Four different options are available for power, all of which can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. The petrol versions of the motor produce 120hp or 181 hp, the diesels are slightly slower, at 110hp or 141hp.

Check out more news on the Mini Cooper.

Exterior paint comes in three color options which include Iced Chocolate metallic, Midnight Black metallic and White Silver metallic. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the car, and it is accented with a brown soft top and hood stripes.

On the inside, Dark Truffle leather seats come with contrast stitching, along with a set of stainless steel pedals, special floor mats, and brushed aluminum trim.

By: Alexandra Koken

Recent spy shots of the third-generation Mini Cooper suggest that the compact hatchback could get a Clubman-style third door when it hits streets next year.

The spy shots show a second shutline, covered by tape, behind the driver’s door.

BMW Group received a lot of criticism for the use of a single rear-hinged club-door on the Mini Clubman in the UK, since it was on the wrong side for right-hand-drive cars. To rectify the situation, Mini will add a rear-hinged door on both the Countryman and the second-generation Clubman.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Mini’s success is something that goes beyond questioning and because BMW has been at the helm of the British manufacturer ever since their reintroduction in 2002, in addition to the fact that Mini’s are very sporty oriented hatchbacks, reports are saying that Mini now wants to adopt the brand’s familiar tuning firm, John Cooper Works, as the brand’s own in-house performance sub-brand. In other words, in similar moves to BMW adopting the M-Performance Division and Mercedes-Benz the AMG Performance Division back in the 1980s and 1990s, Mini wants to do the same with JCW.

These reports come after an interview with Mini’s head, Kay Segler, who was formerly in charge of BMW’s M-Division at one point. Along with these details, Segler also said that upon the arrival of the John Cooper Works Mini Countryman, he wants to have the brand offer John Cooper Works packages for the entire lineup.

Segler also apparently hinted at harder performance oriented versions of their lineup, which could be slated as limited edition models. An example of this would be the up and coming Mini GP.

Because Minis are performance oriented, they come with plenty of power to boot. But being lightweight and front-wheel drive, there’s only so much power the front wheels can take before becoming dynamically incompetent. And Segler said the Mini brand recognizes this and “engineers and execs are aware there’s a limit to how much power the front wheels of a car can handle, and that the current JCW cars are up to the edge.”

As of now, the Countryman is the only model that will feature all-wheel drive in the brand’s lineup. Mini has considered all-wheel drive in its other models, such as the regular Cooper. Parts supplier Getrag unveiled a special all-wheel drive design concept that was capable of being fitted to a base Cooper not too long ago. And this is because of the Mini’s size limitations. But due to its high commanding price, Segler said that the system is still too expensive to adopt.

However, some may worry that if Mini were to adopt JCW as their own performance subdivision, prices could skyrocket through the roof. And this comes after the fact that Minis, despite their relatively cheap initial purchase price, can become really expensive when you start adding things. Segler also commented on this saying that they’re ready to plan to make some pricing adjustments and that their inspiration for doing some comes from “performance bargain” examples like the BMW 1-Series M and the M3 GTS.

On another note, despite America’s overall known hatred for diesels, Segler also shared that North American customers are more demanding of diesel engines, rather than JCW models.

“We’re delighted to hear it,” Segler said. “We are looking into this not for the short term, but for the medium term.”

Currently, Mini produces only a few diesel models as a Cooper, called the Mini Cooper SD in Europe, which produces 143hp and 225 lb-ft of torque and has been well-received. If Mini chooses to introduce diesel models for the US, Segler concluded that it would be seen in the third-generation models within the next few years.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

The Mini Baker Street can be ordered in a Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini One and Mini Cooper D while the Mini Bayswater is available as a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper SD.

Want to learn more? Hit the jump for the press release after the jump.

MINI Baker Street: an individualist with a taste for extravagance.
New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model. The Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint shade combines with special bonnet stripes whose basic colour black is given extra character by a subtle V-shape design. 16-inch 6-Star twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black along with matching black exterior mirror caps present an attractive contrast to the bold, contemporary appearance of the new exterior paintwork. The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black. In MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D trim the roof is painted black, while “Baker Street” lettering on the side scuttles framing the side indicators points to the exclusive character of this special-edition model.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The equipment list for the MINI Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The range of optional equipment, meanwhile, offers a host of other items with which customers can tailor their car to their personal requirements. The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp). All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic.

For visitors to London and locals alike, the MINI Baker Street’s name will be synonymous with the address of a certain fictional hero. It is 125 years since Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle released his first story with the master detective in the title role. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds waxworks museum can both be found just a stone’s throw from Baker Street underground station.

