MINI Coupe Concept to star at Frankfurt Show

Mini will be revealing one of the most adventurous versions of their model range at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Named the Mini Coupe Concept, BMW Mini have applied a speedster design to the Mini shape and in most respects have achieved yet another desirable evolution of its classic shape.

Genuine Sports Car

The MINI Coupe Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, balanced axle load distribution and lightweight construction are said to be trademarks of a genuine sports car.

The muscular stance of the car is a result of carefully calculated exterior dimensions. The MINI Coupe Concept is 1,356 mm high and the steep rake of the A-pillars is accentuated by the high waistline common to every MINI. Sat on 18” triple-tone finish light alloy wheels, the concept is 3,714mm in length and 1,683mm wide.

The MINI Coupe Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built.

For the first time on a MINI, the weight-saving aluminium roof is an unbroken bridge shape and flows smoothly from A to C-pillars. The steep front rake stops above the heads of driver and front passenger and descends gently to the rear of the car, emphasising the wedge shape of the car and its sporty poise. The low rear end of the car ensures optimum air flow across the vehicle when in motion and in combination with the roof spoiler, minimises any aerodynamic interruption.

Strictly a two-seater

Inside, sports seats with strongly contoured side supports feature, as does a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multi-function controls. Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by MINI, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of new MINI. One acts as a stop watch and the other a standard timepiece.

A luggage capacity of 250 litres is offered and can be accessed at the rear by a tailgate which is hinged above the roof spoiler, meaning easy access to luggage stowed in the rear. The bulkhead between the passenger and luggage compartments comes with a lockable opening, giving passengers access to the rear section at any time.

Performance is a priority

The MINI Coupe Concept is engineered to receive the most powerful engine in the current MINI line-up. The 211hp, 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged power unit found in current John Cooper Works models offering CO2 emissions of 165g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 40.9mpg.

Handling dynamics are promised to be a highlight of the Coupe Concept coming with the standard car’s front wheel drive, powerful disc brakes on all four wheels, McPherson spring struts on the front-axle and a centrally guided rear axle with aluminium longitudinal arms.

Will it be produced?

With the Crossover model in the final stages of development and Hatch, Clubman and Convertible models already on the roads, MINI clearly plans to continue expanding its range into new niches.

As yet Mini aren’t confirming any production dates or prices, but judging by the Crossover and Clubman models it seems very likely that we’ll be seeing the Mini Coupe on our streets sometime in 2010.