The MINI Speedster theory appears to be gathering momentum. First, MotoringFile ran a piece saying the car had been given an internal sign off. They think. Now, AutoExpress has published a couple of renderings of how the car might look.
The raked, almost Porsche-like, headlights set the scene for the Speedster, while the rear cowling leading to the rollover hoops is classic sports car.
If these images are on the money then MINI will be hitting the market with a pretty sexy roadster that’s for sure. The shame of it will be that the car will be front-wheel drive. At least it appears that way, as the Speedster is said to be based on the recently released R57 Cabrio.
Sure, the current MINI platform is FWD and very successful, but there’s something about a true sports car that says it should be RWD. Especially if MINI want to go head to head with Mazda’s MX-5.
Philosophical tantrums aside, the Speedster will be a hoot to drive, no doubt. And in ditching the rear seats altogether MINI will be making a convertible that relieves itself of the foolish task of attempting to be a four seater, that leaves both the rear seat and boot space too compromised.
[Source: AutoExpress | Thanks to Lee for the tip.]
One reply on “Go Speed go!”
[…] If you’ve missed the news on the sleek looking MINI it is believed to be based on the R57 Cabrio platform. Except this time MINI will go all out chasing style by flicking the next to useless rear seats of the Cabrio altogether. […]