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BMW Roadmap For MINI Coupe And Roadster Production Leaked

 
15 11,046 views Dec 7, 2009
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2009 MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts

Fans of the Mini brand will soon get two more vehicles to love. Back in September MINI's UK arm confirmed that both will soon be headed to production. Today, we've got the leaked word on a timeline for their production.

The latest line is that they're being fast-tracked to pre-production status by January of 2010, with full production models rolling out as early as October of 2010, pending a smooth and successful testing and ramp-up process. Even with such a short development and near-term production date, don't expect to see sales on this side of the Atlantic before sometime in early 2011.

With its sleek looks and even smaller size - there is no back seat in the Coupe concept - the new car certainly fits with the 'MINI' moniker. MINI had previously said it would ultimately be the public and press reaction to the concept that would guide Mini's plans on the matter, with its unveiling in Frankfurt and a U.S. showing at the Los Angeles Auto Show being the touchstones for that reaction. Instead the early reaction was so strongly favorable that MINI went ahead and made the decision to build it even before revealing it live.

Adding another pair of models to the Cooper/Convertible/Clubman range would move Mini closer to offering a full range of vehicles, though there are obviously no plans for true trucks/SUVs. Recent reports say the crossover won't be coming until 2010 at the earliest, meaning both the Coupe and whichever model that comes with it are still likely at least a year, and possibly as many as three years distant.

News of the production in MINI's Oxford facility came along with plans to hire an additional 1,000 workers to help build the new models.

[BBC News, MotoringFile]





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Comments (15)

  1. By bepsf Posted: 8/31/2009 1:09pm PDT

    Lets hope they reconsider that ghastly roof!
     
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  2. By NoNameDenton Posted: 8/31/2009 2:05pm PDT

    Still better then a crossover, I would buy one as a diesel.
     
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  3. Nelson avatar Nelson Ireson Posted: 8/31/2009 3:09pm PDT

    I really don't see what's so dreadful about it. I'm betting it's just not incredibly photogenic.
     
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  4. fb_801985781 avatar Erik Hidalgo Posted: 8/31/2009 9:34pm PDT

    i cant wait hopefully they do!!
     
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  5. By Johnny B. Posted: 9/3/2009 1:52pm PDT

    The roof line is what makes the car IMHO
     
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  6. fb_1071016701 avatar fb_1071016701 Posted: 9/3/2009 2:46pm PDT

    seems to fit in with the mini brand and what it strives, should a good seller
     
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  7. By C Hollingsworth Posted: 9/3/2009 8:08pm PDT

    First, I like the roof, I think he lip over the back window could be transformed into a nice looking and functional wing. Maybe for a sports model. But overall I would go test drive one this weekend if it was in dealer show rooms, and I would be come home with one.
     
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  8. sid avatar Siddharth Raja Posted: 9/3/2009 10:18pm PDT

    Don't really see the point of this car. Why would you buy it over a standard Cooper??
     
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  9. By crazyowen Posted: 9/4/2009 5:39am PDT

    ^^^ man I have no idea, its such a strange car in proportions and shape, maybe there is a huge group of Mini owners who wish their car only had 2 seats so tey are totally unable to bring friends along for the ride? even when I was a single guy, the classic Mini shape was the best choice, hauling DJ equipment, band stuff, go-fast-car-parts, etc. what good is the Mini Coupe, its like a Miata with none of the RWD hoon factor!
     
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  10. Nelson avatar Nelson Ireson Posted: 9/4/2009 7:08am PDT

    To start with it has 93 hp more than the standard Mini and 39 hp more than the Mini S. It has the same as the JCW, but its smaller size will mean less weight. So it will be the sportiest of the Minis by far. That's why.
     
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  11. By DanDan Posted: 9/4/2009 7:35am PDT

    Needs to be RWD like use the 1 series cab platform. FWD will be a little lame, I'd rather have the hatchback and save the money if I were buying a Mini.
     
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  12. By SuperSkyline89 Posted: 12/7/2009 10:22am PST

    I think they look awesome. Wouldn't buy one though, I could never see myself driving anything this small.
     
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  13. By Mike Posted: 12/7/2009 2:33pm PST

    I own a 2006 Miata and this would certainly be something to check out. The horsepower seems pretty potent for this little car. The luggage bay seems a lot larger than my Miata as well. Big bonus. I like it.
     
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  14. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 12/7/2009 3:32pm PST

    A U.S. release date of 2011. Hmmmm right around the same time as the U.S. debut of the Fiat 500 Abarth....... coincidence? This is going to be fun.
     
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  15. By  supplements Posted: 12/8/2009 9:42pm PST

    It will be interesting to see what they come up with however. My only hope is that we end up with a true performance oriented car rather than a 90% tuned car with a iffy stock suspension.
     
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