MINI Bayswater: the extrovert sportsman.
The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design – blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre – halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill – Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.

- By: Omar Rana

Once again today, we are being told that the production version of the Mini Rocketman will not be happening. We learned the same thing back in June and it seems like that nothing has changed.

The news comes from CAR Magazine, who reports that BMW Group recently signed off on a new range of Mini but the Rocketman subcompact was not one of them.

The Mini Rocketman Concept made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a study to show what a shrunken Mini would look like.

Either way, it’s not happening and we’re not to depressed about it. Moving on.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CAR

In a move that makes Mini look like a mental micro-niching Mercedes Benz, Kay Segler, Mini’s global chairperson, said that the company will be offering ten different models by the end of the decade. Currently there are seven models: the Cooper, Convertible, Coupe, Roadster (coming next month), Countryman, and Clubman, and new Countryman Coupe (1st quarter 2013). There might be a Mini minivan, a convertible crossover and a slantback crossover as well.

This may sound asinine, but Mini’s US chair, Jim McDowell pointed out that while it may be down from 60% in 2008, 40% of Mini buyers customize rather than purchase dealer stock.

On average, the additional money spent is between $4-5K, making the average Mini price around $28,000. The base Mini ships for around $20,000; on top of that Mini sold a record breaking 57,511 cars in the US last year. There are currently 120 Mini dealers in the US, 10 new ones, and five more planned for 2014.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoNews

So the Fiat 500 has been making quite a hype, particularly since the small car serves as Fiat’s first adventure back into the US market after being away for 30 years. Unfortunately though, word is that the first year sales for the brand didn’t go as expected and went rather poorly. To try and remedy the situation, the Chrysler Group apparently told reporters that Fiat is working on a wagon version of the 500. And if you think that Fiat’s basically taking direct aim at MINI’s Clubman, your assumptions would be correct.

Fiat was only able to ship 26,000 500s to owners in the US, nearly half of what the brand was expecting.

“We thought we were going to show up and just because of the fact people like gelato and pasta, people will buy it,” Marchionne said in an interview. “This is nonsense.”

Marchionne added that he wants to tighten the Fiat and Chrysler partnership more with hopes that “revenue will increase by more than 100 billion by 2014.” I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t matter what major first-world currency that may be. That’s a very bold claim.

Chrysler added that this new “wagon” 500 will have five-doors and hopes that Fiat will see the same success that BMW saw with the MINI.

“Mini started with a product everybody said would never work,” said Marc Cannon of AutoNation, Fiat’s largest U.S. dealer. “They added more product, the pipeline was slowly built and now everybody wants Mini dealerships.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoNews

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was looking into some mysterious cases with some turbocharged Mini cars randomly catching fire. My humorous side would tell me: I’m not surprised, it’s British.

But we’re long past the days of terrible electronics from the Prince of Darkness, Lucas. As a result, the NHTSA stepped in and found that there’s an issue with turbocharged Mini’s built between November of 2006 and January of 2011. The issue lies within the water pump and the NHTSA said the following: “the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.”

Supposedly, if that electronic circuit board fails, it can smolder and can cause your turbocharged Mini to randomly combust.

Owners of any Mini Cooper S Coupe between 2007-2011, Convertible between 2009-2011, Clubman S between 2008-2011, 2011 Countryman S and John Cooper Works models from 2009-2011 are eligible for a free repair at your nearest dealer.

For full details, check out the NHTSA press release after the jump.

NHTSA Press Release:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MINI / COOPER S 2007-2011
MINI / COOPER S CLUBMAN 2008-2011
MINI / COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2009-2011
MINI / COOPER S COUNTRYMAN 2011
MINI / JCW 2009-2011
MINI / JCW CLUBMAN 2009
MINI / JCW CONVERTIBLE 2010-2011
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 10, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V008000 NHTSA Action Number: PE11036
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 88,911

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence:
THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

- By: Chris Chin

Check out our list of the Top 10 things you need to know about the Mini Coupe.

Mathew Foster who said in six word entry that his best test drive ever would include a STEWARDESS, SALT FLATS, PARATROOPERS, SUSHI, FALCONER.

Hit the jump to see Mathew’s best test driver ever.

Click here for more news on the Mini Coupe.

Refresher: The 2012 Mini Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Prices for the 2012 Mini Coupe start at $22,000. The 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe, which starts at $25,300, is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph. The top-of-the-line 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe starts at $31,900 and is powered by a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Apple iPhone users have access to features that include a Force Meter, Condition Check, and Digital Sports Instruments.

