Mini Roadster

**Sax** · by **Sax** on uto ruj 15, 2009 11:09 am

Designed to mark the brand’s half-century, the two-seater Roadster Concept takes MINI further into new territory.
It takes MINI’s instantly recognisable design and makes it sportier. Plus, like the Coupé, it’s even more focused and fun-to-drive – but with an open roof.
The front end shares much with the Cooper S, such as its bold headlights and chrome grille.

Below those lies a wider, more aggressive splitter, while the A-pillars are steeply raked to give a more aerodynamic look.
A low roofline, high waist and oversized wheelarches help create the impression of a chunky yet athletic machine.
With the hood in place, it doesn’t have the controversial ‘floating’ roof shape of the Coupé, but it certainly stands out, thanks to its ‘notchback’ profile, rakish rear screen and curved side window.
Further neat details include the flat rear deck and a sporty lower spoiler, whih houses centrally mounted twin exhausts.

The arrangement makes the Roadster surprisingly practical. Regardless of whether the roof is raised or lowered, there are 250 litres of luggage space.
And, thanks to a clever lockable compartment linking the cabin to the boot, it’s possible to reach quickly into the rear storage area from inside the car, rather than have to get out and open the boot.
The cabin benefits from heavily bolstered sports seats finished in soft leather. And safety is a priority throughout, so the Roadster Concept features a protective roll-over bar.
In the event of a collision, this pops up behind the occupants’ heads in only 150 milliseconds.
The A-pillars are stronger than on the Coupé Concept, as are the sills and chassis floor.

There’s no on-sale date yet, but the Roadster could be in showrooms in 2011.