First displayed as a concept prototype at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the dashing new two-seater coupe from MINI has officially been marked for production in 2011, with sales beginning later this year. The company’s 50th anniversary passed in 2009, and so with it came the first prototype of a new MINI two door.
A multitude of models are available within the 2012 MINI Cooper coupe line. These include the John Cooper Works, Cooper SD, Cooper, and Cooper S editions. The standard Cooper coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine, which pushes out 122 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. Its zero to sixty time is slightly under 7.9 seconds and tops out at 134 mph.
The Cooper S features a twin scroll 1.6 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged power plant. Forced induction forces 184 horses and 192 lb-ft of torque from the petite motor and improves zero to sixty and top speeds by an entire second and 9 mph on the top end, respectively.
The MINI Cooper SD coupe has a 2.0 liter turbo diesel engine putting out 143 hp and a screeching 225 lb-ft of torque on the low end. It matches the base models top speed and zero to sixty specs.
MINI’s flagship Cooper coupe model, the John Cooper Works edition, has the same engine as the Cooper S, but is tuned to put out 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque that rocket the car from zero to 60 in about 6.4 seconds and tops out at 149 mph.
New styling cues on the coupe hint at a more elongated, more aggressive feel. The most noticeable change, by far, was the rear hatch. More reminiscent the agglutinated metal and glass hatch from an Acura RSX than the Italian Job hatchback trunk; MINI took an axe to the classic design. If the eye follows the rear glass up to the roof, one would notice an integrated spoiler on the roof, which forces air over the roof, and down the back of the car. Another spoiler is seated on the rear end of the car, and extends after 50 mph is reached. These two work together to create enough down force at high speeds to keep the featherweight on the ground and handling properly.
No word yet from MINI on pricing for the sports car, but most estimate the base model will start in the mid $20k range.
ROLLS-ROYCE MINIATURE:
The Mini inspired by Goodwood shows new colors, high quality leather and rich details as well as a Rolls-Royce on a reduced scale. The style choice in the Mini Inspired by Goodwood reflects the desire for style, smartnessand and refinement which ends to features the exterior paint made from a special Black Diamond metallic and upon request the Reef Blue metallic. The 17-inch wheels shows an unusual design and the bonnet does not have the air vents as on Mini Cooper S, but a smooth surface as the Cooper D. Typical beige Rolls, “Cornsilk” features the bridge, air vents frames, instrumentation edges, carpeted mats, Lounge leather seats and the the roof lining. The dashboard eyelid is made of black leather, while the walnut burr adorns the dashboard and steering wheel. Each Mini Cooper Inspired by Goodwood, of the thousands, has the aluminum plate with the name of the special series. The standard equipment includes adaptive xenon headlights, parking sensors, automatic air condition, onboard computer and the Mini Visual Boost Radio.
Technical aspect of MINI Inspired by Goodwood are identical to those of the MINI Cooper S MY 2011 with the four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged, 184 hp and 260 Nm of torque with overboost function. It takes about 6.6 seconds on 0-100 km/h and fuel consumption – according to BMW – is 5.8 liters per 100 km. Optional extra is the automatic transmission.
The MINI Cooper S Inspired by Goodwood price is set – for Europe – at about € 46,000.
