The 2012 Mini Coupe has finally been revealed in all its production-ready glory, replete with racing stripes. That’s right, Mini has released official images and specs of the new 2-seat Coupe, a hatchback model that goes on sale in October.
Let’s be clear; no one buys a Mini for its commodious cabin and cavernous cargo area. But the area beneath the rear hatch is larger than you might expect in the new Coupe, and it’s aided by a pass-through that allows longer objects to be carried in the car.
Sharp handling reflexes and zingy engines are the Mini mainstay; and the Coupe variant looks to keep these attributes at Mini’s exciting levels. We’ve already had a brief stint behind the wheel of the Mini Coupe and came away highly impressed.
Mild to Wild
There will be a Mini Coupe for everyone—or at least anyone who doesn’t need to haul more than one passenger and a lot of luggage. Three models will be available: Mini Cooper Coupe, the Mini Cooper S Coupe and the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe. The base Coupe is motivated by a 121-bhp 1.6-liter inline-4 that benefits from fully variable valve timing. The base Coupe can reach 60 mph in claimed 8.3 seconds, and it has a top speed of 127 mph.
Next is the Cooper S Coupe, powered by the 181-bhp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4. With twin-scroll turbo on overboost, there’s 192 lb.-ft. of torque available from a nice and flat 1700 rpm to 4500 rpm. The Cooper S Coupe reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while top speed jumps to 142 mph. If that’s not enough, the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe serves up 208 bhp—also courtesy of a turbocharged 1.6-liter—and this car hits 60 mph in a fleet 6.1 seconds. Top speed for the JCW Coupe is 147 mph.
Fine Details
At various points, the design of the Mini Coupe had us wondering if the production model would live up to racy looking concept. Test mules in bizarre camouflage didn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Yet the Mini Coupe in production trim manages to balance cuteness with sporty aggression. The lowered roofline (the “helmet” roof, in Mini-speak) appears much better integrated into the design—and the contrasting color scheme with racing stripes works well. A recess in the headliner is also smart, as the Coupe’s roofline has been lowered by about an inch when compared to the standard Mini.
Out back, the retractable rear spoiler automatically raises at 50 mph. The driver can also position the spoiler manually, via a button on the overhead control panel. The entire chassis, derived from that of the Convertible, has been strengthened. Wheel sizes range from 15 inches for the base Coupe, up to 16s and 17s, respectively, on the Cooper S and JCW versions. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic available on the Cooper and Cooper S (the JCW is available only with the manual gearbox).
Every Mini Coupe comes equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (which includes ABS, EBD, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist and Hill-Start Assist). But only the JCW comes standard with Dynamic Traction Control, which has integrated Electronic Differential Lock control. That means the 2012 JCW Mini Coupe squirts out of corners with superb thrust, not spinning its inside front wheel excessively.
When it goes on sale in October, the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will be priced at $22,000, with the Cooper S version starting at $25,300 and the JCW at $31,900. That’s a little more expensive than the 2012 Mini Hardtop, which will be priced at $20,200, $23,800 and $30,600, respectively.
