Unlike the original Mini - which came in both an efficiency-minded regular version and a souped up S version with turbocharged engine - the '11 Coupe will be sold in hot rod form only. It will be powered by a max-effort 211 hp version of the Mini's 1.6 liter turbocharged engine with "overboost" capability; basically, the same engine used in the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Minis. The coupe's exterior bodywork will be substantially different, too - with a low-cut roofline and fastback-style rear glass. The roof section is made of aluminum and that along with the lower mass of the two-seater layout should make this the quickest (and best-handling) factory-built Mini to date.
The car should hit dealers around April-May of next year. A convertible version is reportedly in the works for later in 2011.
