2009 MINI Roadster Concept

2009 MINI Roadster Concept

The MINI is one of those cars that catches people’s attention and makes them stare. Maybe it is there miniature size (especially compared to an Escalade) or possibly it is the cute bug-eye like headlights and soft grill that give the MINI a playful personality. Then we could turn to the go-cart like handling and impressive list of factory options and dealer add-ons. Anyway you slice it the MINI holds its audience captive and proves it by being rated as one of the best cars to hold its resale value in the U.S. That is why the MINI Roadster caused quite a stir earlier today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It shows that MINI is still looking ahead, engineering new and exciting things for what has almost become a diehard following of motorists. The MINI Roadster would be the four off shoot of the MINI Coupe (see my article on the coupes big brother—the Clubman) if you count the current MINI convertible as a separate configuration.

2009 MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts

2009 MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts

The MINI roadster is supposed to measure a total length of 146.2 inches long and in the Cooper S dress make about 175 hp from the current Cooper S 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. The major difference between this and the current convertible (besides the obvious) is its two-seater configuration, manual top and the windshield rake angle. The production plans haven’t been announced yet, but you can bet that this could be quite the Miata competitor if priced right.

More from Frankfurt will be on the way over the next week, so keep an eye on AllSmallCars.com for everything all small cars. Until then be sure to check out our blogsreviews and the photo gallery.