http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/10/30/wo...mini-roadster/


A few notes..

- The trunk space is of course a smaller opening then the Coupe but appears to hold the same volume.
- The automatic up/down spoiler is in a different shape then the Coupe. It is more rounded. I'm actually not a fan of it. The Coupe looks best with the spoiler up.. The Roadster looks best with it down IMHO.
- The soft top doesn't appear to be automatic??? Whaaaa!?! It looks like it is a manual one from the photos. That would mean they ran out of toggle switches since the spoiler uses the automatic control on the soft top.
- S and JCW versions are only .1 second slower 0-62mph then the Coupe. The base model Roadster is .2 seconds slower 0-62mph then the base Coupe.

Still looks pretty stellar.

Coupe and Roadsters are so freaking sexy. I love them both :D

 

Agreed on all points.

 

Awesome, I can not wait to see it! I think this one will be for me!

 

I think I actually like this better than the coupe for some reason.

 

Yep, manual top, seems simple enough. Looks amazing!

 

I really like this car!

 

when can test drive

 

I don't like it with the top up nearly as well as the Coupe. With the top down it's cool. Not for me, I don't even open my sunroof!

 

Here is the first MINI Roadster video: "Saturday in Istanbul":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v04D-53Lh5M

 

Drop the soft top, and make it a removable hardtop! Lighter weight w/o the top... and I guess it would stay a "manual" convertible! Great looking ride for two!

 

A jet fighter style clear bubble top, great for sight seeing

 

Are you having a Flashback of the old Matchbox car - "Stiletto" from the 60's?

 

I'm old enough but wasn't into Matchboxes. Just would like the unrestricted view without having to deal with the elements like a convertible with the top down. I know it isn't practical, just would be nice. I used to ride unfaired sport bikes a lot, enjoyed being outside most of the time while riding, but when driving a car I want to be inside.

 

Judging by the way the soft top folds into the car, I'm hoping that a hardtop would be available at some point. Would be great for DD duty here in the NE.

It's just good to see an actual roadster in the flesh without that awful white houndstooth fabric on the inside.

 

Double post. In my defense, the first didn't show up until I had posted the second, for some reason.

 

I hope a hardtop will be available like the Miata!

 

I wonder when NAM will finally create a forum for the R59 Roadster.

 

They probably should do it now, since Mini USA's site now confirms a production date of February for the Roadster. Nice leather/alcantara seats on the pics, too.

 

Probably the same time when www.mini2.com finally gets around to creating one for the R58. I guess the Brits don't care too much about the Coupe. <sigh>

Personally, the cars are so similar that they should share the same forum on NAM.

 

I spotted a Mini Roadster "Prototype" in Augusta, NJ earlier this week. It had the prototype vinyl wrapping on the trunk and down the middle of the hood. I can't remember the color but he turned around in a farm road and went in the opposite direction. Sorry guys, no pictures... I didn't have a camera on me. The Roadster looks great : )

 

I really like the look. I may get slammed for this but I almost wish you could do away with the cool power spoiler so a small luggage rack could be put on the boot lid. I had an MR2 spyder and it really added to the travelability (is that a word?) of the car. Looked kinda neat too. Anyone know if they are considering offering different color top options like the MINI convertible?

 

It's such a vertical area that I'd think that any luggage you'd stick there would make the rearward view even worse.

I'm with you on the tops, though - more than one color option would be great.