http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...r_cabrio_spied

I'm sure hoping they made that roll bar area grossly huge to throw us off!

 

cant wait to see the Cabrio S!!
thnx for sharing

 

It looks like they've thrown a cover over the roll bar as it would be when deployed (popped up).

The second pic shows what the seats would look like in front of the deployed pop-up roll bar -- that's my guess.
Looks promising

I like that the parking assist sensors are now down in the trim.

 

I think you're right - they've shown the press the worst-case appearance (with roll-bars deployed) to give the impression that the new model will have the same vision problems as the current model.

Why?

They want to make sure they sell out the existing 2008 factory run. If everyone knew that the one biggest weakness will be addressed in the next year's model, many more people would hold off their purchase for next year. (unless they get the inside scoop by reading the NAM forums )

That said, from what we see it looks like it will be a pop-up instead of fold-up deploying roll bar (like the old Mercedes SL was). Overall, it looks pretty darned promising!

 

It will be a pop-up as they've said it will be the same system found in the BMW 1- and 3-series cabrios.

 

I was a little surprised at the level of Siler and Priddle's dissing of the Tritec engine. The write-up makes it sound like PSA Peugeot Citroën rode in on a white horse and saved the MINI from an horrible, under-powered fate.

The ol' Tritec has a pretty good track record, IMHO. On the other hand, the jury still seems to be out on the PSA...