Our spy photographers have caught the 2-passenger Mini Coupe on public roads for the first time. Originally shown as a concept car during the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mini Coupe (and similar 2-seat Roadster concept) presented a dramatically different take on the Mini theme. With its heavily raked windshield and chopped greenhouse, the Mini Coupe presents a tougher and more sport-oriented image than the already zippy standard car.
Ironically, the transformation to coupe format could provide a boost in cargo capacity. Minus the rear seat, we noted that the Mini Coupe concept offered 8.8 cu. ft. of cargo room, versus the paltry 5.7 cu. ft. in the standard Mini. Identical in width to the standard car, the Mini Coupe stretches 0.6 in. longer and is 2.0 in. shorter.
The most potent engine in the Mini lineup, the turbocharged 208-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine from the John Cooper Works model, seems a natural fit in the Mini Coupe. But for the time being, BMW and Mini are keeping quiet about the Coupe’s tech specs.
From the images, we can see the basic shape of the Coupe concept was carried over into the production model. A tiny retractable spoiler, located at the base of the rear window, is also visible in one of the photos. We have our fingers crossed that some finishing touches—like larger alloy wheels and a lower ride height—make their way back into the design.
An unflattering paint job and swirly camouflage certainly don’t do this Mini Coupe any favors. But whereas the concept we saw in Frankfurt appeared low and aggressive, this prototype looks more like something you’d spot sitting on a lily pad rather than zipping around a racetrack. We’ll reserve final judgment until we see the Mini Coupe completely undisguised.
Look for the Mini Coupe—and likely the Mini Roadster—to be unveiled later this year, during the Frankfurt Motor Show.