The new Mini Coupé will be followed by the very closely related Mini Roadster, which is expected to be launched early next year.
Later in 2012, BMW is also expected to unveil the production version of the Mini Paceman, which is in effect a Countryman-based coupé.
See the spy pics of the new Mini Roadster
These new performance and driving-orientated models, as well as an expected WRC-influenced version of the five-door Countryman, are part of a concerted effort to attract male drivers to the Mini brand, whose customer base is currently dominated by female buyers.
The Roadster’s simple and lightweight fabric roof will fold flat, sitting behind the front seats and will be exposed to elements, rather than being hidden under a hard cover.
Read the full story on the new Mini Coupe
Like the Coupe, it is expected to be offered in Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD and JCW guises.
The folding-roofed Roadster is tipped to appear at the Geneva show next March, before going on sale immediately afterwards.
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