Mini unveils new Roadster

[January 10, 2012]  DETROIT (AP) -- BMW's Mini brand unveiled its new Roadster convertible on Monday, calling it a fun-to-drive and modern take on the open-top sports car.

When the two-seater goes into production, it will be the sixth vehicle and second convertible in Mini's lineup.

Mini executives told journalists at the North American International Auto Show press days in Detroit that the Roadster will incorporate Mini's traditional go-kart handling with state-of-the-art fuel efficiency and safety technology.

Here are the details:

POWER: The Roadster will come in three different models, ranging from the Cooper Roadster with 121 horsepower, to the Cooper S Roadster with 181 horsepower and the John Cooper Works Roadster, with 208 horsepower.

SPEED: The Cooper Roadster can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph.

LOOKS: The Roadster features a classic cloth roof that opens and closes manually and tucks neatly behind the seats when open. A range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint colors are available for the car's exterior, but in keeping with British Roadster tradition, the roof remains black.

Owners can also add sport stripes in three different colors for a personal touch. Light-alloy wheels come in 15-, 16- or 17-inch versions depending on the model.

The car also comes with an active rear spoiler built into the tailgate that automatically extends when the vehicle reaches 50 mph.

[Associated Press; By BREE FOWLER]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.