With the new Coupe out in the open, MINI is now turning its focus on the soft-top roadster version of its two-seater model, which was snagged here by our scoop photographers in John Cooper Works [JCW] guise while testing on the Nurburgring.
Thanks to the prototype’s minimal camouflage, we see that, like the Coupe, the Roadster model remains rather faithful to the original concept that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The JCW version pictured here with the more aggressive aero kit and larger alloy wheels, will take its place as the flagship model of the series featuring the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot with an output of 211-horses found under the bonnet of the Coupe.
The Roadster’s lineup will also include a Cooper model powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit with 122-ponies and a Cooper S version with the 1.6-liter turbo delivering 184-horses. There’s a good chance European buyers may also get the Coupe’s frugal 143HP 2.0-liter diesel engine.
The convertible model will be launched after the Coupe in late 2012.
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