Patent drawings reveal production Mini Speedster and Coupe

It wasn't long after the Mini Coupe and Roadster debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show that word began to spread Mini was looking to put both models into production as early as next year. Thanks to our sources across the pond, we've secured the first images of the production variants before they arrive at the European patent office.

Neither model appears to have changed much in the transition from concept to production, and depending on your opinion of their respective rears, that could be a blessing or a curse.

The front fascias, fenders, windshields and side skirts have only been slightly toned down before hitting retailers, but their awkward rear ends still leave much to be desired. Unfortunately, there are no images of the interior yet, so we don't have a clear idea of how Mini plans to manage the rear seat accommodations, but like previous iterations of the Cooper, style may take precedence over substance.

If all goes according to plan, expect to see both the Roadster and Coupe to arrive in production guise early in 2011 packing Mini's entire range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-pots.