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2012 MINI Coupe Spy Shots

 
5 1,859 views May 19, 2011
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2012 MINI Coupe spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2012 MINI Coupe spy shots

Earlier this week we brought you some of the first spy shots of the 2012 MINI Coupe JCW, and now we have the model it's based on: the standard Coupe. Even the Coupe spied here bears the inlet on the hood marking a turbocharged engine, however, potentially leaving the door open that this is the Coupe S, and a naturally-aspirated Coupe could follow.

At the concept's launch at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, MINI left the issue of engines up in the air: the concept featured the 211 horsepower JCW mill, but whether we'd see a typical S and base model for the Coupe wasn't clear. Given the Coupe's aesthetically higher sporting pretensions, and the attendant buyer base, it might make sense to skip the 120-horsepower base model altogether.

Either way, the model pictured likely has the same 180 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter under the hood as the MINI Cooper S. Like the JCW, the Coupe pictured here looks almost unchanged from the concept Coupe, though you can see a dynamic spoiler--not seen on the concept car--in action in these images.

Construction of the Coupe should start at MINI's Oxford, U.K. plant soon, for delivery in the second half of the year. Look out for a world debut this September at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.





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Comments (5)

  1. fb_82100996 avatar Rich Shanks Posted: 3/16/2011 9:05am PDT

    Pointless. The real appeal of the MINI has always been that it is reasonably comfortable despite its exterior dimensions for 4 adults--with remarkable gas mileage and handling. This Coupe takes the space efficiency out of the equation. It's just a modern Honda CRX.
     
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  2. By  gazzed Posted: 3/16/2011 5:34pm PDT

    Actually reminds me of an early 90's Isuzu Impulse RS, also a time when bubble-back hatches were the norm.
     
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  3. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/16/2011 6:42pm PDT

    You are wrong Rich, the point to MINI is cars that have pretty good milage and are FUN to drive. This car will continue that tradition.
     
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  4. fb_100001663981238 avatar Daniel Chavez Moran Posted: 3/17/2011 11:27am PDT

    I think its a cute car. I can see my little sister loving this car. I think it would do well in the States and in Europe.
     
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  5. By Kris Posted: 5/20/2011 6:51am PDT

    Rich, I would disagree with you as well. Anyone who has driven or bought a Mini knows you don't do so for the back seat (4 passengers), as the back seat room is anemic at best. I have a 2010, and bought it for the spirited driving and design. We have to small children that we have to shoehorn into the back seat. I once fit 4 adults in the car, it was absolutely ridiculous. I really like the coupe design and would seriously consider buying it.
     
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