Two Up, Top Down. Meet the New MINI Roadster. January 23, 2012

The next chapter in the MINI story is about to open wide. We’ve all come to know the exploits of the new MINI Coupé from front-and-center in its now famous cockpit, but now there’s a rapidly approaching character in the rearview with a very similar sense of adventure — and it’s about to blow the game wide open.Say hello to the new MINI Roadster. The MINI Space Team got up close and personal with this sexy new sixth member of the MINI Family and has the full scoop for you right here. Let’s go in for a closer look at what makes this MINI such a peerless presence on the road. What we see on approach is at once familiar, but curiously, craftily unique. Much like its comrade the Coupé there’s a bold, cascading front-end perched over the road below, tapering down to open tire profile to fresh road ahead. Right away though there’s something very distinctive at work here, with a laid-back approach that begins where the wind meets a seriously swept front glass — the new MINI Roadster’s windshield pillars stand at a lean nearly 13-degrees lower than that of other MINI models.Further similarities fade fast from front to back: this model is the first open top two-seater in the brand’s storied history. We think it’s about time.Its athletic, physical form is thoroughbred MINI. A swift, three-box build carries the unmistakable MINI imprint, with form always following function — fast. The drop top’s windshield gives way to a broad cabin, tailor made for pilot and co-conspirator, with a pair of polished stainless steel roll-bars out back to remind passerby — or those you’re passing by — that this MINI means business. And, despite all the requisite need for speed, you’ll not want to forget to simply lean back and enjoy the ride — the MINI Roadster sits dropped substantially lower than its MINI Cabrio counterpart. To that end, there is a secret weapon that the MINI Roadster shares with the Coupé: the rear deck conceals a powered spoiler that takes flight at 80 km/h — stabilizing the rear suspension as speed increases — then drops back down at cruising speeds so as to not show all your cards to those lying in wait of a challenge. Located below that little aerodynamic asset is a cargo hold that’s deceptively slight, capable of carrying whatever props and provisions and needed for both anticipated and unexpected adventures ahead. Snowboards? Pile ‘em in. Snag a set of spearguns for a trip to score prize sturgeon? Toss ‘em through the passage between trunk and front seat. Style cues and drop-top dreams of adventure in unexpected locales aside, this Roadster — like any other MINI — was born to breathe fire in the corners. Bold and broad with a wheel in each corner, long wheelbase, low overhangs, plus a twin-scroll powerplant with tons of throttle-twisting torque all make this one unmatchable MINI. Ahhhh, adventure. It comes in all shapes and sizes, is called by so many different names. Is there any better way to tame the trouble it can bring than top down, racing through the open air with a trusty sidekick riding shotgun? We think not.Just throw your head back, face into the sun and bury the throttle. Related Links:
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