Condition check will do the driver the favor of monitoring weather, fluids and Sport Button status. Force Meter gives acceleration information in detail and Digital Sports Instruments expand gauge functionality. Drivers can also get information like engine output, acceleration, and the status of the car, all available on a color, high-res display.

Updates are available via the iPhone, which will update to the latest version when it is connected to the car. It is required that the model be equipped with Visual Boost, navigation, and Connected options.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The study consist of an analysis of a new-vehicle purchase experience and measures customer satisfaction with the dealer.

Lexus ranked the highest among luxury brands in satisfaction with the new-car buying process Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz followed coming in at second and third, respectively. Porsche and Land Rover rounded out the top five.

Mini ranked the highest in mass market brands for the second consecutive year. Buick, GMC, Volkswagen and Chevrolet closed off the top five in that order.

- By: Omar Rana

Mini has just announced pricing for its new 2012 Roadster, which will go on sale right after the Coupe in mid-2012.

2012 Mini Roadster Prices:

• Mini Cooper Roadster: $25,050: Powered by a 1.6 -liter 4-cylinder that puts out 122-hp at 6,000 rpm, with 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. Speed tops out at 127 mph,  and the 0-62 mph time comes in at 9 seconds.
• Mini Cooper S Roadster: $28,050 Powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger that puts out 184-hp at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. Speed tops out at 143 mph, and the 0 to 62 mph time comes in at 6.9 seconds.
• Mini John Cooper Works Roadster: $35,200 Powered by a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 211-hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm. Speed tops out at 143 mph, and the  0 to 62 mph time comes in at 6.4 seconds.

Click here for our original post on the Mini Roadster.

Check out the full 2012 Mini model year lineup pricing after the jump.

Complete 2012 Mini Lineup Pricing and Updates

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 16, 2011

Model/Variant                       MY2011                     MY2012

MINI Coupe

Cooper                                    –                                 $22,000

Cooper S                                 –                                 $25,300

John Cooper Works              –                                 $31,900

MINI Roadster

Cooper                                    –                                 $25,050

Cooper S                                 –                                 $28,050

John Cooper Works              –                                 $35,200

MINI Hardtop

Cooper                                    $20,100                      $20,200

Cooper S                                 $23,700                      $23,800

John Cooper Works              $29,800                      $30,600*

* John Cooper Works model now includes aero kit as standard for 2012 MY (option in 2011 MY)

MINI Clubman

Cooper                                     $21,800                      $21,900

Cooper S                                 $25,500                      $25,600

John Cooper Works              $32,000                      $32,100

MINI Convertible

Cooper                                    $25,550                      $25,650

Cooper S                                 $28,550                      $28,650

John Cooper Works              $35,000                      $35,800*

* John Cooper Works model now includes aero kit as standard for 2012 MY (option in 2011 MY)

MINI Countryman

Cooper                                     $22,350                      $22,450

Cooper S                                 $25,950                      $26,050

Cooper S ALL4                      $27,650                      $27,750

All 2012 pricing includes a $700 Destination and Handling charge (unchanged from 2011).

Equipment / Technology Changes Versus 2011MY Vehicles

In regards to model year updates versus 2011, changes for the MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman models will be related to customization.

MINI Yours debuts in 2012MY, which is a more premium and very exclusive series of options from upholstery, interior surfaces and exterior colors that can be purchased as a package or as individual options. MINI Yours interior options include:

• An instrument panel covered in a smooth two-tone soft-touch leather that has exposed stitching
• Two-tone leather steering wheel
• The new MINI Yours 17” alloy wheel – on all Cooper and Cooper S models
• MINI Yours pattern “Soda” mirror caps, which have a three-dimensional effect
• MINI Yours Soda pattern Lounge Leather, where the unique Soda pattern appears on the sides of the backrests and headrests, and a contrasting black leather stripe runs down the middle of the seats and is offset with a premium piping

Cosmopolitan floormats will be standard on all MINI models sold in the US.

The model year 2012 John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible will be equipped standard with the JCW aero kit.   

Specific Color / Option Changes by Model

MINI Clubman

The lower C-pillars are now available in body color for Laser Blue, White Silver, British Racing Green II, Eclipse Gray and Pepper White.

MINI Hardtop and Clubman

New standard wheel for Cooper models is the 15” 7-Hole wheel, replacing the 5-Star Spooler.

MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman

A new option is an interior mirror with a digital compass.

