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Now that the very last of the first-gen convertible MINI Coopers has officially rolled down the assembly line, all eyes turn their attention towards the new R57 model. There are some undisguised spy shots floating around, though all but the most die-hard fans would be hard-pressed to spot the differences. The top works the same, featuring the same partly opened 'sunroof' style and the fully opened wind-in-you-hair mode of the last model. Also, the top does not stow away like many modern convertibles, instead sitting atop the rear deck like many of the classics MINIs. Also conspicuously absent is the large external roll-bar of the old model, replaced with a single pop-up unit for '09. It's under the skin where the changes are most apparent, most notably the new 1.6-liter BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen mill. Expect standard Cooper and up-level Cooper S models to make it to the U.S. with the Cooper One and Cooper D added for Europe.

Rumor has it that MINI is set to debut the new '09 'vert at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We expect production to be fully ramped up so that customer deliveries will begin in earnest before summer. And if you don't have your order in yet, expect a very long wait.

[Source: Auto Express]

New MINI Convertible to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 mini convertible2009MiniConvertibledetroit 09detroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit09Detroit2009DetroitAutoShowmini convertiblemini cooper convertibleMiniConvertibleMiniCooperConvertibler57r57 minir57 mini cooperR57MiniR57MiniCooperThu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk

Fans of the MINI Cooper Convertible take note: the last of the first-generation R52 models has now rolled off the assembly line. The last of the breed was a Cooper S with the Sidewalk package, painted metallic White Silver. If you were hoping to get your hands on this climactic machine, don't get your hopes up -- it's already been sold. Don't fret, though, there is a good side to this story. This stoppage was all planned, of course, and it means that the line will begin retooling for the second-generation R57 model. The next MINI convertible will be powered by the newer BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that should make it a little more frugal than before. Also of note are the new pop-up roll bars that replace the fixed units from the older model. Lastly, the R57 convertible will come in a few new colors, including Interchange Yellow (think hi-liter), Space Blue and the Hot Chocolate hue that had previously only been available on the Clubman.

Gallery: MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line

Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini convertiblemini coopermini cooper convertiblemini cooper sidewalkmini sidewalkMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSidewalkMiniSidewalkr52r57r57 miniR57MiniThu, 07 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST