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New Mini Cooper Convertible To Remain a Ragtop
GENEVA — Mini has not yet shown the convertible version of its new-generation Cooper, but when it arrives, do not expect a Volkswagen Eos-like folding hardtop convertible.
According to Kay Segler, senior vice president of brand management for Mini, "That's because such cars' roofs do not open as wide as those of traditional soft tops," he said. "A convertible, for me, must create the feeling of open-air driving. If you look up, you see the sky. If you see the A-pillar, you have something else. Therefore, you will never get a hardtop convertible in a Mini."
Meanwhile, Mini used the 2008 Geneva Auto Show to unveil its latest John Cooper Works Mini Cooper and Clubman, which Segler said he believes will combine to drive JCW sales to new highs. With a new 211-horsepower engine, the JCW powertrain provides a bigger step up from the 172-hp Cooper S than the old model did, giving gearheads more incentive to splurge on the good stuff. This should mean that the JCW could account for as much as 8 percent of Cooper sales and 6 percent of Clubman sales. "Five to 6 percent of Clubman sales would be my dream," Segler said.
As for the Mini Challenge racecar, also shown in Geneva, the company would like very much to offer the car to American customers, but hasn't figured out how to sell the not-for-public-roads model, according to Segler.
What this means to you: You will still have a true open-top experience driving the Mini Cooper convertible. And you still won't be able to leave it parked on the street in the city. — Dan Carney, Correspondent
According to Kay Segler, senior vice president of brand management for Mini, "That's because such cars' roofs do not open as wide as those of traditional soft tops," he said. "A convertible, for me, must create the feeling of open-air driving. If you look up, you see the sky. If you see the A-pillar, you have something else. Therefore, you will never get a hardtop convertible in a Mini."
Meanwhile, Mini used the 2008 Geneva Auto Show to unveil its latest John Cooper Works Mini Cooper and Clubman, which Segler said he believes will combine to drive JCW sales to new highs. With a new 211-horsepower engine, the JCW powertrain provides a bigger step up from the 172-hp Cooper S than the old model did, giving gearheads more incentive to splurge on the good stuff. This should mean that the JCW could account for as much as 8 percent of Cooper sales and 6 percent of Clubman sales. "Five to 6 percent of Clubman sales would be my dream," Segler said.
As for the Mini Challenge racecar, also shown in Geneva, the company would like very much to offer the car to American customers, but hasn't figured out how to sell the not-for-public-roads model, according to Segler.
What this means to you: You will still have a true open-top experience driving the Mini Cooper convertible. And you still won't be able to leave it parked on the street in the city. — Dan Carney, Correspondent
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