MINI Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman

Cross Check Cloth/Leather in Polar Beige will be now available on all body styles, along with Satellite Gray Lounge Leather and Carbon Black Cloth/Leather.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Click here for our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Mini Coupe:

1. In the 1970s, there was actually a single engine aircraft called the ‘Mini Coupe’ that was powered by a Volkswagen engine – and that has nothing to do with the British company’s new model (just thought it’s something you would like to know).
2. If you’re taller than 6 foot-2 inches stop reading here and wait for the Mini Roadster.
3. It has 2-doors, 2-seats and 9.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
4. The 2012 Mini Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. The 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph. The 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
5. It’s available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
6. If you buy the base Mini Coupe with a 6-speed manual you will average a fuel-economy of 29/37 mpg (city/highway). If you drive 15,000 miles a year, you’re annual fuel cost will be $1,728. Each tank (13.2 gallons) will get you about 488 miles according to Mini (380 miles according to the EPA).
7. Recaro sports seats will become an option in March 2012.
8. It has an automatic spoiler that goes up and down at certain speeds.
9. Each exterior color is available with a black or silver roof and side-view mirrors.
10. Prices for the Mini Cooper Coupe start at $22,600; Mini Cooper S Coupe starts at $25,300; Mini John Cooper Works Coupe starts at $31,900.It’s possible to price the Mini Coupe over $40,000 (we got up to $41,029), if you pick a fully loaded Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.

Click here for more news on the Mini Coupe.

- By: Omar Rana

Mini’s U.S fans have been asking for Recaro seats in their compact cars for years and now Mini is finally catering to their request by bringing the option to the stateside.

The Recaro Seat option will be available on the Mini Clubman, Cooper hatchback, Coupe and Roadster models. The seats will be available in only one configuration – heated black Dinamica Leather .

Prices for the Recaro Seat option will start at $3,000 for all base Cooper models and $2,750 on the Cooper S and JCW models. The option will be available starting March 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MotoringFile

The launch of the new Mini Coupe is being followed by its drop-top sibling – the Mini Roadster. The campaign focuses around showing how Mini Coupe and Roadster owners can have fun whether they are in Jamaica or in sunny Istanbul

This is clear from the current cross-media campaign with the start of the online film “Saturday in Istanbul.”

Click here for our original post on the Mini Roadster.

Mini will also launch a TV and print campaign called “Another Day. Another Adventure.”

Social Media will also be a part of the campaign, which was created by VICE.

Check out the commercial after the jump.

Refresher: The Mini Roadster is available in three trim levels in the United States including Mini Cooper Roadster, Mini Cooper S Roadster and the Mini John Cooper Works Roadster. The base Mini Cooper Roadster is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in a 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. The Mini Cooper S Roadster is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo technology making 184 hp at 5,500 rpm with maximum torque of 177 lb-ft between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 – 4,500 rpm). 0 to 62 mph comes in 7 seconds with a top speed of 141 mph. The Mini John Cooper Works Roadster gets a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm with a peak torque of 192 lb-ft between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Check out the vide after the jump.

Click here for more news on the Mini Coupe.

Note: The video here consists of the first 22 minutes of the episode – forward up to 1:05 seconds to see the Mini Coupe review.

Refresher: The 2012 Mini Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Prices for the 2012 Mini Coupe start at $22,000. The 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe, which starts at $25,300, is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph. The top-of-the-line 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe starts at $31,900 and is powered by a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2012 Mini Roadster measures 146.8 inches in length, 64.5 inches in width and 54.7 inches in height. That makes it just .1 inches shorter, 1.9 inches narrower and 1 inch lower than the Mini Cooper Cabriolet. The size will definitely help enhance the go-kart feeling of a Mini with the assistance of electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster); roll-over bars in polished stainless steel;  and an active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 50 mph.

Standard features include Mini Yours options and Sport Stripes, speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) and audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Optional features include  black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control and the Always Open Timer; wide range of entertainment and communications options: Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI navigation system, MINI Connected features including Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.

The 2012 Mini Roadster is available in 4 variants including Mini John Cooper Works Roadster, Mini Cooper S Roadster, Mini Cooper Roadster and Mini Cooper SD Roadster. Only the first three models will be available in the United States.

Hit the jump to see the specs on the full 2012 Mini Roadster lineup.

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm with a peak torque of 192 lb-ft between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.

MINI Cooper S Roadster: 1.6 liter 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo technology making 184 hp at 5,500 rpm with maximum torque of 177 lb-ft between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 – 4,500 rpm). 0 to 62 mph comes in 7 seconds with a top speed of 141 mph.

MINI Cooper Roadster: 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in a 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph.

Mini Cooper SD Roadster: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology making 143-hp and 225 lb-ft. 0 to 52 mph comes in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 132 mph.

- By: Omar Rana