Autoblog wrote:MINI has officially revealed the Roadster Concept alongside the Coupe Concept we saw a couple of weeks ago, and like the rigid top version, the Roadster is a two-seater with a chopped roofline and tilted back windscreen. This is almost certainly the second new model that will be produced at MINI's Oxford UK assembly plant alongside the Coupe.
Also like the Coupe, the Roadster appears pretty much unchanged from the belt-line down compared to existing MINIs. For the Roadster, the roll-bar structure has been shifted forward so it sits directly behind the seats. For anyone who's driven the current Mini Convertible, this should improve the lil' coupe's structural rigidity, making the Roadster a more competent handler in the process.
Another functional advantage of the Roadster is the larger trunk thanks to the missing back seat. The volume grows from 5.7 to 8.8 cubic feet and the opening is now usably large, extending over the rear deck and down to the bumper. A lockable pass-through allows a passenger to reach items in the trunk. The gimmicky Openometer on the current convertible is also replaced by a multi-function display that still offers the open driving time in addition to five new indicators: the Nature Guard (how eco friendly you're driving), Highspeed Shifter (when to shift for maximum power), Gravity Indicator (lateral and g-forces), Heart Beat (engine speed visualized by beating heart) and Buddy Radar (shows where other Mini drivers are).
I'll take mine in that exact color, but with no stripes, please!
Minidave wrote:I think I kinda like it, but I'd want to see it with the top up too, to see if you can see out the back and so on.....
There are pics at the Autoblog link with the top up. I'm not overly fond of how it looks with the top up, might take some getting used to. And as for seeing out the back, I'm hoping the back-up cam is standard, otherwise having one added will be on my shopping list. Combined with PDC, I've never been too uncomfortable, but then again I drive slow in reverse.
Since the top is basically right behind you I don't see an issue with it being a manual top. I will agree that I'm not a huge fan of the "top-up" look, perhaps if it had a black top it would look better.
I love the profile of the car with the layed back windshield though! The black "joey mod" headlights better become standard too, such a huge improvement over the "bling" chrome look.
My only real complaint is the name. Its not a "Roadster". IMHO a roadster should be RWD. A Miata is a roadster, a S2000 is a roadster, a Solstice is a roadster. This is not. I thought Speedster was a cooler name and fit the MINI brand better.
I'm sold. I thought I'd like it just based on the hardtop, and I'm convinced. If I start saving today, I might even be able to afford it by the time it hits dealerships.
03 PS/Bl MCS - Alta CAI - Alta 15% pulley - Denso Irdiums - Kingsborne wires - Screamin' Deamon Coil - Yellow Konis - H-Sport Springs - H-Sport rear swaybar - H-Sport adjustable rear control arms - M7 Front strut brace - Sold
06 Subaru WRX
roadster looks awesome! the coupe does not. i hope they make the roadster instead of the coupe. the hatch is already enough
Hi. My name is Tommy.
06 MCS named Yoshi, BRG/BRG, Panther black leather, LSD, Navigation, Cold Weather, Premium, Sport, and Convenience Packages. ALTA 15% V2, M7 STDs, 16" Rota RBs.
I love the roadster, and agree that speedster is a better name. I'm not sure whether I like the coupe. Gives me the same kind of love/hate affair that I have with current Lotus Elises. I think I like the looks of the roadster with the top up. I even like the white hounds tooth accents.
What I don't like: GOOFY, childish waste of what should be useful gauges. How 'bout a temp gauge? WTF? A buddy locator? A cute little pulsating heart? Gee, why not Hello Kitty guage face plates?
It looks like enough people must like the Gen 2 center stack that they only slightly modified the pathetic ergonomics and silly looking Playskool controls and knobs.
Am I the only person who hates how the headrest of Gen 2 (and seemingly these prototypes as well) bash the back of your head? Please lose the big round, visually and physically obtrussive headrests!
I can imagine years ahead owning a highly discounted, used roadster as a second or third garage toy.
dimini wrote:GOOFY, childish waste of what should be useful gauges. How 'bout a temp gauge? WTF? A buddy locator? A cute little pulsating heart? Gee, why not Hello Kitty guage face plates?
