RSS Detroit: 2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula

[Ringo64]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mini

As much as we like the new-for-2012 Mini Coupe, some of us on the Autoblog staff aren't won over by the low-slung hardtop. We love the standard Cooper hatchback, and while the Coupe's driving dynamics are pure Mini goodness, we just can't wrap our heads around the awkward styling (especially in certain color pallets), limited visibility and lack of functionality.

That said, in some weird way, the 2013 Mini Roadster makes more sense to us. If you're going to lower the roofline and decrease visibility in the process, just lob the top off altogether and give us an open-air Mini that's more aggressive (yet prettier) than the cutesy Cooper Convertible. The Coupe may not have been our cup of tea, but this Roadster looks to be a tasty toss-about for sun-drenched roads.

Much like the Coupe, the Roadster will be available in Cooper, Cooper S and the above John Cooper Works variant, powered by three versions of the automaker's 1.6-liter inline-four, producing 122, 184 and 211 horsepower, respectively. We'll be getting our first stint behind the wheel of the new Roadster in just a few weeks, so stay tuned for our full impressions. For now, click through our attached high-res image gallery of photos live from Cobo Hall.

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2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6>Permalink | Email this | Comments

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