MINI officially took the wraps off of its second-generation Cooper Convertible earlier today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Essentially a drop-top version of the Mini hardtop, the Convertible features a handful of upgrades over the outgoing model when it goes on sale in just over two months.
As expected, the second-generation MINI Convertible does not deviate too far from the first gen-car, with styling closely related to its hard-top counterpart. As previously reported, the Convertible’s engines offering will mirror the current coupe’s, with the high-performance JCW package expected to be available at launch.
However, for 2010, the MINI Convertible does do away with its fixed rear hoops, instead opting for pop-up units. This change should provide the same amount of protection for occupants in the event of a rollover crash, but will allow for greater rearward visibility – as will a larger rear glass window. Another neat touch for 2010 is what MINI dubs an ‘Always Open’ gauge, which keeps track of how many miles are driven with the top down.
MINI says the top will stow away in 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The Easy-Load Function, new for 2009, features folding rear-seat backrests and stretches the cargo capacity to 23.1 cubic feet.
Like the hardtop, the base engine is a 118-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder and the S includes a 172-horse turbocharged version of that engine. Both engines come standard with a six-speed manual and offer a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base MINI droptop starts at $24,550 and the turbocharged S begins at $27,450. Sales are set to begin on March 28, 2009.
01/11, 6:40 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
No skirt, no shoes, no service.
01/11, 6:58 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Almost as stupid as the PT Cruiser convertible.
01/11, 7:05 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Tach? check,
oil pressure? check,
boost? check,
always open gauge? wtf???
01/11, 8:04 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman
buy this car and turn in your man card
01/11, 8:53 PM
posted by:
Gundy
“Chicks” love these = buy one and pick up those “chicks”. End of story. You’d have a better chance of impressing the ladies in this than in a bolt-rattling Mustang or some other “manly” car, or a pickup. Driving one of these doesn’t mean that you’re any less of a man than driving a Chevy / Ford pickup / Mustang / Corvette / Sherman Tank / whatever. I wouldn’t buy one, but if I won one, I’d drive it without feeling self-conscious about not being a “man”. But, that’s just me..
01/11, 9:06 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Gundy, famous Sam Kinison line from “It’s a Bundyful Life”:
“You know what kind of woman you get in heaven driving a ‘78 Pinto? The same kind of woman you get down here driving a ‘78 Pinto.”
I know what you’re saying but I’d hold out for the girl who likes the Mustang. And I did.
01/11, 10:48 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
Gundy…….. this is a chick car, drive it if you want……..but its a chick car.
01/12, 11:30 AM
posted by:
shane train
If I were to drive a Mini, why would I not get one with the roof, one of the most distinctive and famous features of the car?
It would be less chick car in a color besides yellow, and most of all, with a roof.
01/12, 11:38 AM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, not withstanding where we stand in life at the moment (and moment is somewhat over 50) I would GIVE service to someone without shoes and skirt even with MINI, if Mrs. would not look
. I like Mini as a car ’cause it handles great, shifter is like “butter” and it can be reasonably fast. And remember those days of $4/gallon of gas? How far do you get in ‘tang/Camaro/’vette before going into Ch 11? And they famous philosophy adopted by Brits in 40-50-60’s: what makes you tick – driving fast car slow or slow car fast?
01/12, 1:44 PM
posted by:
gugy
Mini is a fun car to drive and great gas mileage. I don’t have one, but I would buy one if it was a bit more spacious for my family.
I guess I am a chick. hahaha or gay whatever. Even though I am married with two kids.
Go figure.
I don’t need to drive a pick up or muscle car to prove I am a man, I guess I am not so insecure like some folks here. Plus keep in mind, chicks love guys on a mini. They keep looking.
01/12, 10:42 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Who am I to talk though, I have a TT coupe.. I guess the coupe maybe isn’t as much of a chick car as the TT convertible, but.. (it’s still the most fun I’ve had in a vehlcle) (at least since the “band days” of the early 80’s..)..
01/13, 3:22 PM
posted by:
jl_2
this car annoys me!!!! >=[]