The Mini Mini

BMW LONDON 

 The Mini Coupe shares its platform with the Cooper convertible and shares its key dimensions.

Mini has been busy growing its lineup with larger models such as the Clubman and the Countryman, but it's addressing the other end of the spectrum with the Mini Cooper Coupe. Although it's not really any smaller than a standard Mini Cooper, the Coupe seats only two people. And base model to base model, it actually costs more than the more useful and more practical Cooper, clearly a tariff paid for style which in this case comes in the form of an unorthodox roof section with a spoiler that automatically extends when 80 km/h is reached. The Coupe is somewhat practical with a large rear hatch and pass-through to transport longer - but not too long - items.

The Mini was meant to be a small runabout . . . an economy car, but others saw it differently . . .

The roof looks sort of plopped on, perhaps as a removable piece, but it's part of the permanent structure. A convertible is coming, though.

John Cooper had great success racing the original Mini, thanks to the car's light weight, which proved to be a physics lesson for competing teams. The modern John Cooper Works (which means factory) is the top model and pays homage to Cooper.

Ceiling scooped out for head clearance.

Active spoiler extends when above 80 km/h.

Snazzy interior places the large speedometer above the centre stack, as with other Minis, while the rev gauge is located behind the steering wheel.

The Coupe S uses a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 181 horsepower. The John Cooper Works model makes 208.

The base engine is a 121-horsepower 1.6-litre four-cylinder

Source:The Calgary Herald