrived. Since the Mk II Mini Cooper hatchback arrived in 2007, fans of the soft-top variant have been wondering when the updated car would show up. According to the latest reports, that question has been answered: the new Mini cabrio is due in March 2009.

Existing stock of the current model will sustain sales through July, and BMW does not plan to build more. Since the next version of the Cabrio isn’t going to begin production until March of next year, it appears there will be at least a six-month gap in supply. Like the current model, the new cabrio is expected to feature the 3-in-1 soft top with built-in automatic sunroof and heated rear window. Both standard Cooper and Cooper S variants are expected as well, according to AutoTelegraaf. Further details are not yet forthcoming, though with the rise in fuel prices and increased concern for emissions, a diesel-engined cabrio may not be out of the question.
The Mini Cooper Convertible recently made news as one of the better choices out of the rather unsafe crop of mini cabrios available on the European market. The model’s rear roll bars protected back seat occupants better than any other model in the test, but the A-pillar partially collapsed, which combined with poor seatbelt placement meant front-seat occupants were at risk of head injury in the event of a rollover. Hopefully engineers will take these test results into consideration and provide better rollover protection for the next generation.
Motor Authority

Bartek Sikorski

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The current Mini Cooper Cabrio has been on the market since 2004 and was original launched three years after the debut of the hatchback. Since the Mk II Mini Cooper hatchback arrived in 2007, fans of the soft-top variant have been wondering when the updated car would show up. According to the latest reports, the new Mini Cabrio is due in March next year and these revealing spy shots give us a good indication as to what the final version will look like.

Existing stock of the current model will sustain sales through July, and BMW does not plan to build more. Since the next version of the Cabrio isn’t going to begin production until March of next year, it appears there will be at least a six-month gap in supply. Like the current model, the new Cabrio will feature a 3-in-1 soft top with built-in automatic sunroof and heated rear window. Both standard Cooper and Cooper S variants are expected as well.
The Mini Cooper Cabrio recently made news as being one of the safest compact convertibles on the market. The model’s rear roll bars protected back seat occupants better than any other model during a comprehensive rollover test conducted in Germany, but front passengers did suffer from partially collapsed A-pillars and poor seatbelt placement.
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