Rendered Speculation: More MINI Speedster sketches and speculation surfaces
We've been hearing rumors of an upcoming MINI Speedster for years, and now the rumormill is building momentum, with additional speculations and renderings of a possible Miata-fighter. If it indeed does come to fruition, expect the MINI Speedster to jettison the rear bench in favor of a sportscar-proper 2-seat arrangement, which should also serve to boost luggage capacity to a bit more than the single set of golf clubs common to the genre.
According to Auto Express, the Speedster's base engine will be the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder that's standard in the Cooper S, and an optional John Cooper Works package would boost output past 200 ponies. Expect a six-speed manual sending power to the front wheels, although presumably an automatic will make the scene as well.
Unlike the current Cooper's cheeky, upright shape (dare we say, cute?), AE suggests that the Speedster model is likely to be lower and wider, with wheel arches filled to the brim with low-profile rubber. A power convertible top is likely and a removable hardtop is also rumored to be on the menu. Now... any chance BMW will fast-track this project past the planned CUV?
[Source: Auto Express]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BlackEmblem 6:38PM (4/22/2009)
The shark got jumped by them
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anthony 6:39PM (4/22/2009)
Too bad it doesn't sound like it will be RWD. It sounds like a nice concept though, and would fit the Mini image... and yes, please skip the Mini CUV.
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PJ 7:16PM (4/22/2009)
Agreed--it won't be a Miata competitor unless it's RWD.
Del Sol revival, more like.
Alex 9:18AM (4/23/2009)
Agreed, no RWD no challenge. However, it will give the MX-5 (remember, its not the Miata anymore) more competition in the larger category of sub 30K two seat roadsters. Forcing Mazda to up their game, which is always a good thing.
Derek 6:50PM (4/22/2009)
Ooooh, I like it. Let's see her in sheet metal!
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dac 5:14PM (4/23/2009)
A FWD miata competitor? Not in my book.
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Jimbo 7:01PM (4/22/2009)
The "Mini look" translates much nicer to this roadster than it does to the Crossman. Bring it!
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P.V. 7:12PM (4/22/2009)
Yes. Bring this, not the stupid "Mini" CUV. THIS is a timeless British design.
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Cole Mitguard 7:30PM (4/22/2009)
I hope this comes out looking something like the old Datsun 1600 Roadsters, I have always had a soft spot for those. And from that rendering I can see a resemblance.
http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/1967_Datsun_1600_Roadster_ZeTec_Engine_Front_1.jpg
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Protzenegger 9:52PM (4/22/2009)
Bad hotlink.
Jay Evans 7:48PM (4/22/2009)
The shells will be cut down, modified and stiffened before they are then returned to MINI to have their running gear fitted.
UH-OH Another hack job vert.
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David 8:30PM (4/22/2009)
As much as I like the idea of this, and it is very pretty, the regular hatch is so versatile as is in terms of what it can carry (you can't imagine the stuff I've carried in mine: screen doors, lumber, etc...). I am not sure I can go back to a "trunk"...er ..."boot" of any kind. I think most MINI owners have it as their primary vehicle, not as a weekend toy.
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JMills 8:06AM (4/23/2009)
It's better than the SUV thing they are planning on doing, but even as a MINI owner I don't think I would choose this over a Miata or an S2000. I think the problem is BWM is going to make sure that MINI stays fwd, while their proposed Z2 gets the rwd. I would rather see them make a super hot hatch, awd, and 250hp, something that can compete with the R32.
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Dan 11:03AM (4/23/2009)
I like how you used "roadster" and "luggage capacity" in the same sentence
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