BMW confirms MINI coupe and another car headed for production in Oxford
by Sam Abuelsamid on Sep 3rd 2009 at 2:20PM 
The Mini Coupé Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW Chairman Norbert Riethofer paid a visit to the Mini factory in Oxford England this week to inform staff members that they will soon have two new cars to build. The first confirmed model for production is the Coupe concept that was previewed online last week ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show rollout. The Coupe will be joined by a second concept at the show which in all likelihood will be the oft-rumored speedster version of the coupe.
Reithofer did not announce any timing for when production of the new models would start production. Also unknown at this time is whether the Coupe and Speedster will be available only in John Cooper Works form or in base Cooper and S flavors as well. We'll just have to look over the press release after the jump and wait until Frankfurt to find out.
Gallery: MINI Coupe Concept
[Source: Mini]
PRESS RELEASE:
MINI Frankfurt show stars confirmed for production at Plant Oxford
* 03.09.2009
* Press Release
Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.
Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.
One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.
Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.
Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.
Details of the second model have not yet been announced.
The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW's long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.
"British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."
Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: "The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.
Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
travisty 2:30PM (9/03/2009)
I'd totally rock that if it's available in "S" trim instead of just JCW. Lighter and no rear seats? Please BMW, bring this over to the US.
(and yes, I actually like the looks)
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zamafir 2:34PM (9/03/2009)
BMW's heavily dependent on US sales, that's one of the reasons they're doing so poorly right now, you can bet your car keys this will be heading to the US in a desperate attempt to get mini back in the growth mode it was pre carpocolypse. From a business standpoint it’s great, remove the useless rear seats, leave the car unchanged from the waist down, give it a new name and sell it as a new model with relatively little R&D cost.
Kind of like what vw did with the scirocco, except they gave it a brand new magnetic suspension, brand new interior, and various other bits, but the concepts the same. Just on a more budget focused level.
travisty 3:36PM (9/03/2009)
The Scirocco was my thought when I saw it as well, and if they want to modify it to keep it different enough from the Cooper that's fine by me, they just have to keep the price similar. Lowering springs stock and a beefier sway bar don't actually cost more, but differentiate it from the ride of the Cooper. Then use the money saved from eliminating the back seats to pay off molds for the new design, and you've got yourself a new model that (hopefully) won't eat into current Cooper sales.
Just don't offer it as a $33k-only version with all the JCW go-fast-bits already included. Some of us can't afford that, and just want a lighter / smaller version of the MCS.
zamafir 4:13PM (9/03/2009)
@travisty - if they do, though, and they will, it's going to leave the door wide open for the production blusport to come in at the same price in a dramatically better looking/handling/feeling package. So, oddly, this may work out very well for those making a case at VW HQ to build the roadster and bring it state side.
Victor 2:30PM (9/03/2009)
Probably the Coupe and Crossover?
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zamafir 2:32PM (9/03/2009)
duh.
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djdnz 2:33PM (9/03/2009)
I am seriously interested in this Mini Coupe, I'm quite excited that they're actually producing it. Lately I've been addicted to the Genesis Coupe, but I'd love to see this one available to make my decision a bit harder. My girlfriend has a Mini Cooper and it's a fantastic car, so I'm guessing this one would also be a blast.
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RamblinReck89 2:36PM (9/03/2009)
I'd never buy one, but if I dated a girl who had one, I'm sure I'd enjoy driving it.
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donniebyers 2:44PM (9/03/2009)
I love the look and would love to buy one, but Mini's are already overpriced (and over-gouged). I can only imagine what the ransom will be for this one.
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dave1w41 2:44PM (9/03/2009)
Styled like a batting helmet. ugh...
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sludge 2:46PM (9/03/2009)
Imagine my disgust when i see a Lions helmet! 0-32 IS achievable.
sfdenny 2:56PM (9/03/2009)
They should call this the Mini Toupee. I think it would be better without the baseball cap bill over the rear glass. I'd go for a 1-series first, given the similar price point reported elsewhere, or probably many others.
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My_SS_RX8 3:29PM (9/03/2009)
it does look very much like the automobile version of a bad fitting toupee.
MajorGeek 3:03PM (9/03/2009)
Went to a Mini dealership two days ago. I think the top on this is ugly and the cost will end up being too high (I would guess 33 or so). I doubt I would consider it just on looks of the top, it takes away from the Mini look, imho. Oh, and I bought an 09 Mini Clubman S. Decided the extra seat and rear room was worth a minor trade off that I felt in handling and performance is almost the same.
If you ever get a chance to drive one, please do. It is a very solid car considering its size (not tinny like a Toyota) and will make you feel like a kid with its go-cart like handling. What a blast this little sucker is!
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SmallCarsRock 3:33PM (9/03/2009)
The "other" car referenced will be the "Speedster" (official name is not known yet), which will basically be a topless version of the Coupé.
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Ford Tang 3:58PM (9/03/2009)
Will it be RWD? If so, then it'd be something to look into.
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zamafir 4:15PM (9/03/2009)
of course not.
selmer 4:07PM (9/03/2009)
Looks like a ugly version of TT Mk1 to me
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P.V. 4:43PM (9/03/2009)
I don't really like the look of this. I think it only looks right as a hatchback or wagon.
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VW GTi 4:47PM (9/03/2009)
I think it would look better with a black roof option. I agree that the hatchback looks better, but I have seen worse looking cars that this. (Honda Crosstour)