OFFICIAL: MINI Drops The Info On Its More Provocative, All-New Cooper Convertible — So, Are You Gonna Go TOPLESS?

This MINI Cooper has been a bad girl. That's because it's been running around without its top on. Shame, shame, shame.

While I have been a fan of MINI's products since the company launched the all-new Cooper, there's nothing quite as satisfactory as piloting one of its Cooper Convertibles. Not only because it handles like its on rails, but also due to the fact when you put the top down you get that special experience.

MINI Cooper Convertible

I'll never forget the Cooper S I had equipped with the John Cooper Works (JCW) exhaust. Can you say "pops and bangs?"

What a fun little thing.

Reprising itself is the all-new Cooper Convertible. Predictably so, everything you can get on the hardtop you'll be able to have with the rag-top variant.

For now there's no word on price but expect it to make an auto show appearance in the near future before it goes on sale come March 2016. Pricing is set to be announced in January.


MINI Cooper Convertible




























































































MINI's press release follows:

OPEN DRIVING EXCITEMENT: INTRODUCING THE NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE

Open Driving Excitement: Introducing the New MINI Convertible

Newest member of MINI lineup goes on sale in U.S. in March 2016

First open top MINI powered by BMW Group engine technology and architecture

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – MINI USA introduced today the newest addition to its iconic product line, the new MINI Convertible. As the first open top MINI powered by BMW Group engines and architecture, the new MINI Convertible is a premium four-seater soft-top convertible that is both practical and customizable for unlimited open-air motoring fun.

Like all other MINI models in the product portfolio, the new MINI Convertible is made for individualization, setting the new standard in the premium convertible market. It offers a choice of 11 exterior color options, including the new Caribbean Aqua, which harkens back to the classic MINI color palette, ideal for the fun-loving enthusiast, and Melting Silver, recently introduced on the new MINI Clubman, a cool and modern finish perfect for the open air thrill seeker.

The customization carries over to the interior with a number of premium seating options available, including a new Malt Brown leather with diamond-stitching reminiscent of classic English Chesterfield sofas. Convertible enthusiasts looking for even more style can opt for the new MINI Yours soft-top featuring an embroidered Union Jack with herringbone patterned detailing.

"The new MINI Convertible has a great balance of playful personalization and sophistication. It's open-top driving without compromise," said David Duncan, vice president MINI of the Americas. "The bespoke levels of customization set it apart from other convertibles on the market, while the front wheel drive BMW architecture and engines make it fun-to-drive and practical in any driving conditions."

Powered by BMW Group-developed three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines, the new MINI Convertible will come standard with an efficient six-speed manual transmission. With the three-cylinder Cooper version and four-cylinder Cooper S, the new MINI Convertible presents customers a choice of two powerful, highly efficient TwinPower Turbo engines developed by the BMW Group and built in Europe. In keeping with MINI tradition for authentic, driver-involving motoring, both the Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, the new MINI Convertible can be equipped with a smooth, quick-shifting 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

This premium four-seater convertible has an emphasis on practicality, with an easy-load and load-through function that makes the cargo space both accessible and functional. The rigid frame and invisible roll bar enhance both the safety of the vehicle and also provide improved acoustics, allowing for more long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. Drivers will also appreciate the unique multi-way top settings, including a sunroof option which enables the soft-top to open midway for just the right amount of sun and air.

The new MINI Convertible is equipped with an "Always Open Timer," providing convertible enthusiasts with the ability to calculate the number of hours they've driven with the top down. It will also come standard with the MINI Connected infotainment system including a 6.5-inch high-resolution screen. In addition, an optional larger 8.8-inch display includes naviation and a clever rain warning app, which notifies drivers of impending storms so they can prepare their vehicle for inclement weather.

The new MINI Convertible, available in both Cooper and Cooper S variants, will go on sale in March 2016 at MINI dealers across the U.S. Pricing will be announced in January.

MDarringer - 10/25/2015 1:09:02 PM

-2 Boost

I'd hardly call it provocative...predictable is more like it.

Socalcarnut - 10/25/2015 5:24:52 PM

0 Boost

I for one am VERY excited to see what the cars that you design when you are finished with automotive design school look like. You must be pretty confident that your designs are going to be pretty amazing since you take the time to log on and wordsmith your negative adjectives about every car with the possible exception of the Aston Martin Lagona...so I am sure your designs will be pretty spectacular. Please let us know when your new car designs are ready to drop. Since you are no doubt in automotive design school, you already know that the worst car designer has to be pretty smart and talented to work for any car company.

MDarringer - 10/25/2015 7:40:41 PM

-1 Boost

@Socalcrnut The first level of idiocy is disagreeing with an idiot. The second degree of idiocy is expressing it. The third degree of idiocy is personalizing it, but I am thankful you concede mental ability to me. The fourth degee of idiocy is being a prattling fartbag--of which I know some--and thinking you're smart--I don't.

Dayum!

Terry989 - 10/26/2015 12:40:48 AM

+3 Boost

Matt the Moron - - - Are you bullying people again? What, the 5th time this week already? What an ignorant turd.

TomM - 10/26/2015 7:12:43 AM

+1 Boost

The fact is =- if anyone imagined what a Mini Convertible would look like - this is basically what I would imagine- it may be reasonable for a Mini - but it is hardly provocative. So I have to agree with MATT. His statement was short - and to the point.

It is basically a two seater with a rear package shelf - if you look above a the picture with the driver in place - showing the rear "seat" - there is hardly enough room to get your hand behind the drivers seat. (Sixth picture from the bottom) As a car - I cannot see having a convertible that is that small. And knowing BMW - it will probably be priced near that of the Camaro convertible.

xjug1987a - 10/26/2015 9:51:26 AM

0 Boost

Whats the point? This car is for city dwellers, only...its tiny and doesn't even get stellar mileage and its very expensive. Small & maneuverable is one thing but nah, never really thought much of these toys.

CarCrazedinCali - 10/25/2015 6:58:58 PM

+1 Boost

I think the customers are going to love this new generation Convertible. I love my F56 (3rd gen Hardtop)! The MINIs still offer amazing driving dynamics, fuel economy, safety ratings and reliability.

Oh and MDarringer, maybe you should consider not being so negative all the time. It's not a great way to move through the world generally... I imagine that is your M.O. though and that makes me feel sorry for you.

Dexter1 - 10/26/2015 12:01:20 AM

+1 Boost

So what's with all the childish MDarringer bashing in this post? He makes a good point. I myself have a 2015 Mini Cooper S—love the car—but of all the words I can think of to describe it, PROVOCATIVE isn't one of them! Lighten up my friends. You're making fools of yourselves.

rumnyc - 10/26/2015 2:35:28 AM

+2 Boost

looks like the last car (which isn't necessarily bad). looks like a mini if that is your thing...