Mini Readies Sexy Superleggera Roadster To Take On MX-5 In 2019

Mini is pursuing plans for a new flagship roadster after what company insiders describe as an overwhelming response to its Superleggera concept, first revealed at the 2014 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The new two-seater is intended as a direct rival to the new Mazda MX-5. It is likely to form part of a future five-pillar Mini line-up, as an offshoot of the Cabriolet model, and has been conceived to use a range of powerplants. These include a new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid system that provides the basis for a 216bhp four-wheel-drive variant.
 

CarCrazedinCali - 7/15/2015 2:02:07 PM

+1 Boost

The back and forth on building this from MINI is getting tiring but understandable as it is a big commitment in a small segment. They can justify it's production as a flagship I suppose. This is good news, as it looks amazing in this photo and would no doubt be a blast to drive especially with over 200hp and awd, I would imagine BMW Z buyers would come get one.

scenicbyway12 - 7/15/2015 7:04:03 PM

+1 Boost

Rumor I heard was a 100bhp electric motor up front and 100+ bhp two cylinder in back.

MDarringer - 7/16/2015 1:16:21 PM

0 Boost

A five year lag from concept to production is idiocy. The NSX is yet to arrive but we've known how it will look for several years now. That is NOT a good strategy. Mini should perhaps have NOT done the concept if they weren't serious.

CarCrazedinCali - 7/16/2015 4:54:44 PM

+1 Boost

I actually agree with you. Seems to me the design and most the engineering is complete.

Brooklands - 7/19/2015 11:18:36 AM

+1 Boost

Another 30000/year units [Spider, Speedster]?