Frankfurt show stars: MINI concept twins
We saw the hard top version of the stunning MINI Roadster Concept last month (August), but the British maker brought the open-top version along to Frankfurt too - and confirmed that both will be built in the UK. Great news for British car workers.
What's all the fuss about?
Both the coupé and open versions are still badged 'Concept', but you're looking at virtual production cars here. It's the coupé's roof that's causing the biggest stir, with MINI's CEO describing it as a 'back to front baseball cap', and despite that not being cool since about 1993, there's no doubting the two-seat Roadster's visual impact. MINI unveiled the pair amid the razzmatazz of (yet another) 50th birthday celebration, complete with American Cheerleaders... That's not sounding very British, is it?
Any new technology?
The engine line-up will be familiar, but as ever MINI has opted for some quirky newness, so as well as the 'Openometer' that appeared in the latest Convertible, the Roadster gets a 'Buddy Radar' that alerts drivers when other Roadsters are close. It can also measure the driver's heartbeat as a measure of how much fun is being had behind the wheel. Or warn of an imminent cardiac arrest. And unlike the Convertible hatch, the Roadster's roof is stowed away behind the front seats, leaving the boot more or less unmolested.
From a dynamic perspective, both cars are lower, shorter and lighter than the equivalent hatch, which should improve handling characteristics.
Will it ever see the light of day?
It will indeed. MINI's Oxford plant has been the green light, with production starting towards the end of the year for sales in 2010.
Frankfurt show stars: MINI concept twins pictures
