2012 MINI Cooper Roadster

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 2635
City (MPG) 27
Hwy (MPG) 35
Horsepower 121@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 114@4250
Wheelbase 97.1
Length (in.) 146.8
Width (in.) 66.3
Height (in.) 54.5

The Cooper Roadster is the entry-level version of MINI ’s most sporting convertible model. As with other MINI’s, the Cooper Roadster is focused less on horsepower than on nimble handling dynamics and unique looks that blend traditional, quirky MINI styling cues with a newfound athleticism.

The two-seat Cooper Roadster is heavily based on the Cooper Coupe, which in turn borrows handling-enhancing components such as rigid, reinforced rocker sills from the four-seat Cooper Convertible. This convoluted lineage essentially means that the Cooper Roadster and Cooper Convertible models share most of their major mechanical bits, yet MINI says the Cooper Roadster is different thanks to an emphasis on performance and style over practicality.

Like all Roadsters, the Cooper Roadster is distinguished from its drop-top kin by a more steeply raked windshield, a 0.9-inch lower roof and structural bracing (and storage space for the convertible top) where the rear seats would be in the normal Convertible. The top is a lightweight unit that can be raised or lowered manually, a task made easier by button-activated pneumatic springs that release the top from its stowage well and bring it into a more easily reachable position.

Unlike the multiple contrasting-color roof options for its Coupe sibling, the Cooper Roadster’s top comes only in black. From the waist down, the car looks like a normal Cooper Coupe model, but the steeply sloping convertible top and stubby trunk set it apart.

Truncated though it may be, the trunk is capable of holding a useful 8.5 cubic feet of cargo whether the top is up or down, and its usefulness is extended by a pass-through feature that allows the storage of long items such as skies. The passenger compartment utilizes the traditionally quirky Mini control and instrumentation layout, with an enormous speedometer in the center of the dash and a steering-column mounted tachometer. In keeping with the nature of the car, sport seats are fitted as standard.

Under the hood of the Cooper Roadster is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder that sports parent company BMW ’s flexible VALVETRONIC variable valve timing technology and produces 121 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 revs, good for a quoted zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds.

While many sporty cars can only claim to have go-kart-like handling, the Cooper Roadster delivers on the promise: the short wheelbase ensures extremely quick direction changes, the steering is quick and communicative and the chassis provides a good ride and handling compromise. Helping the car’s moves is a spoiler built into the tailgate that automatically raises above 50 mph to provide up to 88 pounds of extra downforce.

Standard and Optional Features
Befitting the brand’s quasi-premium intentions, the Cooper Roadster features a healthy list of standard equipment including speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection.

Options include park distance control, adaptive headlights, comfort access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, a navigation system, and MINI Connected, which has features like web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.

Additionally, a wide variety of racing stripes, graphics and unique upholstery options are available for customers desirous of additional personalization.

Safety
In the event of a collision, the Cooper Roadster comes equipped with dual front and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests and protect the head, upper body and hip area from injury in the event of a side impact. In the event of a rollover, the car comes prepared with an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars that protect occupants’ heads.

Helping to prevent a crash in the first place are traction and stability control systems as well as ABS and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key Rivals
The only drop-top close to the Cooper Roadster in price and size is the Mazda MX-5 Miata ; for a bit more coin, the Ford Mustang Convertible and Chevrolet Camaro Convertible provide much more power and space but can't match the agility of the MINI.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Roadster
    • Size: Sub-Compact
    • Market Segment: Sports
    • Weight: 2635 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 146.8 in.
    • Width: 66.3 in.
    • Height: 54.5 in.
    • Wheelbase: 97.1 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 57.4 in.
    • Rear Track: 57.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 59.8/40.2
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.35
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 2
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: 8.5 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): N/A
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: 39.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 50.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 1.6L I4
    • Power: 121 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 114 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 35 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 16" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 195/55 R16
    • Rear: 16" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 195/55 R16
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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