A couple of weeks after it revealed the partly camouflaged Mini Coupé, BMW has officially released undisguised pics of the new two-seater. Available in three flavours, Cooper Coupé, Cooper S Coupé and John Cooper Works Coupé, it’s the first three-box Mini and is 52mm closer to the ground than the Cooper hatch. The base Coupé is powered by the same 1.6-litre inline-four cylinder from the Cooper hatch that produces 122bhp, while the top-end JCW model sports a turbocharged version of the engine that’s good for 211bhp and 260Nm of torque, which increases to 280Nm with overboost. The new photos also reveal the integrated roof spoiler; and the active rear spoiler that optimises airflow at speeds above 80kph.
Mini claims that the chassis, weight balance and body structure have been optimised to provide the car with go-kart-like handling characteristics, which we’re inclined to believe given our previous experiences with Minis. Standard features include speed-sensitive electric power steering and dynamic stability control, while dynamic traction control with electronic differential lock control comes as optional extra in the models other than the JCW Coupé. The Coupe’s roof comes in a contrasting colour as standard, with optional Sport stripes in the same colour running through the bonnet, boot lid and rear apron.
