Archive for the ‘Cooper Convertible’ Category

Let's face it: MINIs have a lot of curb appeal, but the company's advertising campaigns frequently come up short. A new spot for the MINI Cooper Convertible proves that point beautifully. Compared to yesterday's ad featuring the Alfa Romeo MiTo, this clip feels clunky and under-rehearsed -- although the potentially clichéd punchline somehow manages to be fairly freaking funny. The credit for that goes entirely to actor... well, if we told you his name, that'd probably give away the ending. Watch: you'll see what we mean.

[MotorAuthority]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen: that's what the MINI would look like as a roadster. Strike that: will look like. It's called the MINI Speedster, and it's heading your way. Eventually.

The Speedster will be based on the MINI Cooper convertible, but rather smartly ditches the back seat. It'll come equipped with a softtop, though folks worried about cleanliness, hailstorms, and the occasional switchblade can order a hardtop cover, too. Also of note: that Larry Craig-esque wide stance. Manly, no?

The Speedster should drop in 2011, with a starting price rumored to be around £18,000 ($26,300). Based on the pics, we think it'll be worth the wait....

We already told you about the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible--how it delivers undiluted driving joy, how it pleases with power and careful attention to detail, how its convertible roof does a passable imitation of a sunroof, too. In all, it scores an 8.6 on our scale of 10--pretty good for a teensy, British-built sun bucket.

What we obviously missed in our review was how the MINI can turn you into a safety-be-damned gymnast/car dancer.

Need to know how? Watch MINI's latest ad for the new convertible, which arrives in showrooms just in time for the spring. We think there's some CGI involved, but take a look also at the "making-of" video...