Report: MINI Coupe Confirmed for Production, Along With "Mystery" Model
MINI has confirmed that a vehicle based on the Coupé Concept, as well as another model will go into production in the near future at the company’s MINI Plant Oxford.
As for what that mystery model will be, it has been widely reported that a Roadster, also based on the Coupé Concept, is in the works and will debut alongside the Coupé Concept on September 15th at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Both models are expected to be powered by the same John Cooper Works turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, making 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.
GALLERY: MINI Coupé Concept
Official release after the jump:
MINI Frankfurt show stars confirmed for production at Plant Oxford
* 03.09.2009
* Press Release
Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.
Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.
One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.
Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.
Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.
Details of the second model have not yet been announced.
The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW’s long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.
“British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I’m sure that this will continue for many years to come.”
Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.
Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Am waiting for the coupe with bated breath. I have the Mini Cooper S with a high spec which is now 3 1/2 years old. Need to change now desperately. Has anyone any idea when this will be in the showrooms.