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Spyshots: 2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage and JCW Looks Pack

The 3rd generation MINI Convertible has just been spotted undergoing road testing with very little in the way of camouflage. This indicates that a debut is imminent and will likely take place either at the Geneva Motor Show in a little over 2 weeks or, more likely, at the New York Auto Show in April.
2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage 8 photos
Photo: CarPix
2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage2016 MINI Cooper Convertible Spied with MINImal Camouflage
There's a little bit of funkiness going on with his creamy-colored test prototype, which appears to be a regular Cooper or Cooper D, but has adopted the large air intakes of a JCW. That's because, like BMW, MINI now offers a body kit for the customers who want the looks without the performance.

The new MINI Convertible is of course based on the same UKL1 platform as the hardtop. Don't expect a massive weight drop here, especially since the convertible roof adds quite a lot of bulk. But the proportion of the model will increase, creating a more practical and comfortable package, without a drop in efficiency.

Thanks to the latest family of modular B-series engines, the engineers will have literally a dozen or so different outputs for us. The bulk of sales will come from the 136 hp Cooper model, which uses a 1.5L 3-cylinder, and the 192 hp Cooper S and its 2-liter turbo engine.

However, there will also be plenty of diesel choices, like the 170 hp Cooper SD and the 115 hp Cooper D. Further down the range, we'll likely see the 102 hp One Convertible with a 1.2-liter engine and maybe even the tired little 75 hp One First model. Most if not all of these cars will be offered with a 6-speed manual or, for about €1,800 extra, a 6-speed automatic.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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