We certainly didn't think the Mini Coupe Concept was a sure bet for production. But BMW Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer essentially confirmed that the coupe is a go for production in a Financial Times article published this afternoon.
"I am pleased to announce the Mini coupe concept car and another new Mini model will both be built at Oxford," he said.
This is good news for UK autoworkers, as BMW cut 850 temporary workers at the plant in February. Although today's announcement should lead to new jobs and investment, Reithofer wouldn't get specific about numbers or timetables.
The Mini Coupe Concept will debut later this month at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The production version of the Mini Crossover is also expected to debut here, so most likely, that's the other half of the deal.
Financial Times (sub.req)
slickersdrip says:
06:30 PM, 09/ 2/09
I thought it was almost certain that this was heading for production thanks to the fact that they are using the current body... with just a chopped roof.
If this does end up weighing less (can't see how it couldn't) and it will drop its price ~$1000 I can't see myself not trading in my car for one, so long as I can fit my 6'4" frame into it...
slickersdrip says:
06:31 PM, 09/ 2/09
I thought it was almost certain that this was heading for production thanks to the fact that they are using the current body... with just a chopped roof.
If this does end up weighing less (can't see how it couldn't) and it will drop its price ~$1000 I can't see myself not trading in my car for one, so long as I can fit my 6'4" frame into it...
slickersdrip says:
06:31 PM, 09/ 2/09
I thought it was almost certain that this was heading for production thanks to the fact that they are using the current body... with just a chopped roof.
If this does end up weighing less (can't see how it couldn't) and it will drop its price ~$1000 I can't see myself not trading in my car for one, so long as I can fit my 6'4" frame into it...
slickersdrip says:
06:32 PM, 09/ 2/09
WTF? Edit button, por favor?
redliner says:
06:57 PM, 09/ 2/09
I doubt that it will cost less. In fact i think this is going to be their Cooper range-topper. Im thinking that it will cost about the same or a little more than a clubman. 23-25k.
slickersdrip says:
07:32 PM, 09/ 2/09
I hope it has a vastly upgraded interior or more power, in that case.
I'd bet that their other new Mini will be the CUV that will be the most expensive.
compliance says:
09:28 PM, 09/ 2/09
I think that I might like to own a Mini, but I really can't stand the image that they create for themselves. This car doesn't help.
Furthermore. I don't see any reason to get this over the normal hatch.
blueguydotcom says:
09:47 PM, 09/ 2/09
this may be a fun car to pick up in 7-8 years as a weekend toy. Still a used Miata will probably offer better performance and in a more reliable, better built package.
Still wish they'd go RWD with it though.
bankerdanny says:
07:13 AM, 09/ 3/09
Hmmm, no back seat, so is this finally a worthy successor to the late lamented CRX? A fun and yet still practical 2 seater? Given the platform upon which it is based it certainly has that chance. I hope that Mini can make an entry level version in the $20k range so that it's not completely priced out of the range of first time buyers.
bankerdanny says:
07:17 AM, 09/ 3/09
Compliance,
One could have said the same thing about the CRX vs the regular Civic hatch. Yet plenty of people (including me) chose the CRX.
Few people buy a 2 seater based on practicality. The coupe just provides another option.
zoomzoomn says:
07:25 AM, 09/ 3/09
I really like the first shots of this car that I saw. But now, seeing the rear angles, the roofline is just plain goofy and detracts heavily from the car's otherwise balanced appearance.
sabastian says:
07:50 AM, 09/ 3/09
It'll be interesting to see if they also build the speedster along with the coupe.
altimadude00 says:
09:34 AM, 09/ 3/09
Ugly. Cooper and Clubman are fine for its brand. You don't need to water down the mojo with this thing (or that SUV thing they want to come out with too).
urr2slo says:
09:59 AM, 09/ 3/09
it would look cool as a convertible, alot nicer than the current one if the to is packaged well.
kingkhalas says:
12:31 PM, 09/ 3/09
tweak the roof a little and it will be just right.
bbechtel16 says:
05:54 PM, 09/ 4/09
This thing is awful. I can't believe it's going to production.